Monday 22^th April 

Hailes Abbey

Hailes Abbey is just the other side of Winchcombe. 

Tea and biscuits is available from the nearby fruit farm. Pleasant restaurant overlooking orchard. A field busy with "pick your own" signs. How voluntary? I'm not sure. There are several minibuses parked in the field. It looks like a scene from India. Colourfully dressed people are bending over picking spring onions.

Oh yes, the remains abbey are worth exploring. Even Jolly Molly walks around the square of the cloister. 

The Pitkin guide DISSOLUTION OF THE MONASTERIES gives a good introduction as to why these splendid buildings were abandoned.

The skeletal ruins of monasteries throughout England and Wales stand as stark reminders of the four years (1536–40) during King Henry VIII's reign when 10,000 monks, nuns and friars were dispersed. This reasoned guide explores whether religion or money motivated the Dissolution, and evaluates the results.

National Birds Of Prey Centre

The National Birds Of Prey Centre is situated near Newant, a half an hour drive through  Cheltenham  and around the Gloucester ring road. There's no bypass around Cheltenham. Cheltenham is one way hell. It's damned tedious to drive through.

It's great fun seeing her show the birds. I imagine she treats her dogs, staff, and visitors the same way. 

She teases her assistant, 17 year old Gary, while he puts an owl through its paces. 

Some black Labradors help. There are 5 adults and 6 pups within the grounds.

The flying demonstration exercises an albino kestrel, a pair of Harris hawks, a Golden Eagle, a falcon, and Gareth's Owl. The handlers explain that some of the birds are not at their peak - a tad overweight. This is normal for this time of year, just after a 5 month wintering rest.