18 years ago

On 27 March 1990, the second of our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shelley, was born. Her pedigree name was "Dheripark Brighid" and was one of a litter bred by Ann Patmore in Leicestershire. She was a very lively dog, quite mad at times, but settled in well with our other Cavalier, Cassie, who was more of a wise old thing! Sadly, in later years, she suffered with poor health and passed away far too soon.

Female Mallard

Draycote Water, near Dunchurch in Warwickshire, is a large reservoir which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and is also home to a large sailing club. Although we live only a short drive away, we had never visited until this week, when, despite the cold and blustery weather, we decided to take a first look. Everyone was wrapped up against the elements, but, judging by the large variety of birds which can be seen at the location, it will be a must-visit place when the weather improves. For now, all I can offer is a rather plump female Mallard seen looking, without success, for people to populate the picnic areas around the reservoir