Victoria Gray & Friends Concert

Last weekend I was privileged to attend a concert at Queen Elizabeth's School Mansfield Notts. This was to raise funds for Victoria Gray my friend Maggie's granddaughter who is training to be an opera singer at the Royal College of Music London. Together with Anthony Gregory, senior members of the Cantamus choir and pianist Michael Neum, Victoria put on a splendid programme with lots of variety. As I was helping I got to hear the rehersals and managed to take a few video clips. This one is called 'The Prayer'. Apologies for hand shake on camera. Of course for the performance they did wear their 'posh' clothes!

Astbury Mere again!

Walking back from church today I noticed the light on the mere was very interesting as it was frozen in patches and we had had a sprinkling of snow last night. The video shows the size of the lake which has been created from sandquarrying below the water table. The newly surfaced path around the lake is about a mile. You get to hear the ducks and seagulls too!

Timber!

Today was a sad day at Blythe Gardens. The beautiful eucalyptus that has graced my garden for 12 years has been felled. It had been diagnosed with the dreaded Honey fungus, so there was no decision to be made - it had to go. Has given many years of pleasure to me and friends with lovely bark. This is problem with planting non-native species so beware.

Icy Mere

Astbury Mere before the thaw.

New Year White-out

Today it is snowing seriously. I fear our luck has run out in Cheshire. Have been to shops in anticipation, so do I care - do I heck! Got lots to read and plenty on radio. My new year's resolution is to de-clutter and sort photos on computer - boredom is not in my vocabulary!

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS!

View from my bedroom window.

Canal Capers

After taking these images along the canal this morning I couldn't decide which was the best so decided to include them all.

Astbury Golf course





Under 'snaily' bridge




The Wharfe appartments

Sunday Snow

Today the Sunday before Christmas we had snow and then the sun came out. Quickly I donned boots and armed with my camera I set off for the 5 minute walk to Astbury Mere , where I caught '4 swans a swimming'. Other 3 out of sight!

Then on my return home I spotted that my neighbours had created a new Man U supporter!