WORK to reinstate the maypole in Bream may be slow but volunteers are working on the patch where it will be erected, says Bream Gardening Society.

Secretary Jennifer Lang hopes it should be back in pole position in June as work to get it in ship shape condition continues.

In the meantime the society has been planting 200 saplings in the back garden of Bill Parker's house at the Old Place, where the maypole is going, after receiving permission from the Woodland Trust.

She said: "Frank McGuinness, of West Dean Parish Council, obtained a community hedging pack from the Woodland Trust. Bream Gardening Society was offered the chance of finding a site for some of these saplings to be planted in Bream.

"Bill Parker had already started clearing the corner plot ready for the replacement maypole and it was agreed that its location, near the footpath to the estate, would be a suitable site.

"Ladi Broadman once again came to help and led the team as he has experience of hedge planting. Also working with him were Frank McGuinness, Andrew Phillips, Stuart Kerslake, Maggie Stewart and Diana Standing of Bream Gardening Society. It will be interesting to watch this grow and form an attractive entrance into Bream.

"The maypole has now been transported to this site and is being treated with preservative. It needs rough areas cut off (where branches were) and when dry it will be painted, colours and paint yet to be chosen. 

"Bill is exploring methods of hauling the 51ft pole in place, and how to bore a deep enough hole. He is also looking for something to go on top."

Plans to reinstate the landmark to celebrate the Bream Gardening Society's 150th anniversary in August were announced in February.