August 2011
Snowdrop Obituary
It is with great sadness that we tell you our lovely blind white dove `Snowdrop passed peacefully away at 10 0`clock on the morning of the 13thof August.
Snowdrop was blind from hatching. Raised by a pair of doves, she ventured from the nest unable to fly of course for she could not see. We discovered her, beaten and blooded by cockerels who had challenged her to fight or flee,which she could not do. We nursed her and returned her to the nest, unaware that she could not see. Rescued after a second beating, she was becoming very tame. At this point we realised that, although her eyes were open and perfectly formed, she could not see and was completely blind.
She settled very well into her new existence, developing what was to be a very close bond with us. She came to `bed` inside at night to perch, in the day placed outside in a run, protected from danger. We named her `Snowdrop` for she was as pure white as the flower itself. We would take her out to exercise her wings. She would affectionately groom us and be groomed. The male doves adored her, wooed her and if she felt like it she would allow them to mate. She laid eggs, two at a time and began to sit, posing a dilemma for us at times, but she soon lost interest in them. Snowdrop went through normal dove cycles of broodiness and moodiness. She would coo to us day and night.
Snowdrop went everywhere with us. She helped raise money for the new school hall at The Hendreds` school fete (guess the name of the dove). She visited the children at the school and preschool. The children learned about blindness, gentle voice and touch.
She would often be perched on my shoulder, she liked it there and would rustle her feathers and preen herself, content she was at the `top of the tree`.
Snowdrop continued a happy existence, laying many, many eggs, she gave and received affection over many years. She amused and intrigued most who met her and brought joy to those who really knew and loved her. She managed incredibly well to cope with her blindness, finding her own way to food, to bathe and perch. Always responsive to human call and touch, but knew if hands, voice or smell were new.
She gradually declined in the last months. She died peacefully, welcoming our gentle caresses up until her last moments. We buried her with sweet pea and rose petals next to the snowdrops.
If perchance you should journey beyond,
May you have eyes that see
How beautiful the world is,
Fly high, soar and glide
Little bird child.
August 2011
Sadly Snowdrop, our blind dove has died. She was much loved and led a happy life even though she had to be protected. She did lots of flying and talking to us.
July 2011
In these days of credit ratings, defaults, fiat collapse and a rush to gold and silver, we hope it is a relief to find a haven which has a 200 year plan so that come what may, there will be abundance in this corner. Rupert recently joined the Permaculture Association and is discovering all the other projects around the UK that are along the same lines. All with a different twist, objective and ethos, but all striving for sustainability, harmony with nature, beauty in variety.
Weather is scorching. The hydrangeas are just coming into flower. The Mimosas are coming along well. Hopefully they are well enough protected from the winter winds to do well next year. The fennel has gone mad and producing tall stems and florets. The roses are coming into a second flush now.
We have just had a couple from San Francisco, California staying with their lovely baby. They wrote kind things in the visitors book and seem to have enjoyed Cerne Abbas. They approved of the tours and pubs we recommended. It is always difficult to remain on top of what is happening at restaurants and pubs so feedback is always welcome. This weekend is fully booked but there are a few spaces left in August and September is still quiet, though we are expecting a rush of people wanting to visit the Dorset Steam Fair and the County Show.
Respect Organics
Seen us on a box of Respect Organics cakes? Yes, there is a competition running where the first prize is a two night stay at Orchard Farmhouse. If you don't win, book with us anyway and we will make it a special occasion. Mention Respect Organics when you call.
June 2011
Cerne Abbas music festival - still some tickets left. We are not far away if you are visiting this excellent concert. Plush - the Brendel concerts - are probably full by now.
Planning for the Dorset Steam Fair or the County Show? Best book in advance now.
June 2011
Lots of lovely rain - much needed. Flowers blooming, trees happy. When the sun comes out it is balmy. Amazing towering cumulonimbus clouds, then blue skies, then wind then calm. Calls coming in from the poor old campers. No fun to be out in this. Woodburner is back on!
April
Woodland just finished.
Woodland Trust have offered 105 more trees. More planting to be done.
Rainbow cloud seen early morning.
Daffodils poking up.
Snowdrops are out.
Sat 12th. Warm and sunny. Not quite balmy but very mild. Buds appearing everywhere.
Discovered some hawthorn had seeded itself. Will add it to forest garden hedge.
Transition town movement want to be more involved with our project.
Tan-hill Copse
Interested in working in a woodland as a volunteer or to spot wildlife? Ask about joining our Tan-hill Copse group.
History:
We started our B and B in October 2009 in theory but properly got off the ground in 2010. The woodland and wildlife project began with an article in the Blackmore Vale Magazine. We had a great response with some delightful people coming to see us, almost all of whom are still involved now. They have shaped the plan, which began with an orchard, then a native woodland, then a forest garden, followed by natural beekeeping, though we are still waiting for a swarm to come our way, and a wildflower meadow.