Dear Friends,
It seems terribly odd to be writing the March letter so far into Lent. Easter is almost as early as it can
be this year and so the year seems to be passing particulary quickly.
With Spring on the way we will be giving much of our attention to the animals on our estate. Our four cows
and their calves have spent the Winter in what Fr Aidan could salvage of our old farm buildings. The barn
consists largely of corrugated iron and bits of string, but it has, nonetheless given Bayleaf and Erin and
their two calves Jimmy and Kelsey adequate shelter from the winter. Having them in the barn has also
allowed us to get a little closer to them and them to get more used to being close to us. Both of the
ladies are heavy with calf and we expect two births in the course of this month. Fr Aidan is hoping for
text-book births, especially since he has been reading all the text books he can find to prepare himself
for the role of mid-wife should his aid be required by the two already experienced mothers. He has also
been given a set of charming shoulder length plastic gloves, should the going get tough!
We have watched the estate come back to life in these last years. Following the advice of DEFRA we have
planned our stewardship of our land on firm ecological principles, and have done as much as we can to
encourage insect, bird, and other wildlife. By leaving our fields uncut for so long last year we encouraged
also a number of wild flowers that we have not seen for years. This has, in turn, much increased the
butterfly population on the estate. It is a particular joy to see our animals and the calming and
humanising effect they have on us all!
Father Aidan is preparing an article and some photographs of the estate for the next issue of Laudetur.
We are hoping for some new growth inside the monastery also this year. A number of men have applied to
enter the novitiate in the summer. Yes, they come and they go, and mostly they go, but it was ever thus. In
these days of declining vocations it is a great joy to us that our life attracts and that we have enjoyed a
steady growth, in stark contrast to so many other communities and dioceses. Please keep us, and these
would-be monks, in your prayers.
We are, as ever, grateful for all the support, prayers and practical help so many of you give us, and the
loyalty you have shown us over so many years. May the Lord reward you for your kindness.
With all our good wishes and blessings
Sincerely in the Lord,
rchived 
ews
