Balloons and Lights

2009 is upon us, and may I say a Happy New Year to all.

Two specific events shaped my life at Spetchley in December:  The first happened when Alex,, Steve and I were collecting leaves at the front of the house.  Alex raked up a large pile of leaves and then discovered a partly ripped helium balloon, which appeared to have escaped from the Co-op. I was not particularly interested and would have thrown it away if it were not for Alex spotting something written on the side.  The message requested that we call a phone number.  Thus was my curiosity aroused.  I did so and discovered that the balloon had been released from Dorset about 6 months previously, by a 13 year old boy called James. A minor coincidence is that Alex's first name is James but he prefers to use his middle name.

The second event was considerably trickier and, as many of you will realise, involves the Illuminated Trail.  The first Friday evening of the lights was perfect (see Pic.) and lots of people came to enjoy the sights, complete the trail, meet Father Christmas and toast marshmallows over the fire pit. Then the rains started, and by Saturday morning it was clear that the route round the back of the lake was unwalkable.  No matter how much straw and bark we put down it was unsafe.  With all hands helping, a new route was devised on the gravel paths and across the white bridge.  After hunting down and installing a lot of new directional signs the temporary altered walk was a great success, much to the relief of everyone.