We chose well!

We have had an excellent week or so in Parkham and definitely timed our March visit very well.
Not only has the weather been kind if a little cold at times, there was plenty going on to keep us busy.

Last Saturday eight of us went  to the Village Hall for a Jazz Evening.  Hil and I were unsure what to expect but were not to be disappointed.   The first half began with the Littleham Howlers, a close harmony group from a village a few miles away.  They gave an entertaining performance of well-known songs and set the evening off to a great start.  The stars of the evening were the Alan Lewis All Stars, a jazz band lead by the amazing clarinetist and vocalist Alan Lewis. Whilst Alan lives locally to Parkham he studied music and has played professionally including as solo clarinetist in the RAF.  The standard of playing was excellent and several encores were demanded including a solo of Stranger on the Shore from Alan http://alas.finidhyn.info/index.html

On Sunday I spent a relaxing day at the Granary including several hours sitting outside in the sunshine while Hil went on a 'soap-making' course in Clovelly.  She had a great time and once the soap has 'cured 'and been cut up it looks as if we will have a year's supply.

The next week included a meal at The Bell with friends and the highlight a Wine-Tasting Evening in the pub which included a wonderful selection of cheeses.

We tasted six different wines and were left with a number of bottles to finish before we were allowed home. We also had  a quiz which my team one -  guess what the prize was!

During the week we managed to fit in a range of other visits. Rosemoor was showing all the signs of spring with Hellibores in full bloom along with early daffodils.  We also spent a pleasant morning in Barnstaple where we saw the duck which is famous locally for its charity collections!

Our longest trip was to Bude but have to say we were disappointed with the town, not having visited for about 10 years!

During the week we had several beach walks in some sunny weather. Below is the view across to Saunton Sands from the beach at Northam Burrows.

All in all a busy week with a few jobs also completed on The Granary in between the visits to local attractions and evening functions!

February Visit

Just back from our February visit to Parkham.  The weather was much as to be expected at this time of the year ranging from hailstorms with thunder and lightning to blue skies and sunshine and everything in between.

Took the opportunity to clear out the side of the house where an old shed had been erected.  Emptied out old cans of paint and various rusty tools before, with a gentle shove the shed collapsed and we were able to load it in the car and take to the dump.

Now the side of the house is clear we have some ideas for turning it into useful space for storage which will include improving access.  We can also see the state of the wall which will need cleaning and repainting when the warmer weather arrives.

Managed to spend some time with friends including a meal  at The Bell next door and also at the home of other friends.

I also took the opportunity to attend a lunch meeting of the North Devon Business Alliance -  a chance to meet local businessmen for networking.

We did enjoy a few walks on the drier days including one down to Bucks Mills where work continues to repair the damage caused by the storms last year.  A wonderful view across to Saunton and beyond.