A Few Ramblings…
Forty-six year old Christian happily negotiating the world with a wife and three daughters
Berkshire College of Agriculture Lambing Weekend – 21st April 2012
We were in two minds as to whether to go along to this year’s Lambing Day at the Berkshire College of Agriculture. Following the recent wet weather, it looked as though the event was in danger of being washed out.
It was all a far cry from the sunny weather we enjoyed on our visit last year.
We arrived soon after 10am and were surprised by the number of cars already there – clearly the weather hadn’t put people off of coming along.
We were greeted by a ‘host of golden daffodils’
In view of the inclement forecast, we decided to visit all of the ‘outdoors’ activities first.
Looking over the back lawn
Looking at some donkeys
These days, with so many other attractions available, the new-born lambs are only a small part of the whole event. We visited the tent where they were, but even here, things seemed to be on a smaller scale than last year – with only one pathway through the tent.
Holly with one of the new lambs
Rebakah photographing the new lambs
After looking at the new lambs, with the weather still dry, we took the time to go on the standard tractor ride around the grounds.
One of the other tractor rides
Watching the tractor
Looking over towards the College
Holly and Rebekah
By now, some of the activities, including demonstrations of sheep dog herding were getting underway on the back lawn.
Spectators watching events in the main ring.
The girls decided to have a go on the climbing wall, outside the main building.
Holly, ready for the climbing wall
Rebekah on the climbing wall
Holly at the top of the climbing wall
We managed to eat a picnic lunch at one of the tables set out before the weather turned and we were forced to take shelter from a heavy shower in one of the craft tents. Afterwards, we were able to look at some of the many animals and insects at the college.
We finished our visit with the purchase of cakes and fudge, before going to see the horses.
Emily meeting one of the horses
Admiring one of the horses
Despite the coolness of the day, we had an enjoyable time seeing all of the different displays.
A trough of tulips
Tulips and daffodils
100th Anniversary of the sinking of Titanic – 15th April 2012
One hundred years ago today, the RMS Titanic sank on its maiden voyage after striking an iceberg on the way to New York.
Below is the story of its final hours told in tweets from The History Press:
Tea at Mum’s – 9th April 2012
With a wet Bank Holiday in the offing, we decided not to venture far.
In the afternoon, we popped in to see my sister on her birthday and finished up at Mum’s for tea. Despite the rain, it was a good, varied day.
Emily with chocolate cake!
Rebekah concentrating
Holly engrossed
Mum with 3 of her grandchildren and Sarah
Good Friday – 6th April 2012
Following a cold night with an overnight temperature of -1.4°C, we decided to head over to Henley for a bracing walk by the river.
After wrapping up well, we drove over in the morning sunshine and, following the ubiquitous visit to the park, we headed off along the towpath, enjoying the glorious weather.
In the shade of a willow
Beside the river
Long boat with Henley behind
Bandstand by the river
Henley Bridge in the sunshine
After half an hour or so, we decided to venture into one of our favourite establishments in Henley – the Chocolate Theatre Cafe.
The Chocolate Theatre Cafe
While the others chose various drinks, I plumped for a double-strength hot chocolate. It was delicious and quite strong enough – even for my chocolate-loving palate!
My hot chocolate
Holly spelling out her name in sugar
Emily enjoying her drink
Holly
The cafe seemed to be doing a roaring trade and was almost full while we were there.
After enjoying our morning refreshment, we headed for Bourne End. The original intention was to enjoy a fish and chip lunch at another of our favourite haunts – Smiles.
Unfortunately the girls were still feeling a little ‘below-par’ following recent illness and instead of eating in we opted for takeaway. Although billed as being ‘medium’, my portion was still too large for me to completely consume.
After lunch it was time for some work on the garden. There were runner-beans and tomatoes to ‘pot on’ and later I headed over to Mum’s with Rebekah and Emily to do more digging as well as planting the potatoes.
Rebekah planting potatoes
Emily
We came home in time to enjoy a picnic tea by the fire, including freshly made cakes that Sarah and Holly had cooked while we’d been working on the vegetable plot!
An enjoyable day and great to spend it with the family.
A Few Ramblings... 