March 2011

As always March has been a busy month at Whitwell Hall. With only a few weeks until the start of our summer camping season we've been busy working all around the estate to improve the facilities for next season.

The shower blocks on Paddock have been painted and tiled by volunteers working on the estate. The showers now look really good and the tiles have removed the problems we had with the blocks becoming green. Painting the toilets has improved them no-end as they are now brighter and easier to clean.

We've also had our first camp groups of the year. A school on a Duke of Edinburgh trip from Cambridgeshire where the first intrepid group of campers, quickly followed by a local Scout group. March can be a lovely time to camp...if the weather treats you kindly!

The snow drops that were about during February have been replaced by Daffodils. They are appearing all over the estate and give the grounds a real burst of colour. Trees and bushes around the estate are also beginning to flower.

Our flock of sheep is growing rapidly! At the last count there were 13 lambs jumping about the meadows. These will stay on the meadows for the summer and once old enough and big enough will be moved off the estate.

We had our first session of river dipping today with Henderson Green School. The river at this time of year is incredibly cold but we were able to catch a European Bullhead, a Stickleback, a Minnow, several Crayfish and lots of Mayfly Nymphs & Freshwater Shrimps. A good catch and a splashing good time!

On Sunday 27th we held our AGM at Reepham Town Hall. This is one of two yearly meetings when the members and trustees of Whitwell Hall meet to discuss what is happening at Whitwell and to make plans for the forthcoming year(s). We currently have 7 trustees and 3 members but we are always on the look out for new members. If you are interested in becoming a member then click here for more details!