Operation "Straw Bales": when our volunteers become farmers for a day!
The adventure begins in the fields...
On 11 July, our two brave pioneers Laurent and Catherine took their courage in all hands (and their pitchforks too!) to start making straw bales.
Mission: to tame the agricultural press, which had clearly decided to make a nuisance of itself that day!
Yes, our valiant press, admittedly full of vintage charm, has had a few quirks... Our two heroes teach us that farming is a bit like composting: it requires patience and sometimes... a few well-placed forks!
Fortunately, if you have extra hands, everything becomes easier. There's nothing like a good team to gather up the stubborn straw and help it to compact gently.
A call for goodwill
On 12 July, it was time for the first SOS to be sent out to all our loyal members:
"We look forward to seeing everyone who can help on Tuesday morning at 9am at Laurent's..."
And here's a nice little bonus: those who had ordered straw could leave directly with their booty. Handy, isn't it?
15 July: general mobilisation!
And oh miracle! Around ten volunteers turned up on Tuesday morning. From 9am, La Grande Luctière was buzzing with activity!
The atmosphere was great, to say the least. Between the laughter, the encouragement and a few jokes about our talents as Sunday farmers, the work was done in an excellent mood. It just goes to show that when you're together, even moving bales of straw can be a convivial experience!
In fact, don't hesitate to watch the video of this memorable morning - you'll see that our volunteers have style, even with a pitchfork in their hands!
Mission accomplished!
At the end of the morning, a new message of victory was sent to all members:
"That's it, thanks to the volunteers present this morning (thank you!), the bales of straw have been collected, transported and deposited on the platform."
And because our association never forgets anyone, even those who hadn't had time to book were able to help themselves. At €2.50 a boot, it was the perfect opportunity to get your boots on!
Gardening reminder
Because we can't say it often enough: mulching is magic! Your gardens and vegetable patches will thank you. No more intensive watering, no more invasive weeds. Straw is the secret of clever gardeners who'd rather enjoy their hammock than chase after their watering can!
A big thank you to everyone who took part in this wonderful mulched adventure! Laurent, Catherine and all the volunteers on 15 July proved once again that the Compostons Ensemble spirit is solid... just like our straw bales!
See you next year for more farming adventures!
