Snowfall

Greetings from a very snowy North Staffordshire. We’ve had a couple of days of snow, which is enough to turn everything a bit belatedly Christmassy around Betley Court Gardens. Yesterday our conservation joiner, Phillip Bailey shared the header photo, taken from the top of the scaffolding at sunrise over the cricket field. He tells me that whilst it was cold on the scaffolding it was even colder inside Betley Court! The freezing conditions didn’t stop our tradies having a joyous snowball fight inside the site compound during their lunch break; although why anyone would want to get their hands any colder when they had to go back to work is beyond me!

Phillip, inside a freezing Betley Court, refurbing a window
(photo: Washington & Peart, Centre Space Art)

The cold weather’s means tonight’s talk at Betley Local History Society has been postponed. I had some discussions with the organisers this morning, and it was agreed that access to the Methodist Chapel along The Butts would probably be quite treacherous by tonight. Do not fear! My talk on Living Conservation in an English Country Garden will happen later in the spring.

Sycamore seed on frozen moss (photo: Washington & Peart, Centre Space Art)

Nigel and I speculated if the new trickle heat system that’s been installed on the roof would kick in. The system is a series of thick wires criss-crossing the roof at strategic points, through which a low current is passed through in snowy weather. The idea is that this gently melts snow and ice, allowing it to disperse as water in a controlled manner down the gutters, rather than in heavy thaws that might overwhelm the roof. We’re really interested to see how it performs, as it is a new addition to the roofscape following the rebuild after the fire.

(photo: Washington & Peart, Centre Space Art)

Elsewhere, Shane’s removing ivy from the walls that has either died or become damaged during building work – particularly during the installation of the down spouts. It’ll most likely grow back from the stumps, but in the meantime, any repointing or repairs can be addressed. A new skip has appeared, so we can dispose of the last of the scaffolding wrap. It’s served its purpose, and was looking very raggedy, giving the Court a rather forlorn appearance.

Dismantling the scaffolding (photo: Washington & Peart, Centre Space Art)

Hopefully as each week passes, people should notice a difference with the house emerging from the shroud of scaffolding.

The indominable early flowering daffodil

Opposite Betley Court, on the grass verge by the road, there are (to borrow from Wordsworth) a host of golden daffodils – or rather not quite yet, but in a few weeks the bank will be full of them. There’s always one daffodil plant that beats the others into flower, and I look out for it year after year. I’m pleased to see it is out already (in flower 17^th January). Its indominable spirit to put in an appearance never fails to cheer me up on these short winter days. It’s a little sign; “not long till spring now!”

All best wishes

Ladybird Su