Geocaching HQ's ethos is that we geocachers should aim to give help to the communities in which we hunt for geocaches, and CITO stands for Cache in Trash Out in the American way, or a Litter Pick here in the UK, but there are many other ways we can 'give back' via a short period of time. CITOs can also be held to plant tree seedlings to create a park or wood for future generations to enjoy, washing and scrubbing park benches to spruce them up around a picturesque lake, and cleaning and painting children's playground equipment.
Chudleigh PCC was very pleased and grateful to those geocachers who came along to my GCADK4Q CITO last year when attendees energetically attacked the abundant ivy growing along part of the churchyard wall and tidied up the memorial plaques, and have planned a Church Spring Clean (inside and outside] on Saturday 16th March 2024 from 10am to 1pm with continuation of tidying up parts of the churchyard perhaps even cutting down overgrown trees or branches [and shredding if one can be tracked down]. Those geocachers less able will be made VERY welcome inside the church where brass cleaning, dusting and de-cobwebbing etc activities will be happening with plenty of opportunity to sit down!
I have offered that we geocachers could again help with this work in Chudleigh's Parish Churchyard and "battle" against the evergrowing ivy and vegetation to make the churchyard a more attractive place for everyone.
Hopefully we will continue to make a real difference in the time that has been allocated and after tidying up there will be tea, coffee, squash, and biscuits to enjoy in the church. The church will be open during the afternoon so we can use the toilets. PLEASE HOWEVER ENSURE THAT YOU ARE NOT TAKING MUD ON YOUR TRAINERS ON TO THE CHURCH's CARPETS.
The given coordinates are for the entrance to the church carpark which will be open for our use; once parked walk through the obvious metal gates into the churchyard and our work area is in the churchyard - just follow the sound of workers' chattering while they work!
PLEASE BRING ANY GARDENING TOOLS WITH YOU such as SECATEURS, PRUNING SHEARS, CHAIN SAWS, STRIMMERS (with extension cables if electric, and gloves as we are bound to find brambles unfortunately.
My grateful thanks to Rev Alex Sharp for accepting our offer of help on behalf of those geocachers attending,
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WELCOME. AND DOGS ALSO WELCOME ON LEADS (owners to clean up after them please!).