Knocking on Fairy Doors

Spring-like weather has finally arrived, and our little woodland is bursting in to life.

Last weekend George and I worked like crazy to feed all the fallen branches, sticks and twigs into a large shredder.

Ear defenders, face visor, hard hat
were required, along with long-sleeved tops and protective gloves.
It can be dangerous work!

Many hours of labour produced several mini-mountains...

These  mini-mountains of chipped bark (44 heaped wheelbarrow loads) have now been scattered on the vegetable garden pathways in a satisfyingly deep layer.

My dear old Toby supervised the procedure, from the comfort of his bed.    Age is catching up with him.

Now that the rubbish has been cleared away again,  I have been able to enjoy the sight of all the spring flowers, including sweet violets (with their oh so beautiful perfume),   masses of lesser celandines which form gold-spangled pathways,  and plenty of bluebells are beginning to show - just as the primroses are beginning to fade.  Everywhere is beautiful.   The woodland is full of birdsong and full of growth and life.



Best of all, the lily of the valley has returned - just one clump out of the three which had taken last year -  they  are heavily perfumed and utterly beautiful.         I love them for their beauty, of course, but most of all I love them because they were my mother's favourite flower.

In the last few days the cow parsley has shot up to waist height, no flowers as yet, but it won't be long until the woodland is a froth of white, for a few weeks.

It is such an exciting time.

I found this fairy door slightly ajar,  I knocked, but there was no reply...

A Peaceful, Thatched, Church

St Peter's Church, Markby

The last time I visited this church (if you click on the link you will find lots of other photographs and history of the building)  I was charmed by the exterior, but was disappointed to find that the inside was draped with polythene, it was being re-decorated.

Much of the stone is recycled, from the Augustinian Priory which originally stood nearby.

Interior of Markby Church

The simplicity of the exterior is beautifully matched by the interior.

The box pews are 19thC.

The dog-toothed decoration on the arch,  remnants from the priory, are Norman.

Simple windows add to the sense of peace and tranquillity.

Through this plain little window you can see the overhang of the thatched roof.   

This little rose sculpture - approx 5"x 6" is

13thC.

This is the former cross beam, it is made of oak and is dated 1611, which is when the church was built.

It is a beautiful and peaceful little building.

Obviously much loved.

It was well worth the wait, and a return visit.

A few weeks earlier there had been a wedding service held there.
Nice to know the old building is still used for joyful
occasions.

Friday's Fences - Mixed Messages

This little sentinel has a twin who sits on the second gatepost.

They also have a companion on the inside...

How's that for mixed messages.

The dogs look fierce but the bear says 'Welcome'!

It has just dawned on me that I have seen this bear in transit - and posted about it
here!

A little further along, in the same village, I caught a glimpse of another fence...

 I had to turn the car around and go back for a better look.

They like their horses.

As I progressed through the village I saw several more interesting fences featuring gargoyles,

dragons, and more horses.

I hope to return there one fine day when I have a little more time - to stroll around

to get some decent photographs.

For more interesting fences click here.

I am happy to be joining in with Jan and Jer for Friday's Fences.