Sue Woodcock: A daffodil and a broken thigh part of life’s incidental hazards

Rehearsals went well. It was a cold, frosty night and it is dark up at Buckden. As we approached the car to return, my good friend lost her footing on a muddy bank as she tried to avoid treading on a daffodil. She fell and slid under the car and we realised she was badly hurt.

I couldn’t move the car but we got help from a retired doctor who is one of the first responders at Buckden. We had to move her quickly so I checked her neck and back and then lifted her into the car.

When I learned first aid, I was taught that, when in doubt, treat as a fracture, and I am so glad I did. Should we wait for an ambulance to come all the way from Airedale Hospital, or get her closer?

The doctor rang and arranged for an ambulance to meet us. My friend was incredibly brave as I drove her to Grassington as smoothly as the road surface allowed. She was soon benefiting from the gas and air and was a sight more comfortable.

The patient had fractured her femur. The strange thing was that there were another five people who had done almost exactly the same thing and were awaiting admission. Once she was settled, I left and got home about 3am.

I went to see her the next day with her husband and took the things she would need like nightwear, knitting – and we also took a bunch of daffodils.

Meanwhile, I had to get the car checked out as not only was the brake warning light flashing, there was also an expensive sound coming from the transmission, which requires a replacement propshaft.

We’ve had some glorious days this week, and the moles have been very busy. The fresh mole hills are easily spotted as they are dark brown and the older ones have frosted out.

Brillo has worked this out and likes to investigate. McWoof and Boo hurtle round in ever-increasing circles, and Fair likes to roll in the frost and comes in damp and happy.

The other dog, Froyle, is getting on a bit and just wants to come and lie in front of the fire.

Everywhere there are signs of spring; buds on the trees, blossom on the cherries, and although the grass is not yet growing, it won’t be long. Everything has an air of expectancy, and soon the cold weather will ease off. I love spring.

The TV reality programme about the village, Love They Neighbour, caused a bit of a rumpus after the first episode. As I suspected, it has been manipulated to show some of us in a rather poor light.

We are a great community and are not as they seek to portray, a bigoted, racist or homophobic society, but just a slightly old-fashioned and outspoken one.

The village did look lovely in some of the shots, but if there had been no controversy it would not make good television. I learned a long time ago not to believe everything I see on the telly.

At the weekly quiz this week, we had four firemen visiting from Castleford, who were training for a charity climb, in full uniform, up Ben Nevis.

The winners of the quiz get to nominate the charity they support for the week. The firemen didn’t win but we agreed unanimously to donate the evening’s takings to their charity, and passed the hat round.

Dales folk are like that. There is much talk about the Big Society but here it has always been that way. We look after our neighbours and our visitors and are there when we are needed. Not for us the anonymity of city life.

I was asked if I minded that everything I did was observed and commented on by my neighbours.

Why should I? I am not doing anything bad and if it entertains others, that’s fine by me. I have more important things to worry about, like my friend’s recovery, my car working and lambing that is imminent.