Felley Priory

On our way back from our friends' fabulous wedding, we stopped off at Felley Priory.  The garden which is only half a mile from the M1 is on the site of a priory founded in 1156 and has a tea room and nursery which can be accessed without entering the gardens, offering a tranquil alternative to the motorway services.

I was impressed by the layout of this 2.5 acre garden, the wildlife area, perennial borders, topiary and pond.  The roses in the rose garden were mostly still in bud, but there were some old, climbing, highly perfumed varieties against the walls. 

Weekend in Lincoln

I spent a lovely weekend in Lincoln with my sisters.  This was my first visit to this interesting city and would not hesitate to recommend a trip to people of all age groups.  The cathedral and castle are reached by a very steep hill, aptly named Steep Hill.  We got the free bus to the top but walked back down which allowed us to browse in the interesting, specialist food and clothes shops.

Selfishly, I am not giving a full review as I may submit a travel review.  However, here a few pictures:

 This cafe was on the oldest bridge with buildings on in UK

 The Glory Hole where the River Witham flows beneath

 Lovely mobile toilets near castle.  Flowers are a trompe d'oeil

 A former synagogue and the oldest stone house in England

 Bike Fest at the waterfront with live music and hundreds of bikes.  Lots of cafes with tables outside giving it a real holiday atmosphere.

 From the other side of Brayford Pool, a natural pond which the Romans made deeper.  Our hotel is opposite.

 View from my room at the Holiday Inn. 

Rejections

 Smarting from a couple of rejections for my writing this month, I was delighted to learn that I won a generous book token for first prize for my review of “Finding Mr Goldman” by David Rhodes.  I was invited to meet the author and present my review at the launch.  

Also speaking was Emily, a Zimbabwean refugee who told us her harrowing and thought-provoking tale and who has at long last been granted leave to remain in the UK.  She also gave an overview of issues facing refugees in our region.  After hearing of her plight, the issue of having my stories knocked back seemed decidedly trivial.

National Gardening Week 2015 13 – 19 April

In National Gardening Week I’ve had a week of garden related activities.

Rainbow Allotment

The community allotment is coming along well but it will be full steam ahead from now on.

http://rainbowallotmentblogger.blogspot.co.uk

 

Judging for Yorkshire in Bloom

It is both a privilege and a pleasure to judge gardens, parks, schools and allotments for Yorkshire in Bloom.  I have just completed spring judging in towns on the East Yorkshire coast and feel humbled by the hard work and dedication shown by the volunteers.

Gardening Club

It was our mini Spring Show this week along with a presentation on plants for the conservatory by professional gardener Gordon Kirby.

http://gardenersfridayforum.blogspot.co.uk

 

So, as you can see, I’ve had a full week of gardening yet not had time to tend my own garden – but there’s still tomorrow!

Preferred place for prayer and meditation

This week I have visited three different places of worship.

My writing group meets at a Quaker Meeting House

The studios of the local radio programme with which I’m involved are in a renovated Methodist Chapel

I attended the reading of the story of Esther for the festival of Purim and the Sabbath service at my synagogue

But this poem which is on the wall of a garden in a nearby park expresses which venue is my favourite when it comes to reflection and contemplation:

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"

And this poem sums it up:

When overwhelmed and stressed and unable to think,
I go out and garden, it's cheaper than a shrink.
~Author Unknown

 What about you?