By 2006 we were well into our coastal rehabilitation of the Cockpit area. I decided it was time to look at other projects in Norfolk Island too. One thing that had always irked was the amount of woody weed prevalent on the roadsides. The place looked a little run down and uncared for.
I hit on an idea. June the 8th 2006 was the 150th anniversary so called the Sesquicentenary of the arrival of the Pitcairners to Norfolk Island. A grand celebration was planned. I decided we could do our bit to have the Island in readiness by starting a campaign to clean up our roadsides. I called it 'The Party of Ten Roadside Cleanup'. Residents were urged to get themselves into a group of 10 people and take on a 1km predetermined stretch of road to clean up. They were to remove it of all woody weeds - lantana, hawaiian holly, tobacco, olive etc and light weed such as thistle.
The restaurants were asked and kindly gave a dish - either a salad or a dessert. Each of the butchers gave BBQ meat for 10, the bakery gave bread enough for a party of 10 and each of the clubs (as well as the Liquor Bond) donated a carton of beer and a bottle of wine. Each team which completed their stretch of road went into the draw to win the party provisions donated. They would have the entire month of May to get their section done.
In total 23 teams took up the challenge. Norfolk looked fabulous for the Sesquicentenary and the party pack was won by Les Quintal. It was a great demonstration of the community spirit and Island pride for which Norfolk is known.
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