A group of boaters spent last Saturday sprucing up moorings in Herm. (Picture by Bev Foulds, 0972343)

LAST weekend, on a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon, while most visitors headed straight for Shell Beach, a group of Guernsey boaters gathered on the beach near the harbour.

The group, all private boaters, took it upon themselves to get together and clear away the rocks and debris from the moorings, making it easier and safer to moor, and to ensure no boats were damaged during summer visits.

The whole thing was organised by Sacha Yabsley.

‘About 27 people were involved altogether,’ said Sacha. ‘We basically cleared away as much stone as we could from around the mooring chains and beach area to save any damage being caused to boats when they settle on the beach.’

Organised a week or two earlier, Herm’s Facebook page – which is quickly becoming the best way to communicate, recruit and discuss all things Herm – was used to raise support and ask people to join in.

The group had originally planned to bring over a JCB with which to do a lot of the work, but sea conditions were not suitable. In the end they borrowed a tractor and digger from the island, which also provided shovels and rakes to make the job easier.

Mike Fossey estimated they moved around 15 tons of rock and had to completely dig out one of the chains, which was almost entirely buried.

The work took the whole six hours of low tide on Saturday.

Staff from the Mermaid Tavern had arranged to also go and help, but on the day service was very busy and no one could be spared. Instead, they provided a free lunch for all the volunteers and a well-earned drink.

Visitor Bev Foulds said: ‘We had a great day in Herm with friends, helping to clean the beach of stones for visiting boaters. Our courtesy trip over and lunch at the Mermaid was greatly appreciated. Cheers to everyone involved for their hard work.

‘Bring on summer…’