On Sunday 12th May 2002, as I do on a sunny day, I walked one of my favourite routes, round Great Hautbois.

On this occasion, I took a close look at the Common. This area is bounded by Great Hautbois Road, Frogge Lane, then under the Railway Bridge fronting Common Farm. Then to the junction with Seven Acres Lane.

Part of the local natural land drainage system, the property became designated as a registered Common Land some 30 years ago, as a result of intervention by Mr Alan Spinks. Seeming some others were seeking to lay claim of ownership.

During the past three decades, Mr Spinks, aided by his family at their own expense, have lovingly cared for this unique part of our village.

The grass is kept cut by a gang mower and the trees, plus eight to nine ponds, provide a natural habitat for Broadland wildlife.

A few years ago, impressed by the extent of local care, the Broadland District Council invested some £3,000 in clearing out the ponds, supporting the Spinks family's own personal investment. Without a doubt this part of our village had become a delight to survey. Access is from Frogge Lane as well as the railway footpath. On inspection, I feel sure we would wish to thank the Spinks family for their consistent and devoted care of Great Hautbois.

Staying with the theme of who does what in order to keep our village easy on the eye, I turn to the recycling bins sited on the Coltishall Rectory Road small recreation field Village Hall car park.

At the moment we have five bins, for brown and white bottles, cans, waste paper and textiles. So far, so good. However, certain users seem to believe this is a place to 'fly-tip' rather than go to the Mayton disposal site. In recent weeks we have found discarded splintered greenhouse glass in rain soaked cardboard boxes, a child's car seat and four motor vehicle batteries, thrown away handbags plus other totally inappropriate material.

Please, please do try to have a care for the environment in which we choose to live.

G E (Joe) Chapman