Sue Woodcock: Mad March hares and other signs of spring

I went to a meeting at Bolton Abbey this week to do with rural ministry. It was interesting and quite productive. As I arrived rather early, I went in to the church where an excited party of schoolchildren were being allowed to ring the bell in the bell tower by the main door. On my way out, I paused to look at the immaculate grounds. They are covered with a carpet of snowdrops, all fully in bloom.

There were several different types of snowdrops on display and I had time to look closely at their delicacy and sheer beauty before being warmly welcomed at the meeting. Upon leaving I noticed stands of daffodils like regimented armies sprouting from the grass. The harsh winter has meant that they are somewhat later than usual but they are there ready to amaze the world. As I drove back home I observed signs of spring everywhere.

I went to talk to a group in Skipton one afternoon. I had enjoyed a pleasant morning at our Grassington Knit, Stitch and Natter and on the way to Skipton met a friend and was able to give him the donations made to the charity we both work for, West Yorkshire Animals in Need. The talk seemed to go well and afterwards, I went round a few shops and picked up some bargains. In one charity shop I found a perfect pair of suede boots in my size and was happy to pay the advertised price of 5 and was then delighted to be charged 2.50 as it was half price sale day!

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The evenings are drawing out. On the way to choir practice at Buckden Singers the hills could be seen in daylight as I drove up the dale. It is lighter in the mornings too which means I get up earlier. This is not always my intention but the dogs insist on an early morning romp round the fields. The moment I emerge from the house a flotilla of birds rush towards me as they know they will be fed. Then the turkeys follow with an inelegant gait as they endeavour to catch up. Soon the sheep arrive even if they have been up in the top field. I am sure they have a look-out posted somewhere. The goats appear as if by magic. If I am not quick enough in doling out the hay and proven the goats will even try to eat my hair. The kid, Godfrey, has doubled in size and has I think a future career as a rock climber. He is so inquisitive and he has to investigate everything. Unpacking the back of the car is fraught with danger as the goats insist on helping.

Spring is the time for a clear out and I have done that. The bonfire has been burning for days and the barn is a lot tidier.

The Kettlewell village show was on for two nights this week, with some wonderful acts by the locals. I was roped in to repeat my part in Pyramus and Thisbe as the Wall. I had painted an old throw to look like a wall and over time it began to smell bad. The whole act was played for laughs and I got them. On the Saturday night I did my bit and then rushed into Skipton to do my duty with the Street Angels. I headed home about 2am very tired. I made it to church in the morning and after I got back took great pleasure in consigning the "costume" to the bonfire.

I saw my first curlew this week soaring over the mire. I also spotted a goshawk on patrol. There was also a pair of hares displaying and boxing in the field. The dogs however cannot resist joining in and the hares went elsewhere to play. Froyle my senior collie is not as fast as she once was, I know just how she feels!

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