We thought that Mrs Silkie’s offspring were all girls and we gave one of the little “hens” to young Elsie who is something of a “chicken whisperer”. About two weeks ago we discovered two of the hens were actually cockerels and Elsie and her parents discovered that Star was actually Stanley, when he began crowing in the mornings. Eager to stay friendly with their urban neighbours it was decided that Stanley would return to The Gables where he can crow to his hearts content.

This afternoon Elsie and her family came over with the bird and we reintroduced him to his mum and siblings. Elsie wrote us a beautiful letter asking us to give Stanley cuddles and also treats of cheese and mealworms. Cheese and cuddles yes, mealworms might be a step too far for this vegetarian. I am sure Stanley will understand. The family took the opportunity to cuddle some ducks and…

to stroke the newborn lambs. They also gave us some surplus flower pots and tubs and in return we gave them a dozen eggs and some home made blackcurrant jam.