Dronfield to Little Kingshill April 18 to 23

April 18 Dronfield to Kiplin

On the weather front, there was more of the same. I left Dronfield at 10 and drove as fast as I could along a few A roads and a lot of motorways for two hours, until I reached Kiplin. After a quick about turn, we drove along the lanes to Maunby, met Tom and discovered from him that the pub was closed for a few days while a new owner took possession.

Dull again in Dronfield	The Black Swan, Thornton le Moor
After a quick assessment of the situation, we  retraced our steps to Thornton le Moor, a couple of miles back in the direction from which we had come. Once there, we found the Black Swan, which provided us with a substantial lunch. The village, itself, was nothing to look at and, with full stomachs, we drove back to Kiplin.
	Excellent pudding

I was immediately given a quick tour of the new office in the clock tower and I was even able to wind the clock. I have always liked this and it is good to see it working again. I had to struggle with a large handle which was attached to some steel ropes. Definitely a proper clock!
Kiplin Hall clock

With Lily needing a walk, we set off into the woodland. This is currently being restored, the trees catalogued and the flowers identified.  On the other side is a huge area of parkland, now full of sheep and lambs which Lily scrupulously ignored. Back in the garden, the spring flowers were just coming into bloom.

Back at the house, we set in for an evening of work, TV and a small dinner of soup and cheese. Lily occupied a lap whenever possible and generally demanded attention at every opportunity.