We went to ‘Art in the Mart’ at Kirkby Stephen to an art competition. April’s ‘Dragon eye’ was awarded ‘Best Young Artist’. Accompanied by Tom, Tara, Cooper, Grandpa and Grandma Hollis aka Mic and Annabel.

April swam one hundred lengths in 50 minutes at Appleby swimming pool. It takes me all my time to do one width nowadays. (Entry in Grandpa’s and Grandma’s boasting book!)

On 8 July, a warm day, we cycled to nearby Brougham Castle. We followed this feat by walking inside the castle, then having lunch in Brougham Hall, followed by walking along the River Eamont.

I went out with the U3A Photography group to Smardale Reserve, close to Smardale and was impressed by the viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle Railway. And the flowers. And to complete the day,Midnight caught a rabbit and brought it into the house. Oh joy!!! (No photo, unfortunately)

On another occasion I was out walking with a group and were targeted by this squadron of helicopters, apparently our only defence in case of invasion. I am informed by people in the know that we also have a warship – the Cutty Sark – and a yellow submarine, apparently.

And here is another of my photos published this month in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald. This was taken at Honister Pass on an outing with the U3A Photography Group. Walking around the Slate Mine proved an interesting experience, especially with the slate figures, a few of which are in the photograph.

The Cumbria Steam Gathering at Flookburgh provided us with another good day out. There were some magnificent looking steam engines, traction engines, tractors, motor cars, motorbikes, agricultural machinery and grass. The finale was a parade of distinctly ancient transport vehicles driven by distinctly ancient male drivers.

And finally – badgers as seen at the Badger Hide at RSPB’s Wild Haweswater.  We visited this location one evening with Tom and Tara and the children. We sat inside the hide for about three quarters of an hour, as the evening light dwindled but then, artificial light improved the view. I began to wonder if the badgers might have already gone to bed. It was a huge relief when a solitary badger appeared. It was a wonderful moment as we watched the badger scampering in front of us. Both adults and children were completely engrossed. I don’t remember ever seeing a badger before, let alone a wild one, and several people I’ve spoken to were similar. And, after another while, another badger appeared!  Yet more excitement in the hide.

N.B. RSPB is the locally named Royal Society for the Protection of Badgers. Don’t bother fact checking this!