It was not without some trepidation that we looked forward to Easter this year. The ever increasing number of cars visiting the estate is starting to become a problem. Bradford Metropolitan Council have built a new footpath; connecting the lower car part to the play ground area, in a drive to make the lower car park more popular.
To try and relieve the parking problem Elder Homes have kindly allowed part of the field in front of their main entrance to be used as an overflow car park during the holiday weekend (picture above right). The Council have placed orange plastic temporary fencing to deter drivers from parking on the grass picnic areas (picture above left). We appeal to all those using the estate to take great care when driving near pedestrians.
On Easter Monday the society held a fiesta in the childrens play ground. There was a Samba Band - Music & Motion Workshop, where children were encouraged to have a go. There was a treasure hunt/quiz where entrants were given chocolate eggs. It was a sunny day and everyone had a good time
If anyone wants to contact the Samba band they are based in the Jam on Top Studios in Keighley.
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas, John Rhodes and Pam Laking
Two groups have recently helped us with the herb garden. A party of Beavers/Cubs did some sterling work
see, pictures below. Followed by a group from UKAR (formerly Bradford & Bingley), see picture left. Thanks to 'Be Involved'
for arranging things.
Photograph by Kath Gabbitas
Photographs by Pam Laking
Saturday 7th May saw a fund raising Coffee Morning arranged by Kath Gabbitas.
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
Kath Gabbitas has taken a few photographs round Coppice Pond in early May
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
For more of these pictures see our page Images-Coppice Pond.
Twitchers were all excited at the start of February when Mark Doveston reported the sighting of a
Hawfinch on the estate - not a common bird for us. For more details look at this blog:
Link to blog
Coppice pond had developed a slight leak and we are now pleased to report that this has been fixed.
Herb garden
The first tree being planted in the new Herb Garden. It's an apple espalier called 'Blenheim Orange' and it can be cooked or eaten. This apple was found from 1818 onward.
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
On Sunday 27th of February, Susan Hart lead a walk in the south west part of the estate looking at various items of historical interest. About 20 people plus a some dogs came for a tramp round some of the less frequented corners.
There can be no doubt. Dogs do like to call in at the Lady B's Cafe. The cafe is a favourite stopping point for people taking their dog for a walk round the estate.
Winter has closed its icy hand round the Estate once again, with this year seeing more early cold weather than usual.
In the bleak mid winter...
Kath Gabbitas did see a heron whilst taking Storm for a walk and the poor birds were having to stand on the ice.
Kath was round the estate with her camera a few weeks ago, looking at some of the autumnal colours.
For more of Kath's recent pictures Click Here
Halloween at St Ives
After a break of some years, the society held a Halloween event this year on Sunday afternoon, the 31st of October.
There were a few ghouls and other characters called in.
A monk told us stories from the past and about ghostly things that have happened, over the ages. The staff from the cafe dressed up for the occasion.
Though even monks are not safe from being attacked by witches.
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
There was a treasure hunt for the children, where they had to find letters hidden among the trees until they could make them into a ghostly word. The prize was a small box of raisins, served from a box labelled BAT DROPPINGS. The society would like to thank the Lady B cafe for their help.
Fungi walk
On Sunday 3rd of October, Bob Taylor lead his annual and ever popular fungi walk. It had been raining heavily for most of the morning and was still very wet when we met for the walk. Our walk was through Bell Bank and Enchantment Woods and despite not being a good year for fungi we collected or looked at a large number of specimens. Bob was able to identify them all (without looking at a book) and told us many details about our finds. By the end of the walk, the weather had improved considerably, bringing a pleasant close to another facinating walk.
Alistair brings Bob a Tawney Funnel Cap and a sample of Cloudy Agaric is found
Searching for samples and with some sucess. Here is an example of the vile smelling Stink Horn
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
Herb Garden
Looking through the green gateway, across the road from the St Ives Coach House. You may have noticed a lot of activity. This is the site of the new herb garden. A token to remind us of the important role that herbs played in the culinery of times gone by.
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
This project has been funded by the WREN award.
For more news about the herb garden and other WREN projects, see our 'WREN award' page.
The Play Ground gets even better
Photographs by Kath Gabbitas
Since the initial opening, there have been many additions to the equipment in the play ground.
Stable room renovation
Within the stables and coach house complex there is an old harness room. This is being renovated to make a meeting room for the 'Friends of St Ives' and also to serve as a resource for people or groups visiting the Estate. It is anticipated that educational material will be available there and exhibitions will use it a centre.
The room has a cast iron stove that was in a poor condition. The picture shows this being rebuilt.
Photograph by Kath Gabbitas