Every time I set off to Wallington Hall I step into a Tardis and arrive at some other time in history! This week it was Roman times, last week Medieval with knights in shining armour and previous weeks Pre-War times, when decorating the doll's house.
Today I've been volunteering in the yurt again, this time children could make Roman-style mosaics. In the main courtyard families could help re build a mini Roman Wall or go on a Latin Trail around the grounds. Plus, Romans were camping out in tents - showing visiting families their weapons, medical instruments, cooking utensils and pots.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
We have been really blessed with the weather, so for someone like me who never misses an opportunity to gripe at the lack of it, this is a real bonus.
The warm spring has seen a flurry of insect activity; this will hopefully bode well for many bird species whose previous two breeding seasons have very much been a wash-out.
The fine weather is attracting a constant stream of migrants to our shores and also allowing several more intolerant species to stay too.
A river runs through it
During a recent fishing in the Coquet Valley, a question crossed my mind as to what drives people to take up fishing as a past time. For many, the pursuit of brown trout can influence every aspect of their ever day life, defining how lives are led rather than simply being a part time hobby. (read more below)
Following months of high-profile preparations, the big day is almost upon us as Prince William and Kate Middleton get ready to declare their love for one another during a ceremony which will certainly be fit for a princess.
While Friday will see all of our questions finally answered - what will the dress be like, what flowers have been chosen and what the first dance will be - one thing is for sure, the seemingly endless media hype will continue to be huge.
The recent spell of good weather has ensured that the Walled Garden at Wallington will be a 'riot of colour' over the next few months. The snow and frost are a distant memory, and a few weeks of hard work by the resident gardeners and volunteers have brought the magnificent grounds and garden back to their best.
Sunday 1st & Monday 2nd May, 11.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
That was my best Good Friday for years...as a child it was usually a grey, dismal, rainy day...waiting in anticipation for an Easter egg and a pair of new white ankle socks on the Sunday...but yesterday I helped out with St George's day activities at Wallington Hall in warm sunshine - British weather at its best. 170 eager children each painted a knight's shield, with just as eager parents giving artistic advice. It all happened in the yurt, which is located on the grass next to the hall. (When I first read the venue I thought it was a misprint of the word yard; that's what happens when you've been living abroad for two years - I had to Google it.)
Other activities included dragon trails, knight school and trying on armour. A great experience for everyone: children, parents - and staff. You can't beat children saying "Thank you" or "Look at my painted shield" and beaming with pride. There were all sorts of coats of arms designed. Kate Middleton would've been spoilt for choice. It was interesting to see how some children paint freely and others plan and measure and make their lines straight - famous artists and architects in the making.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
I'm going to stick with the woodland theme again this week as I have had the opportunity to contribute to the management and ecology of one of our trust's woodland reserves.
We are very fortunate to get some great sponsorship from the People's Postcode Lottery that enables us to implement vital conservation work.
Briarwood Banks is not in the Blyth-Morpeth vicinity, but it does share some very similar characteristics with the woodland of the two valleys, not least of which is the possibility of hosting one of the country's smallest, rarest and most enigmatic creatures - the rather ironically named common or hazel dormouse.
Pottering in the garden, long walks with the dog and playing with the grandchildren - these are often top of the list when people are asked what they most look forward to about retiring.
However, until recently, the one thing rarely taken into account was when people wanted to retire, especially since 2006 saw the introduction of a default retirement age. Its main aim was to protect workers from being forced out of work early - but it failed to account for people who wanted to continue working beyond the age of 65.
Morpeth Links
John Dawson - Local history tales
Wildlife - With Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Ian Lavery - Updates from the MP for Wansbeck
Ray Purvis - Through the seasons at Wallington
DAWN Advice - Liz Chadwick from the advice charity
Robson and Prescott Vets - Pet advice
Morpeth Lions Club - By Lion Simon Pringle
Wendy Errington - Volunteering at Wallington
Andrew Gibson - Fishing and photography
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