Coldstones Cut, Greenhow

A couple of weeks ago we headed for Pateley Bridge for dinner with some friends. We decided to stop off at Coldstones Cut because although I tell all my guests to call in there if passing we had never managed to get there!

Coldstones Quarry is situated on Greenhow Hill at 1400 feet above sea level and is one of the highest quarries in Britain.  Several small limestone quarries operated around Greenhow over the last two centuries and in the early 1900s the surrounding hills were dominated by stone quarries.
Gradually these closed until Coldstones became the last working quarry in the area. Operated by Hanson,it provides aggregates and asphalt for
major construction projects across the U.K.

 Despite its huge size, the quarry is hidden from view by its location and by a protective earth bund.
 In 2006, following changes to the quarry boundaries, it was decided to replace a simple existing viewing platform with something more lasting and to provide a significant piece of public art  so Hanson Aggregates offered a design commission to Andrew Sabin.

The bottom picture shows a view over Nidderdale. Nidderdale is on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Definately worth a visit!

Our new addition.....

 This is one of our latest additions to the Scaife Hall Family.
This is Meg, a Border Collie aged 10 wks, not the best of pctures but they were taken with my phone.
Meg is an absolute bundle of fun, who loves to try and cuddle Bess, who isnt really amused but is extremely patient with her, she must think Meg is ok because if we set off down the yard she runs on ahead and waits by Megs door.
The only thing Bess isn't too keen about is that Meg will insist on pinching her ball!

Newest addition at Tatton Park Farm

During our visit to Tatton we went to see the old home farm, which in January 2007was awarded Rare Breeds Accreditation by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).
 Its a great place to take families and theres lots of animals which can be touched and theres various activities throughout the year.
We were extremely fortunate in that we got chatting to the chap who runs the farm, as you do, and he took us to see the latest addition to the farm which was a Clydesdale colt, son of Blossom, and as yet to be named. The first visitors to do so!
He was born on the 8th June and as with all foals was a gaggly long legs but looked very happy and content with his Mum. Anyday now he will go with her into the farm yard and prepare to meet the public.
A couple of the cows had already calved, the jersey had a calf called Lou lou with the biggest brown eyes ever, an Ayrshire was about to do so any day, she was looking very matronly!

Tatton Park

 After what seemed like the longest lambing time in years, largely due to the horrendous weather, it was finally time to take a few days off and this week we went down to stay with friends John and Rachael in Cheshire. We took our friends Kevin and Daphne with us.
Tuesday we spent at Cheshire Show, a large 2 day agricultural show which John is very involved with so whilst he had to work also on the 2nd day we took Rachael out and did some sightseeing.
We went to Tatton Park which is home to a Tudor Old Hall, a Neo-Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, a rare-breed farm and 1,000 acres of deer park.

 The 50 acres of gardens at Tatton have been developing for over 200 years with each successive owner of the Tatton Park estate playing their part in its evolution. Lewis William Wyatt and Joseph Paxton ( I was a Paxton before getting married so I wonder if he was a relative, his gardening skills didnt pass on if thats the case!!) architect of Crystal Palace, designed various elements including the Conservatory.
The middle picture shows the biggest rhubarb Ive ever seen and the bottom picture is a Davidia involucrata (dove tree, handkerchief tree). It was really beautiful. The Estate belongs to the National Trust and its well worth a visit if you are ever in the area

Return of the native breeds pays off - Farming - Yorkshire Post

Return of the native breeds pays off - Farming - Yorkshire Post

Finally, finally, getting there!

 It seems to have been a long haul from start to finish but Im finally getting there, which is perhaps a good thing as my first guests of 2013 are checking in tonight.
Ive still got room 3 to paint which is next on my list and hopefully will be done over the weekend.

Snow

Like most of the Uk right now we have snow! As I write this its still snowing and Blzzards are predicted across Yorkshire. This picture was taken a couple of days ago when the sun was shining. The scenery was beautiful.

It does make life a bit difficult though as all the sheep have to be fed extra food to keep them going, especially in the build up to lambing.
We start lambing around 1 February so not long to go. I need to get the house sorted before then as we start again with guests too.

My holiday seems like a long time ago........

B&B revamping!

 In my world today was very exciting. I seem to have been busy for ages doing decorating in the rooms. The plumbers finished late November, but then we went on holiday, then it was Christmas and the whole house seems to have been upside down all this time!!.
However the painting is done except for one room, which had all the furniture stacked up in it, and today the carpets finally arrived.
The snow was coming down thickly at lumchtime and I was beginning to think the carpets would have to be cancelled when I got a phone call to say they were at the end of the lane.
The chaps were concerned about bringing their van down so Chris trundled off in the Land Rover and gathered up men, carpet, tool boxes and underlay and here they are!!
Simon and James courtesy of Carpet Right in Harrogate, they've done a fabulous job, Im delighted and happy to recommend if you need a good carpet fitter in the area!!
Now I have to get Chris sorted to put back all the accessories in the bathrooms. He said today isnt exciting at all!!!