Pumpkins at Stoneleigh

 

I'll return to the Herefordshire posts in a few days with a trip to Ledbury and St Michael and All Angels but first a more seasonal post.

Last year we went to the Pumpkins R Us event at Stoneleigh and really enjoyed it so D and I went again this year. It was a different venue with more to see outside which was just as well as it was half term week and heaving with people.  I did plan to go last Friday but it rained heavily in the morning. If we go next year I will be sure to avoid half term week!!!!!

I didn't buy as many pumpkins as last year. Just one large one for D to carve and a Turk's Turban to make soup. I already have a small pumpkin at home to make the Wizard's Hat Pasties.

As it was so busy and we were the only ones wearing masks! we didn't go in the marquees except for the last one which you had to enter to pay.  There were a lot of Halloween items on sale.

We didn't stop that long and so popped into the Farm Shop next door which was much quieter to buy a few early Christmas presents (if I dare mention the C word this early!).

The two pumpkins we bought.  You do have a pay a small entry fee to attend but to be fair the pumpkin prices are very reasonable.

In our absence B had used more of the Herefordshire apples to make an apple pie.  

I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

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 or more I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).

2nd October Visit to Herefordshire - Part 1: St Leonard's Church, Herefordshire Tree and This and That

 

We spent another 3 nights in Herefordshire recently. To be honest it was a bit soon to return but E was on holiday and wanted to go as she hasn't been much this year. So all four of us went for a break.

We arrived Saturday teatime. Sunday was a lovely day and we did a click and collect at Morrisons Leominster and then watched Villa on tv.

Monday we spent the day in Ledbury which I will write a few posts about. So pleased to finally visit the church there. We came home Tuesday late afternoon but before we left D and I went for a wander round the lovely St Leonards at Hatfield which is the nearest church being just along the lane.  I did go in search of Waxcaps as I gather churchyards are a good location to find them. Sadly, I didn't find any fungi at all.

The nave is C11th and was extended in the C14th.  To see the church interior and read more of the history please see St Leonard's Hatfield

Red Sky at night........

Followed by murky mist and then lovely clear blue skies and sunshine.

David grabbed my camera to take these as for some unknown reason he didn't take the Canon on this visit.

D's being doing this jigsaw with a bit of help for several visits now and its finally finished.

Herefordshire Oak with again a slight hint of colour change in the leaves.

We saw a pair of ravens flying over the site several times - a new tick for Hatfield and owls screeching one night probably not Tawny but they do I think get Barn Owls there although I haven't seen one. One evening we watched half a dozen bats foraging over the hedgerow at the rear of the caravan. D and I are keen to buy a bat detector which I've wanted for years. I have a "big birthday" this year so that will go on the list!!!

Edit  Nothing to do with Herefordshire but I was pleased this morning (24th October) to see this Red Admiral warming itself in the sun on the patio.

I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Photos all taken with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera (I don't particularly rate most of my photos but if anyone wishes to use one or more could they please email me first - thanks).