At 5.20 am, as I drove to London, I disturbed a hare at the edge of the field on Mill Road and two plump cock pheasants. I tried to keep my eyes on the road, Jeremy, but it’s difficult to avoid looking at the wildlife and I was driving very slowly. After a long morning at grandson’s sports day I returned to The Gables where the wind was blowing and a red kite was circling high above the poultry run, enjoying wheeling on the thermals. I unpacked the car, changed into battered clothes and wellies, grabbed a pair of binoculars and set out for a walk to clear my head. I am so grateful to whoever owns the field along Mill Road by the footpath sign as they have cut down some of their precious rape crop to ensure that the pathway is clear for walkers. Thank you.

As I rounded the bend for home I could see the new roof of The Gables barn covered in its terracotta tiles. A glorious sight.