The vernal equinox typically occurs on 20 or 21 March and is characterised by the sun being exactly above the equator. Consequently, day and night are equal in length. It also marks the first day of Spring in the northern hemisphere.
Having seen my first adder of the season on 26 February 2020, they can now be fairly easily seen each day basking in the morning sunshine around the margins of the Branton Lakes.
Cycling out to Ingram yesterday, in the fields between the ‘whirlpool‘ on the River Breamish and the Ingram bridge, I saw my first skylark of the season. It was performing its typical display flight, climbing almost vertically up into the sky, all the time singing its elaborate and highly-distinctive song. Just makes you feel that Spring is on its way!
So pleased to have seen my first adder of the season today!
It’s been wet and very windy recently but a walk around Branton Lakes during a brief sunny spell showed up some beautiful scenes.
Well, we’ve had a few cold and frosty mornings recently: certainly enough to get me in the Christmas spirit, as they remind me of my favourite Christmas Carol, ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. And we’ve only just passed the midwinter point of the shortest, and darkest day. Things can only get brighter!
Following the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, King James I introduced the ‘Observance of 5th November Act’, an enforced annual public day of thanksgiving. Despite being repealed in 1859, the celebration has continued with enthusiasm throughout the UK. So last night – exactly 414 years after the failed plot – Ingram Village celebrated in its own community-centred style at Ingram Village Hall.
The second of the monthly Ingram Cafe Music Sessions took place on Saturday 31 August 2019.
There was live music from 5pm to 8pm with local musicians: young and old alike. Hot and cold drinks were available, as well as local beers, some great-tasting beef stew, and other hot and cold foods.
WELL DONE to everyone on the Powburn Show Comnmittee and to all the other people behind the scenes who have worked so hard over the past year to make create a Powburn Show 2019 success!
The weather was great, the people were fun, the food was delicious, the crafts were so skilful, the…well, the list goes on!
Did you get to the Glendale Festival in Wooler last weekend?
If not, you missed a treat. There was dancing in the street, live music throughout the day(s), children’s entertainment, street food…and so much more!
