We are in the grips of Storm Arwen. (In case you wondered, the name Arwen appears in the works of J R R Tolkien and means ‘noble maiden’ in Sindarin, which is the language of the elves in Middle earth.) The winds have gradually built during today but with pretty well everything moveable by a strong northerly relocated to safety we should, fingers crossed, come through this with little or no damage – I hope saying this is not ‘famous last words’. The heavy rain showers have

It’s been a blustery few days with cold winds coming down from the north; judging by the chill probably straight off the North Pole! Any loose leaves have been blown off branches, leaving paths and street gutters strewn with their colourful debris. Our garden furniture which lay prostrate on the lawn had to be moved to an area where it would remain upright, along with two pots of chrysanthemums from the patio. Most of the leaves from our trees are now down, with only the p

With Covid still very much with us, it has proven to be another difficult year with regards to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Last year the donations came from wreaths, direct donations and the Kids Pack in the Belfry School. This year we were able to do more. In addition to those mentioned for last year, local businesses were able to have collecting tins and poppy trays in their premises and Sidestrand Hall School had a Kids Pack and collecting tin. However, on

There’s not been a great deal going on over the weekend, apart from the Christmas Bazaar which this year spread over six venues in the village. However, because of Covid19 and concerns masks may not be worn by everyone, I gave this a miss. Today, I am posting three photos, with a section of dialogue under each one. We see this blacked headed gull most mornings, when we walk along the prom. Surprisingly, the photo shows it with its beak closed; it’s usually open whilst makin

I am starting today off with an update on my last blog. Hunger did get the better of part feral cat Lunar. She returned on Monday morning and tucked into her breakfast but it was immediately obvious she had a lump on her side. Since then it has reduced in size, doesn’t appear to cause her pain but still needs monitoring. We picked the rubbish on the area of the car park where spectators stood for the bonfire and fireworks. Andy’s boat is now up on the Fishermen’s Green, so

Fireworks – now that’s a controversial topic. They are a bit like Marmite; either loved or hated. They are loved for their entertainment value and hated for their impact on the environment, wildlife, pets and by those who suffer from PTSD. There were certainly plenty of fireworks let off in the area, on Friday evening and yesterday too. Judging by the amount of litter on and near the car park this morning (it has not been cleared and still laying there this afternoon) the

Life is full of new encounters and a continuous learning experience, or at least it should be. We watched a TV programme, Scotland’s Sacred Islands, last week which made me inquisitive to look into and learn as to what is; Paganism. To explain more; various people were interviewed by Ben Fogle about their island lifestyle and beliefs. Majority described themselves as Christians but one said they considered themselves a Rustic Pagan who believed in harmony, kindness and bei