Sheepa Tensing' At Middlesmoor!

Two fire engines went past up Middlesmoor hill,

They caught my attention - (hope no-one was ill),

Yet no smoke or fire was in sight



Only a poor old Sward'l in a terrible plight!

The sheep was stood on Neil and Pauline's roof

A ram acting on impulse - on the hoof!

Perched on the house ridge, it was a rare sight

Clinging onto stone tiles with all its might!



A crowd gathered round in disbelief

"How did it get there?" "Such amazing mischief!"

"It leapt from t' kennels, t' 'ut, onto t' tiles

And I bet up yonder it can see for miles!"



The firemen conferred as the sheep chewed moss

"Send in't cherry-picker" said the firemen's boss,

There were gasps as the sheep ran all over the place

But then it chose a very slippery surface.



The poor wether lamb fell onto the ground

Braking it's hind leg - folks gathered around,

The firemen and locals had played their part

"It'll be well looked after" said one kind heart.



So I sent story and photo to our Nidderdale Times

It made front page news - nearly headlines!

I was surprised when it featured on TV's Look North!

But never dreamt anything else would come forth.



Watching BBC's 'Breakfast' whilst eating my toast

I heard "This is the story that we enjoyed the most!

A sheep on a house roof in a Yorkshire Dale"

They were holding my photo! ... featured in 'The Mail'!



National headlines in the 'Telegraph', 'Express' and 'Sun'

Were "Ram with a View", "Woolly Jumper" - poking fun

"What on earth are EWE doing up there?" was another!

It was almost akin to ovine 'Big Brother'!



Local playful suggestions that had a nice ring!

Were Linda's 'Ovine Aviation' and Byron's 'Sheepa Tensing'!

Witty KV grinned: "'Ad the sheep drunk Red Bull?!"

"The drink gives you wings!" (They'd need a clip with the wool!).



Then the BBC rang "Can we interview you?

The sheep on the roof story is quite a coup!"

Cor blimey, I only took a digital frame

And now I'm almost in the hall of fame!



Willy Glen sent me reports from the Internet

"The story's hit America!!" (Had I made the jet set?!)

My neighbour Ann asked for my autograph,

Joking of course, but I had to laugh!



So you poor Sward'l sheep - have a good rest

You took a good photograph - one of me best!

But I'm glad that you had your moment of glory

And thanks very much for A Bloomin' Good Story!

Upper Nidderdale WI: The August meeting will be back to the usual time of 2pm on Wednesday August 13 at Ramsgill Village Hall. On the agenda will be Hands on Art with A Denyer and this month's competition is 'a finger puppet'. Visitors are very welcome.

Church Services: Remaining services for August in the Upper Dale are as follows: Sunday, August 10 and 24 : Holy Communion 9am at Ramsgill and Family Eucharist 10.30am at Middlesmoor.