Christmas 2025

Just a little from our 2025

Sad farewells - to Ruth, one of the gentle army of the faithful and the devoted, and also to Rev David, much appreciated local priest, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home, far too young.   The local churches rallied round and are doing well keeping the show on the road.  It's encouraging to see folk rise above such a heart-breaking time and work together for the greater good.  Our prayers continue.

The Garden of Surprises at Burghley House has become a favourite spot; October's family day with Andrew, Tim, So & EJ was filled with so many memorable delights.  We missed Matthew, Hannah and the girls, as always.

The Damson bore fruit sufficient for a jar or three of confiture... and all we had to do was sit and watch the rings form.   Our Acer collection continues to grow; Allison's loving care has seen some of them now taller than us both.  New varieties have been repotted, established trees carefully pruned.  The dry hedge is still standing and we continue to be blessed by our pheasant visitors.  

Wales keeps calling us... this year with Tim, So & EJ enjoying driving on Black Rock Sands.  There were many cameras filming the gravity train rumbling through Tan-y-Bwlch under the bridge at the 200 anniversary weekend.  Plas Brondanw offers some welcome quiet space for little legs to chase around the maze and run down the lawns with much giggling.  Where better than Cadwaladers for a treat?

We returned for what seems to be becoming an annual birthday celebration, exploring Chester and Velinheli before a sejour at Portmerion.  They welcome campervans (only), with  all the facilities plus inclusive entry to the Village on the day of arrival as well as departure.  We braved storm Amy to see the ship (still moored at the quayside) and look at the sea (estuary); we took a late evening stroll to see the magical sight of gently glowing Italianate windows.  After breakfast we found the Japanese Garden (following the signposts for the 'Chinese Garden') and visited the little shops.  A veritable treat of an alternative emplacement.

Esta has a new, improved kitchen complete with several drawers and a sliding hob cover.  It's some years since the high level cabinet doors flew open on bends in the Movano; now we have the excitement of a drawer revealing its contents on quick acceleration, easily remedied with a gentle bit of slowing down.  (There is a simple locking mechanism, of course.)

We are now fans of Le Vent du Nord, the Quebecois troupe complete with hurdy gurdy, jaw harp and 'pieds' - such musicianship, emotion and harmony.  Their repetoire includes sad songs which make folk smile - and some dancing in the aisles.  They're touring the UK again in 2026; highly recommended.  We also made it to the National Centre for Early Music for an evening with Gordon Giltrap and John Etheridge; is JE really the last one involved in Soft Machine?  Another superb soirée.

This year's Christmas listing of church services and events in South Lincolnshire is looking to some changes in the coming year - so the weblisting includes services and events in neighbouring towns such as Boston and Sleaford.  There are several concerts in the diary this December and there's another Nativity Escape Room along with travelling nativities.  The website news page notes changes and developments across the area, too.  It's a joy to collate and publish chronological listings; as the tourist board once said, it's unusual for churches to do things from the customers' point of view.  The local Flower Festivals listing also included some Garden Fêtes - there's so much going on, showing how much the Church is thriving in so many ways and places. 

With our love and best wishes to you for Christmas and a New Year overflowing with Peace

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