Finally raised myself out of winter torpor! This was prompted partly by my daughter's energy and effort to raise money for charity. Last Saturday night, along with some seven thousand others, she did a 13 mile moonlight walk, the 'Shine' event in Manchester, and managed to raise over three hundred pounds. Well done Em! This is her with some of her friend who did the walk with her.

It has been a very quiet few months, with snow on the ground for nearly three months. It is understandable that people don't want to travel in sub zero temperatures. Today the sun is shining and I have been out in the garden, it looks like most of the plants have survived and we are hoping that all of our hard work from last year will give us a good display. The garden is now over twelve months old, and although it will be a few more years before it reaches maturity, the signs are encouraging. Many of our guests enjoy looking out on the garden whilst they are having their breakfast.