Empty Fields
Once more the dotted cattle
Move along the distant spit of land,
From left to right
In this early morning mist.
Later this evening
A slow return across their green stage,
Each cow and calf precisely lit
In the westering sunlight.
The great bull moving with them,
Bulking and content among his ladies
And his patchwork progeny.
Their movement seems as tidal as the river.
A rhythmic washing to and fro
Along the spit's green and narrow length.
Dark trees behind the cattle,
Gathered for the night
By a herdsman whose presence
Alone in the field,
Is enough to set them
On their evening journey
Homeward to the farm.
And in the distant, opalescent air,
White and pink houses
Like a child's cut-out picture book,
Centre on the towers and gleaming lighthouse
That seems the pivot for this evening world,
Where night overtakes each piece of scenery,
Slowly removing to the wings
The fading marsh and townscaped horizon,
A fretted darkness covering everything.
The land settling;
Full of the unmelodious, nightly chaos,
Waterborne and magically signalled
Into abrupt silence.
This wet world sleeping,
As the long, renewing hours
Bring us all to peace
And dreams.
From "A Kind Of Heaven" by Richard Maslen
Some Favourite Websites For October 2026:
George Borrow Trust – Explore about the well travelled 1800s poet George Borrow
The George Borrow Trust aims to advance the education of the public in the life and works of George Borrow in particular, by means which preserve, exhibit and study his writings and works and other material objects connected with or tending to perpetuate his memory or to throw light on his life and work.
European Rail Campaign (UK) – The Campaign for Better Rail Links to and from the UK and across Europe
In view of the need to reduce people’s carbon footprints rail is seen as an environmentally friendly option for many journeys across Europe. The Euro Rail Campaign sees a need for better rail services between the UK and Europe as well as improved connecting services across Europe. Research has shown that international passenger transport can be competitive with air transport for journey times of up to 6 hours or distances of up to 800 kilometres. Explore more about what this organisation does
Logs Logs Logs – Family Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge
Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.
Halesworth Millennium Green – The largest Millennium Green in England
Halesworth Millennium Green is a magical place to explore in all seasons and weathers. Come and find your favourite corner amongst the meadows, woodlands, rivers, ponds, heathland, orchard and along the historic route of the old railway and the even older navigation.
Chris Pretty Mountaineering – Rock Climbing/Mountaineering Instructor and International Mountain Leader
Chris aims to give you an experience which ensures you are taught to the highest national standards and to ensure that you actually learn the skills required to rock climb, trek, navigate and otherwise move around the mountainous environment autonomously. The teaching is delivered by an expert team who are tried and tested in both their personal skills and their ability to teach and ensure learning with an emphasis on personal progression.