Himalayan Balsum Bash Sunday 9th July

Many thanks to Ewan, Stella, Mike and Graham for giving up their time to remove the Himalayan Balsum from above and below church bridge on Sunday 9th July. As well as the Balsum there was an enormous amount of Bind Weed removed. Well done folks

Bruton Bund/Dam. Historical Facts

Following memorable floods in 1979 and 1982, Bruton’s flood storage reservoir was built a mile upstream, to ‘slow the flow’, and hence protect the town from the flash-flooding that our Brue headwaters are prone to. The 1982 flood seriously damaged Church Bridge, the repair of which is commemorated by a plaque on its downstream wall. The Environment Agency also lowered the weir beneath to reduce turbulence.

Our flood protection bund and storage reservoir were improved in 2008, adding capacity to protect Bruton from likely impacts of climate change over the next 50 years, while also strengthening its embankment. We are therefore arguably better guarded from flooding than any town in Somerset, but our unique geology, and consequent geomorphology, requires such hydrological damping.

AGM

Bruecrew AGM

Our AGM will be held on November 23rd 2022 at 7pm for 7.30pm start in the Club Room underneath At The Chapel, Bruton high street. Commence 7.30pm. All welcome. For further info, please email graham@bruecrew.org. Tickets are free and can be obtained via Eventbrite.

Himalayan Balsam – River Brue

As many of you who walk along the riverbank by Church bridge will have noticed, the Himalayan Balsam from last year’s seeds has become prevalent now that it is flowering. This is despite an earlier cull of the plant. 

On Saturday 24th September it is intended to remove the remaining plants. If anybody can spare an hour of their time, please meet by the benches/seats at the church bridge at 10am. You will need waders and/or decent wellington boots, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect arms from stinging nettles. Obviously, volunteers need to be reasonably fit, and sound footed. For further information please email graham@bruecrew.org or info@bruecrew.org.

TREASURER

The Bruecrew are currently looking for someone to take over the role of treasurer within the charity. The task is not onerous and does not account for a great deal of personal time to be spent on the role. Anyone interested should have previous experience and be well versed in the role. The treasurer is responsible for all financial matters within the charity. A brief summary of the role is shown below.
 

Treasurer duties and responsibilities

A Treasurer ensures that an organisation’s fiscal practices adhere to industry best practices to safeguard its financial position. Their main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and protecting the company’s financial status
  • Writing and presenting reports of the charities forecasted and presenting financial status
  • Contributing to the development of financial strategies and policies
  • Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and tax legislation. (Where appropriate)
  • Handling receipts, banking and protection of charity funds.

As ever, if you have any comments or questions, please contact any of the Team. With watery and wild regards

Graham. Secretary

Himalayan Balsam Bashing

Today Monday 11th July, four members of the Bruecrew spent several hours pulling up the Himalayan Balsam that lines the river bank. They concentrated on the part of the river directly up stream from the road bridge opposite to the church in Bruton. As far as can be seen, there is no further evidence of this invasive weed. Whilst some may say “it looks nice with its flowers” it is highly invasive and if left unchecked will smother all native plants. Another bash is to be planned down river from the bridge where the water can be much deeper. Many thanks go to Peter for organising and help from John, Dave and Graham.

Walk To The Source

Bruecrew will be walking to the source of the river Brue on Sunday 19th June 2022. Meeting at the stepping stones/Pack Horse Bridge at 9.30 for 10am start. Bring a packed lunch and stout walking boots. RSVP to graham@bruecrew.org as transport has to be arranged for the return trip by road. All is subject to weather, so make sure to leave contact details etc.

Walk To The Source

The Bruecrew will be taking a party of walkers up to the source of the river Brue on Sunday 19th June 2022. All are welcome to come along. We will be meeting by the pack horse bridge on the town side at 10am. Suggest you bring a packed lunch. Further details will be published after the trustee meeting on May 30th 2022.

Bruecrew AGM

Our AGM will be held on November 16th 2021 in the Club Room underneath At The Chapel, Bruton high street. Commence 7.30pm. All welcome. For further info, please email graham@bruecrew.org