Lotherton Hall and Chapel

In continuous occupation since the 7th century, the farmlands surrounding the hall were purchased by John Gascoigne to form part of his newly acquired Parlington Estate in the 1540s. The Hall itself did not become the property of the family until 1825. Colonel Frederick Gascoigne, who inherited the property in 1893 transformed the hall to its present form.  After his death in 1937 the estates passed to his son, who retired here in 1953 after an active diplomatic career. In 1968 they presented the Hall to the City of Leeds, together with its park, garden and art collections.

The Chapel is 11th Century with Norman arches and a simple interior full of memorials to the Gascoigne family.

Exotic Birds Near Leeds

Lothbury Hall, part of Leeds Museums, has a house and chapel to explore (blog post to follow) and gardens including a bird garden.With over 480 individual birds, from more than 130 different species, the Bird Garden is a premier collection of rare and endangered birdlife. Here a few of the residents. The Great Grey and Burrowing Owls were particularly active.

Harrogate

Up in Yorkshire for the week talking to various camera club. I arrived in Harrogate yesterday evening in time for a brief walk around before a very warm welcome from Harrogate Photographic Society. Unfortunately not enough time to have tea at Betty's!

Rugby in the Snow

After a beautiful sunny day on Friday, with Tortoiseshell and Brimstone Butterflies on the wing and Skylarks in full song, yesterday was a return to winter with snow squalls all day and a bitterly cold wind. The Rugby players seem undeterred with an exciting game - CRUFC lost 15-25 to Darlington Mowden Park but they certainly held their own against the second in the league table.

Isla Has Settled In

Isla, Ian's new puppy, at 9 weeks has found her place in her new home. She is an adorable bundle of soft silky fur, dark brown eyes and very sharp teeth!!

Guernsey Weekend 4

Now back in Cambridge but here a few images from Sunday when the sun shone for a short while! Loved the cottage and Grape Hyacinths and how camouflaged the Hedge Sparrow is in its habitat