“Hey Sheila, are you joining us for the clean up on Saturday morning”. It was the voice of Councillor Steve Gerrald.

“Sorry, can’t this year I’m looking after the “Gremlins” for the day, (my Grandchildren David, 4yrs and Lily almost 3 yrs).

“Well bring them along too, it’s something different for them” was the reply. “and there’s a huge paella being served after the clean up for all the volunteers”.

So Saturday morning arrived, no need to set the alarm, the kids were up before me, oh dear could I have ever been that cheerful and full of so much energy that early in the morning!

“Is it time to go yet” they were asking. (Not before my 2 cups of coffee to wake me up, I was thinking).
How about playing with the lego until it is time to go, I suggested to them. They agreed.

The starting point of the clean up was the beach and harbour in Puerto Santiago. We arrived there to meet up with at least 50 volunteers all armed with rubber gloves, bin bags, brushes and dust pans.
Councillor Gerald soon had everything organized. There would be 3 groups. The divers would clear the harbour. One group would clear the coastline towards Puerto Santiago plaza and the other group would cover the walkway towards the Barcello Santigo and the rock pool – I chose this route as it would be easier for David and Lily.

Very soon we had dozens of large bin bags full of plastic bags, bottles and cans which were cluttering the rocks below the walkway. After a well earned coffee break (and ice cream too) we then cleared the rock pool area. Then it was back to base to see the amazing looks on the faces of bystanders by the the amount of junk which was being pulled out of the harbour itself by local divers.

It was a good morning out, something different to do, and the area does look so much better, what an achievement.. The kids were happy, David had found a toy car – and to finish we all tucked into that huge paella.

A big thank you from the organizers to all who took part.