NEW PRIEST FOR GROSMONT GROUP OF PARISHES – The service of the Affirmation of Ministry and licensing of the Rev Dr Jean Prosser took place on March 29, starting with a splendid tea party in the big old nave of St Nicholas’ church, Grosmont. The sound of many people chattering away to each other filled the space and a lot of delicious food was provided by the parishioners.

The bell ringers then rang the bells to celebrate the occasion. The rural Dean, Rev Canon Jeremy Winston, welcomed everyone. The bishop and his chaplain entered the main body of the church. Music for the choir was composed specially for the service by Lynn Hounsome. It was a lovely end to a very special service.

SIGHTING OF THE FIRST SWALLOWS – I spotted a pair of swallows this Easter weekend with their signature fork tails diving around after insects in the lovely hazy sunshine.

I’m now looking out for the nightly outing of the hundreds of pipistrelle bats and, of course, that elusive first hearing of the cuckoo.

TERRY WALTON AT SKENFRITH HALL – The enigmatic speaker Terry Walton gave an hilarious talk last Tuesday for Grosmont Gardening Club. You couldn’t fail to be taken in by his lifelong enthusiasm and experience of growing vegetables on an allotment in the Rhondda Valley. He took us through each vegetable type and gave his hard-earned tips for each one. Luckily, we can still get these tips throughout the year when he does his spot on Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine which, as he proudly noted, are always live come rain or shine.

GROSMONT GARDENING CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE – On Tuesday May 5, at 7.30pm at Grosmont Village Hall. Call Jan Eastment on 01600 750295.