Bang, bang with a pink umbrella #11 April

For the last year as I've driven backwards and forwards to Reeth I pass about 20 tank warning signs on Bardon Moor and the moors around Scotton (about 6 miles from Reeth). I was beginning to think the signs were a warmongering deterrent and tanks did not really exist.

On my journey this week I finally saw a tank trundling along at about 30mph. It was a small one, with a soldier poking his head out of a turret. With his bushy beard, moustache and scarf flapping in the breeze he must have been shouting 'Tally Ho'.

This started a military week. On the moors there are several shooting ranges that are very rarely used. The weather must have been bad enough to send the soldiers out this week. I know when they are shooting. Not by the red flags that are always raised, but by the coaches in the car park disgorging Britain's finest. A bit like a school children's day out.

The rifles were loud and everyone seemed to take it seriously, despite the pouring rain. Then someone appeared with a pink umbrella. Bizarre.

Finally, on the way home I saw a troop carrying vehicle with a long line of traffic behind it.

Hovel activities concentrated on removing everything from a bathroom, which will become a dressing room. It was one of the smellier jobs.