Our First Winter in Binsted

When we moved last year, my ambition was to write a monthly blog about our adventures and experiences. That is something I have failed quite miserably at over the last six months. Since spring officially begun this week and we emerge from the depths of winter, I’m starting to feel energised by the prospect of warm sunny days. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to summarise our first winter in Binsted.

When we moved, we were conscious that we would need to live in our house through all the seasons to get a sense for the work we might want (or need) to do. During winter, it has certainly felt like the house was cold when the temperature really dropped. Although, our old Victorian terrace was pretty cold too, so we are used to wrapping up warm. We are already thinking about how we could better insulate some of the rooms and possibly add a log burner for some cosy warmth.

One of the jobs that had been on our (my) to do list since moving, was to improve the shower situation as the old electric one was dire. As the air temperate dropped, cowering under a trickle of tepid water wasn’t a particularly enjoyable experience. It may not sound like major news, but arguably installing a new pump and rainfall shower, was one of the highlights of winter as it has transformed our lives.

Despite the darker nights, greyer days and muddy paths, we still managed to get out for walks and runs during the winter. We have enjoyed seeing how the scenery changes during the winter. I found that investing in a proper head torch was an essential item for running, because we don’t have the luxury of streetlights in Binsted (the village is situated within the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve) and most of the running I do is off road anyway.

Winter obviously brought our first Christmas in Binsted. It felt like there was lots going on in the village and we enjoyed the Christmas fair, carol signing through the village and the advent window displays. We also enjoyed our first school nativity in the church. After being closed for repairs following storm damage last winter, the Christmas events were our first time in the church. Although I am not a religious person, it was nice to see the church as the centre of the community at Christmas.

I am someone that has always enjoyed outdoor Christmas lights and I was pleased to see many of our neighbours had impressive set ups. The girls were excited by the giant snowman and Santa in particular. We made a few small additions to our lights but I’m hopeful that this year, I might be able to make the case for the addition of a flashing waving snowman (something I have been campaigning for several years).

Despite some warmer sunny days in February teasing the prospect that spring was on the way, we were excited to see snow at the start of March. Waking up to see all the trees and our garden covered in a thick blanket of snow was lovely. The inner child in me loves snow and I was desperate to get out and play in it. After breakfast, we donned our winter clothing and headed for the park to make a snowman. We were pleased to see several other families from the village at the park who were excited to join us in a snowball fight.

The end of winter has also seen, sheep arrive in the field at the bottom of our garden. Ever since moving, we have enjoyed seeing sheep, cows and other wildlife in and around the village. It was a pleasant surprise to be sat at our table eating lunch one day and spot sheep munching on their lunch too. It still makes me smile when I look out of the window and spot the sheep or a pheasant in the field. Two lambs have also arrived over the last few weeks, which is a further sign that spring is here.

Hopefully, I will be better at providing more regular updates on our adventures throughout spring.