Sunday 26 July 2015

A Bat in the Bath!

Last time, it was all about birds. This time, I have to tell you we've had a bat in the bath - fortunately not at the same time as one of us! Les and I had just come home from a pleasant walk and a drink in our 'local' (see below) - and there it was.Sitting calmly in the bath, or at least it was until it seemed to sense it was being watched, whereupon it started to flap about, trying to get out. Somehow, it couldn't get enough height to fly out, so there was only one thing for it: put on the rubber gloves (a bat-bite is seriously toxic!) and pick it up. I managed it first time, and out the window it went. We've seen plenty of bats flying around outside, but this is the first one we've seen inside. Memo to selves: shut windows and doors before going out in the evening! At least this one was contained in the one room. I dread to think how we'd have coped if it was flying round the house. But, as I said to Les, bats are the real residents of the area. We are the intruders.

Earlier, we had had a very pleasant evening in the pub. It only opens 3 nights a week and Sunday lunchtimes: the landlord is an elder of the local evangelical church. Now there's a combination you wouldn't find often! It's a real centre of the local community, so a natural place for Les and me to frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, on Wednesdays, it seems to be men only so Les felt a bit awkward to start with. Now, of course, she's a star attraction and the men seem to enjoy talking to us (well, to her anyway!)  On Wednesday, Bobby came to join us. He will be 90 in October, and is a war veteran. We got his life story, which was fascinating including close encounters with death during WW2, his 40 years at Workington docks, the death of his son and his wife. At the end of the evening I said, 'Any regrets, Bobby?' 'None,' he said. 'I thank God for my life every night.' Very humbling.

Then there is our Everton supporter friend, who this time was even wearing his Everton shirt. Good to see him. Apparently, there is an EFC supporters club in Workington, and a coach goes down to Liverpool for every home game, and some away ones too. I think I might join them one day, especially as now I have a closer connection there: our son-in-law Tim has just got a job as teacher at Everton in the Community School.

Last Saturday, it was Carnival Day - the 101st in fact. Les and I decided we must be there as this is a major village event, to see the floats and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. We didn't expect to be part of it, though! The organiser (who also attends our local pub) had asked me to say a few words at a certain point in the procession to commemorate the 22 men of Great and Little Broughton who died in WW1, but that was all. Imagine our surprise then, as the procession formed, to be told that we were processing too! Apparently, I was a 'dignitary' and was to walk behind the two Mayors, of Allerdale and Cockermouth. See the photo below: the brass band from Northallerton, Yorks, and (left to right) the 2 Mayors and the Lady Mayoress of Cockermouth. It was all a bit surreal, especially as further into the village, the crowds grew into the hundreds! Behind us, there were all manner of floats, including 'Sister Act' (with a very camp-looking 'cardinal', and a rather suggestive dance routine); Bertie's Dust Busters (men dressed as cleaners), and the rather more decorative and serene floats on which were perched the current and the next Carnival Queens. (Some H&S issues, we felt, there!) It was a fun afternoon, which not even the drizzle managed to dampen completely, and a great way to bring people together. From a vicar's point of view, several 'visits' all at once!


'What about the chickens?' I hear you ask! Well, it's funny how, once you've made a decision, things just fall into place. Once I started to talk about our plans, I discovered that one neighbour had a chicken coop + run which he bought 2 years ago but never got round to unpacking; and another used to breed chickens and still has contacts in the business; yet another used to keep a flock of chickens and is full of good advice. He has also given us a feeder and water dispenser. He assures us that he and other neighbours would be happy to mind the hens when we're away - and they'd keep the eggs of course. One of our churchwardens also has a contact in the trade and can recommend a good breeder. So all I need to do now is wood-paint and assemble the coop and go shopping for chickens.


Thursday 16 July 2015

Birds

Les and I continue to enjoy our new life. We recently took a week out, to return to Kippford near Dumfries, where we used to holiday when the children were young. Weather wasn't good, but it was restful and it was nice to have Jude with us for half the week. The caravan park promised sightings of red squirrels, but we were disappointed not to see any. But Les did often see nuthatches - her favourite bird - on the feeders at the next door caravan.

We went for a walk one day to Threave Gardens, where it's possible to view some nesting ospreys. An amazing sight. And what was particularly remarkable was their habit of migrating to and from Africa every year, returning to the same spot to nest. This particular male had returned for the past 4 years, and the ring on his leg revealed that he was born himself in Wales. How do they manage to navigate over so many thousands of miles each year, to the same spot? The hen has also returned several times: ospreys apparently mate for life.

Bird life round here is good. My current favourite is the song thrush, of which I have seen several. They have a variety of sounds - so many that sometimes you don't realise what you are listening to. One day I came home, and a thrush was on the chimney singing his heart out for several minutes. A beautiful sound.

I hope we shall soon have some resident birds: chickens! I have done a lot of research on keeping poultry and I think the time has come to take the plunge. Apparently, they make excellent pets, being very friendly and responsive. Some breeds are capable of laying up to 260 eggs per year, which is prolific: I love the idea of plentiful fresh eggs for eating and baking with. We'll get 3 hens I think. Plenty of eggs to give away too, at local events, or when visitors come to stay. The only problem is what to do when they get old or past laying. I really don't think I could bring myself to slaughter and eat one of my own chickens! I'll worry about that one when the time comes, I think. Watch this space.

Parish life is good. Beginning to think strategically now, in preparation for an Away Day in September and a parish weekend in November. Relations are good all round, and the issues becoming clearer. There is a major diocesan emphasis on 'discipleship' and we are exploring that further ourselves.