Sue Woodcock: Appreciate the joys of life at Easter

There have been three more lambs this week, all doing well. Their mothers have slightly startled expressions as this is their first experience of motherhood but nature as usual has worked and they are attentive and caring. That is until one lamb decided to hide from its mother in the walled well surround. First I had to catch it and then walk up to the top field through the mud and find its mother who was dashing around trying to find it. Once they were reunited the lamb eagerly sucked and then snuggled up to mum, happy and relieved.

My friend and I went to Clitheroe auction mart hoping to get a few things. There were plenty of fowl there but I don't need any more at the moment! There were fewer stalls than usual and we came away early. But not before I had purchased seven pairs of socks, one ball for the dogs which they totally ignore and two sacks of carrots.

We stopped for a meal on the way back at a recently refurbished pub just outside Skipton. I have to say it was one of the best meals I have had in a very long time. Unusually for me I couldn't finish the sweet, I was so replete. My friend took me out for several meals while he was here and I am sure I am putting on weight. He also kindly fixed the door to my pantry, the drawer in my kitchen, the drain outside and a screen in the shippon.

Mary the disabled collie who has gone to my friend down the road has developed problems with her bad leg, so we have been to and fro to the vet's. She has had a big operation which has solved the problem. She is blissfully happy with my friend who gives her the attention she needs. Meanwhile, another collie bitch has come my way, a lovely seven-year-old called Jess who seems to answer better to Winnie. So that is what I shall call her. Her elderly owner, who had rescued her, had responsibly moved her on because he is terminally-ill and didn't want her to grieve for him.

He is dreadfully upset and sad about it, but has done the right thing. She is startled at the sheep and chickens but is very affectionate and, apart from Brillo, the others have accepted her. Brillo is just making sure that she remains top dog.

There have been a number of thefts of pedigree animals recently including a litter of cocker spaniel pups and a cat. These were being offered for sale in a supermarket car park. Two were recovered but there are others out there. I wish people would be more careful how they buy animals. You should really see any pups with their mother.

The relatively mild weather was too good to last. It is turning cold again and the rain is definitely turning lumpy. As if we hadn't had enough of snow! All around me in the fields and on the moor the birds are getting ready for nesting. It's a quagmire but the grass is starting to grow. Under the frost-burnt old grass I can see little green sprouts emerging. Daffodils are starting to flower in the valley and there is even some blossom on the cherry trees.

The rain makes everything seem drab and dreary but when the sun comes out there is a delicious smell of warm soil and fresh growth. Looking over towards the hills on the other side of the valley I can see shrouds of mist and cloud changing the vista as I watch.

Scargill House is a Christian community just outside Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale. I had the privilege and pleasure of working there before it closed, and I hold dear their ideals. I went to a meeting this week in the village where local people expressed their concern at the plans of the new owners of Scargill House.

It was sorely in need of modernisation and refurbishment and this is not disputed. But if the new Scargill goes ahead, their population will outnumber the local one. An action group has been formed – Wharfedale Against Scargill Plans (WASP). The local residents are not against Scargill itself but hope to get the plans amended. The environmental impact of some of the proposals certainly needs to be explored.

The run-up to Easter means that the hospitality trade is picking up. It has been a hard winter for all the businesses round here and tourists and walkers are a welcome sight.

My comments recently about not wanting the internet have provoked a response. It seems I am not alone. I was gratified to receive an Easter card and note from a similarly-minded lady. I have so much to do every day that surfing the net is not top of my list. I have been very busy and therefore getting a bit tired, so on one day when I had done all the chores I had a pleasant afternoon, writing and relaxing.

The clocks going forward have made the evenings a bit longer but I still wake at the same time, as do the dogs. I did an evening with the Street Angels in Skipton on the Saturday which meant in the new time it was 3.30am when I got home. I still made it to church the next morning for the Palm Sunday service. I wish everyone a joyful Easter holiday. It is always a happy time for me. Summer is not that far away. Things are looking up and I can really appreciate the joys of where I live and the beauty of nature.

WASP contact Susan Beazley 01756 761180, email [email protected]