Yes we won! So for the second year running we have won the quiz plate competition. So we felt chuffed -especially as our captain Steve was missing.

I mentioned I was rushing from Story Telling to the quiz- I had a lovely time telling two stories at Wick Court with a very focussed and appreciative audience.

I pedalled to meet Clare for a delightful walk in the woods near Sapperton. Some pictures below. We had lunch at the Daneway pub – I think the last time we ate there was well over 40 years ago. Great ride and I was really pleased with my climbing.

Loved the shape of the tree above!

A busy couple of days on the birding front. A lovely day yesterday at Wick Court with young people from Sutton. We saw a good selection of birds including a Blackcap.

Today it was the monthly survey out on the Severn (the Bore came up midway through). Highlights were Avocets, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Marsh Harrier, Whimbrel  and I was delighted to see my first Swifts of the year! I am full of admiration for Swifts and I am always learning something new about these charismatic birds.

Off to Story Tell at Wick and the rushing to the plate final of the quiz league.

Managed to get a quick ride in this morning and kept up a decent pace. I am looking forward to when I don’t have to wear a jacket- still got a nip in the morning!

I went off this afternoon to watch our 60s second team playing a pre-season cricket match. It was good to catch up with old friends.

On the story front I woke up early this morning with an idea for a story which I now need to play around with. I really ought to have a notebook by my bed to scribble down my overnight musings!

I can’t talk about Saturday’s it was depressing to see your team not even come second in a match! It was the first time this season where I didn’t think the Mighty Hatters didn’t compete which doesn’t auger well for the last four vital matches!

Dealing with my post match depression  on Sunday morning I went bird watching looking for Summer Migrants. I didn’t see the birds I had hoped for – my only migrants was a Whitethroat and a couple of Swallows. However, this noisy Mistle Thrush (above) got my attention!

We have just got back from 36 hours spent with our delightful granddaughter the  effervescent Ellen who lights up any day with her smiles. We are now worn out!

A lovely start to the day, the sun is shining and the birds are singing all around! Amazing after the wet Spring so far I had to fill both bird baths this morning because they had dried out.

Hoping that I will have a spring in my step later today as I travel to watch the Mighty Hatters in a vital clash near the bottom of the league! I will of course have my fingers firmly crossed! COYH!!!!!!!!!

The Two Severn Bores thoroughly enjoyed our gig at Newent Library on Wednesday night. It was our Destiny or Fate show and we are pleased with the way this has developed over our performances in recent months. Dan’s playing of the guitar and his songs are brilliant.

I have managed a couple of decent rides in the last couple of days. I have even managed to get my number 1 bike out!

Tonight the Bittern was booming again by Splatt Bridge – hope he finds a mate! Also saw the Marsh Harrier come out of the reed bed where I think the nest is.

Finally a couple of spring themed pictures- I took tonight.

A lovely moment with young people from Bromley yesterday we saw a Wheatear in the field near the hide. First time we have seen one at Wick Court. (the picture is one I took last year.) It was a busy day as there was much happening at the farm. The weather was just right and the young people were enthusiastic and full of questions! I thoroughly enjoyed Story Telling with them tonight.

The Two Severn Bores had a lovely gig last night at Newent Library. We are now actively looking for more gigs for our Destiny or Fate show. Dan is busy recording his new album but after that we are are aiming to plan and write our new show.

It was great to have ride in sunshine for a change today.

I will start with a reminder The Two Severn Bores are performing at Newent Library on Wednesday night 6.30. If you look up on the libraries website you can book a ticket but just turn up if you can’t! I have been going over my stories today! Dan and I are rehearsing tomorrow.

Saturday as expected turned out to be a painful trip to Manchester. The poor Mighty Hatters looked like they were running on empty- hopefully we will get a couple of players back for Saturday’s game. I did enjoy meeting up with friends in the pub before the game.

Having a fine day on Sunday actually meant we could spend a good time in the  garden. It hasn’t been possible recently!

Feeling windswept today- it is a bitter uncomfortable wind. I managed to get out between showers saw hundreds of sand martins on the Sailing Lake and a brief view of the marsh harrier at Splatt Bridge. (not my picture below they normally so quick I find them difficult to photograph!)

One of my regular readers of this blog celebrated with his wife their 60th Wedding Anniversary yesterday and we were privileged to join in the celebration! It was a delightful evening!

Also yesterday I had at last managed to get in a decent bike ride doing 30+ miles over the tops – on my strava I called it The Skylarks and Cowslips Ride! I love listening to the trilling of larks and there were plenty doing that on the Common! On the bird theme we heard the Bittern booming again this morning this time from the house a good mile away! (The picture below is Cowslips on Rodborough Common I took three years ago)

Gloucester is lucky to hold a History Festival in the Autumn and a Spring Weekend now. So we cycled in this morning to listen to a fascinating talk on our nation’s attempts to ingratiate ourselves with the Mogul Empire in the early 16000s. We then were spellbound listening to the BBCs Jeremy Bowen talking mainly on the Middle East. We are lucky to have the BBC and the honest and knowledgeable  journalists who work for them.

Tomorrow I set off early to Manchester to watch the Mighty Hatters. Possibly playing without any recognised defenders against one of the best attacking teams in the world!!!! It would be more than a miracle if we avoid defeat! COYH!!!!! 

Good question! Thoroughly enjoyed our time in Exeter with family and had some delightful insights into the puzzling mind of a two and half year old!

Yesterday I took part with a good number of Gloucestershire Cricket Seniors doing a walk supporting Prostate Cancer UK and the Bob Willis Foundation. It was called Ron’s England Cricketers March and we were joined by Bob Willis’ daughter, grandsons and former wife. It was blowing a real gale and we walked over the top of Minchinhampton Common enjoying the early cowslips. Ron, is an amazing man and organises these walks with Seniors Cricketers all over the country . I have got to know him over recent years when playing against him (he plays for Buckinghamshire) and he also a fellow Hatter! So far his walks have raised over £35,000.

Talking cricket – I am off for nets later. sadly our pre-season friendlies next week have already been cancelled!

Book Club tonight to discuss Sirens of Titan! I found it a puzzling science fiction book.

Finally some Fritillaries in our garden below!