Swan pond

Ellel is situated in Frensham, which has a sizable nature reserve nearby. The woods are beautiful, covered with firs, heather, scrub, lichens, and with two man-made ponds, created in the Middle Ages. The ponds are called, ahem, "Little Pond", and "Big Pond".

This swan got out of the Little Pond and walked towards me. Looking for food, I expect! When they fly, they make a great "whomp! whomp! whomp!" with their wings. You wonder how they get their bulk into the air, but they do. In Singapore, we don't see them flying as their wings are clipped.

Main House at Ellel Pierrepont

Over 100 years old, it used to be a boys' boarding school. Inside, there's a fireplace, a Great Hall, a Long Room, a Coffee Lounge. Upstairs, students share double, triple rooms. Volunteers tile, brick, paint, fix toilets, etc. There are over 100 volunteers working here, including a Young People's Team. The 35-acre property bustles with activity.

Part of the woods

October in Surrey. Misty, cold, rainy, windy. Very enjoyable, provided that one is healthy! Great for long walks in brisk, cold air. I'm told as there are lichens growing on the ground, that means the air there is extra pure. If only one could bottle it.

"Army" in worship

Jesus' Army premises in London

Jesus' Army is a church attended by a friend of mine. They reach out to those who are more on the fringes of society. They got these ancient, yet rather beautiful premises for their meetings in London. It used to be a nunnery, and they meet in the chapel there. This painting is at the back.

First week

Am on my first week here. Very hectic. Ellel Pierrepont is 35 acres, full of woods, old buildings (and I mean OLD), bird & animal life. The place is buzzing with students, our schedule is very tight, it feels like I'm living in the midst of a train station -- yup, that's how busy it is!

It was foggy yesterday morning, and then cleared up to become nice & bright in the afternoon. Very temperamental, the weather...The birds start singing around 7 a.m. in the morning -- it's first light for them, although with my human eyes all still looks dark.

7.30 a.m. is a better time to take a walk. I have seen deer, stag, bunny rabbits, squirrels, woodpeckers in the woods and swans & wild ducks in the river. It's really worth exploring. The wonderful thing about Ellel is its natural beauty.

Think that's about it. Going for a walk in the woods before breakfast.

Blessings to you all. Hope you're keeping well.