Weather watch

These days there are a myriad of ways to check the weather forecast – the Met office, Windy, Metcheck, BBC weather and even old wives’ tales. They all offer predictions and play their part in terms of suggestions for the weather for the next two weeks. This is important as John G, our Castle Manager, is worrying about Easter opening, parking, wet weather plans and everything else that could go wrong.

If the weather looks inclement, it is all my fault and my problem for pre-selling tickets and John asks me what on earth I thought I was doing. On the other hand, Luis checks in with me to make sure I have sold enough tickets otherwise he is not happy. He does not quite say it but looks at me as if I could clearly do better. Ever the salesman, he hopes to sell more food and of course cocktails at Luis’ Bar. This also goes better if there is good weather, particularly at the end of each day as the sun sinks over the lawns and the jazz music is playing.

Relaxed groups of visitors sit laughing at various tables with the remains of a much enjoyed cocktail, contemplating whether they should get another one before ordering a taxi to take them back to the train station.

I do feel very inadequate if I cannot come up with good weather for Luis.

Sally also likes good weather but not if it’s too hot or her gift shop may be too warm with too many customers. She also quite likes the rain as people take shelter with her and of course she has rain hats. However, if it is too sunny, she also has sun hats so it’s a win win. The plant pots outside sell better in sunny weather and ‘mid weather’ means visitors dawdle in her shop and can’t help buying just one more thing. Whether biscuits or jams, books, cute gifts, bags or dressing gowns…

The gardeners do not want it too dry – that is not good for the plants at this time of year but equally they don’t want it too wet or the lawns will grow incessantly and the mowing will have to step up a gear. On the other hand, weeding and gardening is much more fun in the sun, but when it is sunny the earth may be harder to dig…

Down of the farm, it is a bit of a challenge in all cases. Simon the farm manager and Geordie want a little rain and some sun but not too much. They would like some sun for the lambs but some rain to keep the grass for haylage growing. Needless to say, they would like some practical politicians who might think about the realities of farming.

The guides and the visitors hope for sunshine which keeps everyone happy. It is better for selfies on Lady Mary’s bench or to leap across the lawns or ask Luis to take some photos of them, the Castle behind and drink in hand.

Housekeeping prefer drier weather as there is less to hoover up, but if it is too hot they need to continually check the blinds are down to protect the interiors of the rooms.

The car parking team are out in the field and prefer clouds as they are usually neither too hot nor too cold.

Standing out in the parking field on front of the castle, checking how firm the ground is under my feet, I think sometimes that some of my favourite sources for anticipating challenges are some of the old traditional sayings. Such as, “If there is a halo round the sun or moon, then we can all expect rain quite soon” or  “if in the sky you see cliffs and towers, it won’t be long before there is a shower.” However it is better to remain prudent  “Ne’er cast a clout, til May is out.”

Whatever the weather, the labradors have a positive outlook. Warm sunny days are a little hot for their fur coats but they love to lie out and enjoy some vitamin D, at least for a little time. Alternatively, puddles are really rather perfect. Winnie the Pooh might well agree with both thoughts and I certainly enjoy their unceasing affection whatever the outcome.