A Trip to a Local Churchyard in Search of Snowdrops

 

A few days ago D and I drove to a local churchyard in search of snowdrops.

This the parish church of St Mary and St Margaret's, Castle Bromwich.  It is a Grade 1 Listed building.  The present church was built by Sir John Bridgeman II between 1726 and 1731 in the neo classical style.  The new church was built around the original Norman church so contains two churches meaning it is a "church within a church". I have done blog posts on this church before so if you want to see inside please see Interior of Castle Bromwich Church

Part of the churchyard has a border planted for pollinators which in summer is full of alliums but the other day there were Euphorbia plants in flower.

The churchyard was full of snowdrops and crocuses and a few early primroses.

It is an interesting churchyard and I have a little booklet entitled "Stories Behind the Head Stones" which gives information on some of the people buried there.  In 2009 a group of volunteers started to clear the churchyard of brambles and ivy that were growing all over the headstones and they researched the lives of some of the people laid to rest in the churchyard.  John Bateman and his son Charles, both well known Architects (Charles was known for his Arts and Craft style houses) are buried there.  One day in the summer when it is less muddy I will try and find some of the gravestones of people mentioned in the booklet and tell you their history.

A few photos taken by D

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It was good to get out for an hour and thankfully it was actually a dry day!!

Photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera and photos marked *D taken by D with the Canon SX50HS bridge camera.  I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's please email me first - thanks.

Recent Reading

 

I don't seem to have written a post on recent reading for some time. So these are the books I have read since I last did a post on the subject.

I am still really enjoying the Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters.

The Farlington Marsh Murders was the next book I read in the Solent Murder Mysteries.  If I am honest I did get a bit confused with the plot in this book - there were just far too many characters!

"The Cuckoo's Lea" is a beautifully written book which has been really well researched. The author writes about many places that were named long ago after bird species.  The book is a really good mix of ornithology, history, walking and exploring using maps, medieval charters etc.

 I read the first in the series of the North Norfolk Murder Mysteries - "Under Violent Skies".  This was a new author for me. I enjoyed this book although at times I wasn't keen on some of the violence shown towards two of the characters.

I thought I would enjoy "The Swimming Club" as I have really enjoyed many of Rachel McLean's books but to be honest I found the book too lightweight. Sadly, I had already bought the second book in the series although I doubt I will read it!

The next two books I read throughout 2025 as you are meant to read a chapter a month as the year progresses. I really enjoyed The Blackbird's Song which has some lovely ideas to get you immersed in nature.  This was the second year I have read the Tree Almanac and I was hoping there would be a new version for 2026 but sadly I can't find one.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

 

Last weekend D and I took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

We saw the following birds:

Wood Pigeon 3

Dunnock 1

Blackbird 1

Robin 1

Coal Tit 1

Blue Tit 4

Great Tit 2

Carrion Crow 1

Magpie 1

As always many species failed to turn up. The most surprising omission were Goldfinches who are always on the feeders.  There was a cat in the garden at the start of the survey which may initially have kept birds from visiting.

It was certainly our lowest total for many years. In 2025 we saw 15 species and in 2024 14 species.  

There again every count is important to the RSPB however many species you see and it is always good fun to take part. We certainly enjoyed it :)

Exploring the Snowman Trail at Baddesley Clinton

 

One sunny and dry day last week D,E and I visited NT Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire to explore the Snowman Trail.  We had wanted to go for weeks but Christmas, New Year and grotty weather got in the way!  The car park had also been full every day over the Christmas period but it was much quieter when we went although the car park which  is on a slight slope was like an ice rink!  Anyway we safely negotiated it and got to the house.

The Snowman sculptures have been created by Wild in Art and have been placed around the gardens.  They have been painted by national and international artists and the designs represent the different days in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol.  The Snowman Trail has been inspired by Raymond Briggs book "The Snowman".

"Partridge in a Pear Tree" created by Donna Newman

"Two Turtle Doves" created by Laura Kate Charman

"Three French Hens" created by Lei Mei Lemaow

Baddesley Clinton is a lovely moated manor house.

"Four Calling Birds" created by Laura Kate Chapman

Timothy made a brief appearance but was furious he wasn't wearing his jumper so he had to return to my bag!

"Five Gold Rings" created by Adam Pekr

-"Six Geese a-Laying" created by Amanda Quellin

"Seven Swans a-Swimming" created by R Roberts

"Eight Maids a-Milking" created by Megan Heather Smith-Evans

"Nine Ladies Dancing" created by Lizzie Rose Chapman.

"Ten Lords a-Leaping" created by Hammo

"Eleven Pipers Piping" created by Sue Guthrie

"Twelve Drummers Drumming" created by Jessica Perkin

There were lots of seedheads left in the walled garden which is great news for birds and insects.

I loved these Boxing Hares which were for sale. I was sorely tempted!

It was a shame we didn't have time to go in the house although I think the Christmas Decorations have now been taken down. D and I did go inside earlier this year though. If you want to see the house interior please click on the link here Baddesley Clinton Walk Round the Lake and House Interior

It was good to get out for a few hours even though it was freezing cold!

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).