Pannal and me

 I am I hope ok now having got over the broken ribs and my leg injury. I played golf yesterday for the first time since last October and what a fantastic day I picked. Could it be the last day we were all without jumpers. It was hot and sunny. Shall not say a lot about the golf. My tee shots were great but I could not putt to save my life but they always say that when you have a long lay off its the putting that goes. It was lovely but different to be back.

Seems awhile since a wrote a blog as I have been busy finishing of my book on Pannal and Burn Bridge. It is with my publisher who is a friend and I was hoping to have the book out for Christmas but he has advised me to wait as I will not be able to have a launch. So unfortunately that is what I shall have to do. It makes sense what he is advising me. Hopefully something to look forward to as I have enjoyed writing it and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it. I do have some more bits to add but the bulk of it has been done.

We are all just waiting to see what happens with this virus but I just listen to the news on the radio in the morning and do not watch any other news on tv it is too depressing and there is not a lot we can do about it except be sensible and hopefully we will be safe. I am so pleased the Crimple Valley has been saved as I walk it and love it .I also have great affection for Sandy Bank Quarry and in the Spring it is so very beautiful covered in bluebells. Something we can all look forward to when these dark nights are over and Spring is just round the corner.  Do you realize that when Harrogate Borough Council wanted to build houses at the rear of St Robert's Church they were taking away the only bit of walking country we, in Pannal, have. I have walked all round Harrogate and surrounding areas and Bilton has lovely surrounding countryside - the Nidd Gorge, the cycle and pedestrian path from there to Ripley. Jennyfield has their Country Park, Harrogate has The Stray. I could go on but the point is Pannal and Burn Bridge were going to left with not a lot. Just got back to walking down Mill Lane when it is now closed again. 

I feel it is so sad that the Crimple Valley on the other side of Leeds Road will be light industry. All the Crimple Valley was supposed to be protected as a wedge to separate Harrogate from Pannal so that Pannal kept its identity.I make no excuses about defending Pannal and Burn Bridge. I love living here and I will always defend it as I have done for over fifty years and been successful in thwarting builders and HBC.  

I have heard of two people who have had the virus and are recovering now thank goodness. I will not name them as they might not want be to be named but I am so glad you have both recovered.

Notice the planters in Pannal. Planted by the Parish Council so well done. Also the speed signs, nice to be greeted by a smiley face. Although when coming up or down the village I take pleasure in driving at just under 20mph and annoying the drivers behind me who want to tear through the village. Although it can be a hazard where I live - just opposite Rosedale - as some numpty drivers when I am indicating to come into my drive coming up or down Main Street they think I am turning down Rosedale and try to overtake or in some cases undertake. Scary. 

Also pleased that the big pile of rubbish, not only garden waste but bricks and bags etc has been cleared up thanks to HBC. Now I know it is behind the old farm but on one of my walks in the evening, I saw a rat going into the rubbish pile. Now if it was living and breeding there it was a danger to the houses on Pannal Green so well done all the rubbish being removed.

I know I have two cats Marble and Tigs but apart from coming in for food I am not seeing much of them. This will change when the weather gets colder. Will be nice to have their company as I think we are all dreading the dark nights and the thought of no Halloween, no Bonfire Night, and most of all what is going to happen at Christmas? There are normally fifteen of us get together over Christmas and New Year so fat chance of that happening for me and for everyone else. I do not want to finish on that miserable note so just remember we shall all get through this some how or other. Yes we will!!