WITH THE recent spell of cold, wet weather it’s hard to believe that spring’s arrived.

At the time of writing, Storm Gareth is making its presence known.

Throughout the gardens and grounds the trees are putting energy into bringing new buds to life. The formal garden is still resting, and frost covers protect the more delicate shrubs.

New signs of life can be seen as the tulips begin to awaken, adding a splash of colour amongst the fresh green shoots.

A sea of dainty blue scilla is currently carpeting the flower borders in the formal garden, and clusters of scarlet flowers are beginning to appear on the flowering quince.

Over the Mother’s Day weekend we’re inviting children to come along to the Activity Room and make a flower seed bomb for mum. Seed bombs were originally created by guerrilla gardeners as a way of brightening up neglected areas of land.

Today, children can make their own seed bomb using a mix of meadow flower seeds. These can be taken home to add an explosion of colour to every corner of their garden.

The cosy tea-room has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere which makes it a great place to bring mum for a treat. The downstairs tables and recent Dementia Friendly award received by the staff means we’re accessible to everyone.

We’ve launched a new spring menu at the hall that includes corned beef sandwiches as well as a tempting treats such as scones that are freshly made by hand every morning.

At the end of March we’re holding our first ceilidh in the historic barn. The event, which takes place from 7pm on Friday March 29, will be led by the Great Northern Ceilidh Band - a team of experienced, traditional musicians.

A fun evening of lively, energetic, music is guaranteed to have everyone on the dancefloor until the wee hours.

There’ll be a variety of traditional English, Scottish, Irish and American music, and the bar will be open too.

Tickets cost £15 and include a chilli supper. Booking’s essential and tickets can be bought online or by calling 0344 249 1895 nationaltrust.org.uk/riddlesdenhall.

It’s not long until the schools break up again, and our school holiday activities start on April 13.

Families will be able to follow the new trail and find the birds hiding throughout the garden.

Children can also make a nature crown in the Activity Room and hang their wishes on the apple trees.

We’ll also be running the popular Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts between April 19 and 22. Children following the garden trail outside the hall will be rewarded with a Cadbury chocolate egg.

Trail sheets cost £2 per person and general admission prices also apply. All money raised over the Easter weekend will help to pay for the new dementia friendly garden that we hope to open next year.

We’re now open six days a week at East Riddlesden Hall - Saturdays to Thursdays, 10.30am-4.30pm.

General admission prices apply. Entry is free for National Trust members and under 5’s.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall or call 01535 607075 for further information.