We took a walk up to the Halo Panoptican at the weekend, I’m ashamed to say that this is the first time we’ve up to Top o’th Slate since it was officially launched last October. Gosh, you can see for miles. It’s a pretty impressive structure and it gives you a strange feeling when you stand directly underneath it and look up. Admittedly, I’m not sure why anyone would do that but there you go, I did and it felt strange! The Halo illuminates at night from underneath to prevent light pollution and is powered by its own wind turbine which stands turning beside it.

I’m afraid I can’t give any more golf updates until Tom has improved his game (but he didn’t do very well again!!)

Not seen any duck eggs yet, but then again not frog spawn either.

We’ve braved the weather, fingers crossed no more low temperatures, and planted our seedlings. With a bit of luck and a following wind we should have an abundant supply of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, chillies and herbs to grace our table this year. And, we’ve found a use for all those empty water bottles; we’ve cut them in half and positioned them over the seedlings to make individual mini greenhouses!

Well behind us now is what turned out to be a rather long and spread out Easter, hopefully the snow is behind us too!!!

Excitement, excitement, I have been waiting so long for the frogs to show their heads and today, lo and behold there they were in one of the ponds. No doubt over the next few days we'll have a mass of frogspawn floating, ha ha and then the updates of how they are growing!!!

We even had the ducks nestling round the garden today no doubt looking for a good place to nest following their blatant shinanigins over the weekend. Again I'm really excited, this past couple of years has seen a real decline of duck eggs and therefore not so many chicks, fingers crossed we'll get a large number this year. Keep reading and I'll keep reporting.

Judging by last week’s results Tom’s swings are not getting any better, whooped again at golf, lol!!!! Once again they were at Townley, they don’t seem to venture very far in their travels.

I was somewhat surprised last night to discover that Rossendale buses are over 100 years old and the only thoroughbred bus company left in the country. Not sure whether it is part of their centenary celebrations or just because Rawtenstall is planning a facelift but they are to get a new bus station, well let’s face it we have to look after our thoroughbreds, don’t we??

For all you bus enthusiasts (anoraks!!) take a look at: http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/rawtenstall1.htm

We’re all ajitter amongst the accommodation providers in Rossendale; three have entered for the Lancashire & Blackpool 2008/09 Tourism Awards. It’s very chivalrous of us to say we are entering to raise the profile of Rossendale but come on, do many people enter for awards not really, really wanting to win???? Watch this space for the progress on our three entrants.

Last week Channel 4 were filming around the valley for their programme ‘A Place in the Sun’. Two local chaps were divided; one wanted to move to Barcelona whilst the other wanted to stay in Rossendale. That’s twice we’ve had Channel 4 in the valley, last year a couple were torn between Rossendale/Ramsbottom and France. I’m not sure though whether people are more anxious to get out of the valley or more anxious to stay, lol!!!

How beautiful it has been with the sun shining. We’re so pleased that the weather held out for our guests at weekend. The Speake family were up from Southampton for the wedding of their son in Bacup. What a lovely family and how nice to host four generations of the same family together. We wish them well.

At long last we give a golfing update……. The chaps dodged the weather well this week and managed to have an excellent day at Townley, http://www.burnley.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=1165&documentID=152

in what proved to be warm sunshine. Off came those ‘wets,’ as the only wet being generated was the perspiration of the physically exerted!!!!! Despite being somewhat wet underfoot the chaps enjoyed a good round, four of them playing this week, two against two. Paul and Matt won the round by one point however, Grenville has now gone off to Spain for eight days of golf so with a bit of luck the return match such prove interesting!!!

The Easter school holidays have now started for Lancashire so I thought it might be interesting to take a look at what is happening.

April 20^th – Cronkshaw fold farm are having a lamb and piglet day where children will be given the opportunity to bottle feed the lambs and play with the piglets. The day begins at 11am and finishes at 4pm. Should be an interesting and cute day for all the children.

http://www.cronkshaw.co.uk

Until April 27^th Rossendale Museum are hosts to Viva Mexico, a touring exhibition of Mexican arts and crafts. And to cater for the children there are man, varied craft sessions throughout the school holidays. Check their website for full details

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp?siteid=2856&pageid=4976&e=e

We had a ‘small’ family birthday party for our eldest up at The Hargreaves Arms last night (Sunday). Eighteen of us enjoyed an excellent meal and Paul even brought in a couple of bottles of the birthday boy’s favourite wine (cheers Paul). The food was excellent and the staff were great. All 18 meals were served together and each guest thoroughly enjoyed their food. It was a super night but why oh why do we have to have ‘the morning after!!’

Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Jonpaul.

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