Derek writes: This is not an April fool. The phrase “ Blackthorns winter“ has been used several times in the Shurvell household over the past couple of days. After lovely warm days in March we now have a cold spell coinciding with the blossoming of Blackthorn, ( Prunus spinosa ) which produce sloes. We call this … [Read more…]
Derek writes’ The 4th Sunday of Lent, refreshment Sunday, Mothering Sunday & Mother’s Day are all titles we give to this coming Sunday plus the clocks go forward. It was a time to take stock on our Lenten Journey, go on Pilgrimage to the Mother Church ( Cathedral ) bake a cake and visit the … [Read more…]
Derek writes:Beware the Ides of March said a soothsayer in BC 44 and the rest was history for Julius Caesar. ( ‘O” level English literature). The 15th March is an important day in the Shurvell household, with a birthday and the date we use to measure whether the season is early, late or par. At … [Read more…]
Derek writes: Jackdaws are hard working and persevering. They have been at St. Margaret’s for years if not centuries. They are keen to get in to the Belfry to make their nests, thus any opening has to be securely covered with mesh to let air in and sound out. Over the decades the Jackdaws had … [Read more…]
Derek writes:I trust you were able to indulge with plenty of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Like cream teas, I never seem to eat enough of them throughout the year. How are you going to spend Lent, this period leading up to Easter ? Traditionally we are encouraged to pray, fast ( give things up ) … [Read more…]