Mr Percy Sadler was born in Thornton Steward in 1931 and left to join the police force in 1958. He has been thinking of the village a lot recently and since circulating his very kind Christmas greetings to us all in December, we have received some wonderful poems written by him, along with some photographs.
The poems can all be seen below and are entitled:
INSPIRATION, THE WISE OLD OWL, THE PATH OF LIFE and SPRINGTIME DREAM
INSPIRATION
by P. SADLER
Percy Sadler at Manor Farm, Thornton Steward. 1958
I was once a country lad who had no airs or graces,
My baggy cords were held up tight with binder twine and braces.
I had some old green wellies that were far too big and worn,
They filled themselves with old hay seeds and many grains of corn.
My jacket made from Harris Tweed was my greatest pride and joy,
Something worn for many years since I was just a boy.
The problem came when I grew tall and muscle bound I be,
It was so worn and shabby, but good enough for me.
My youthful years were pleasure spent with work upon the farm,
It seemed the life that lay ahead lacked challenges and charm.
I considered that the time had come to seek out pastures new,
My heart was set, I had to go and seek success with the boys in blue.
Inspector Percy Sadler at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, 1988
THE WISE OLD OWL
Yes I am a wise old owl who lives in an old stone barn,
It sits beside an ancient farm where I feel safe from harm.
The barn sits low on a Dales hillside, beside a spring fed stream,
It is a place of woodland, fields and meadows that create the perfect scene.
By day my perch is an old oak beam up in rafters high,
Slits in the walls of the crumbling barn give me a view of the open sky.
I am by nature nocturnal, so I sleep where I find shade,
As evening falls and sunlight fades, I start my hunt in woodland glades.
Swiftly and silently I wing my way to hunt my favourite prey,
With big round eyes and powerful sight I hunt at end of day.
As sunlight fades to shades of grey and the moon begins to glow,
With twinkling stars and moonlight beams I know it’s time to go.
I hear the sound of rustling in high vegetation below,
I see a scurrying movement, it is time to strike my blow,
I open wide my talons and take a sure swift dive,
It is unfortunate for the little vole but I have got my prize.
I am never troubled by other birds of prey,
They seem so very frightened of the talons I display.
If you hear loud hooting it will for sure not be me,
It will be a tawny owl calling from a distant woodland tree.
My plumage is of the very best and looks like silken down,
My face looks like a heart of pure white to complete my special gown.
The farmers treat me with respect and give me privileged space,
When I patrol the countryside I do it with good grace.
If you ever see me when you’re on walkabout,
I hope I give you pleasure of that there is no doubt.
We owls are not so often seen throughout the daylight hours.
So, take a walk late evening when the pleasure will be ours.
I am sure you will take pleasure on a lovely moonlit night,
You will see the silver moonbeams that will give so much delight.
The serenity and silence that pervades the lovely scene,
It is a place that you may wish, that you had always been.
From the heart of a Dalesman. P.Sadler
THE PATH OF LIFE
When you take your first breath and your life doth unfold,
Were you born in a Hovel or a Mansion with gold,
You do not have a choice on life, or how it comes to pass
So take your future in your hands regardless of your class.
Life is such a precious gift so grow up kind and strong.
Be truthful and honest with yourself, and others as you pass along.
If you were born to poverty it was only just by chance.
The same applies to being rich, which the future may enhance.
You only have one life to lead, don't squander it on evil deed.
Grow up with pride and dignity, and in your learning do take heed.
The knowledge gained will benefit you and others all around.
Follow the path that is straight and true and treasures will abound.
Live your life in freedom and let conscience be your guide.
Find some time for others, and in friendship do abide,
Let care and loyalty be yours throughout the passing years,
Kindness and understanding will avoid so many tears.
Life can not a bed of roses be, of that you must be sure,
Have the strength and fortitude the hardships to endure.
Measure yourself in distance whatever be the length,
When the going gets hard and rough, show your inner strength.
JUST A PERSONAL THOUGHT
P. Sadler
SPRINGTIME DREAM
Take my hand and walk with me in the valley of my home,
Share the treasures of my life where once I used to roam.
See the changing season and the beauty of it all,
Allow me space and privilege for my memories to recall.
Gone now snow from winter’s bough, as ice retreats by rising sun.
Buds burst forth in cloaks of green to welcome a season just begun.
Up on high in clouded blue a hovering skylark trill at birth of spring,
Whilst church clocks chime, reminder of a time that only memories bring.
Let me wander in a country lane with head held high in clouded bliss,
A life so ready to recall when now in modern times I truly miss,
Mind devoid of reckless thought with misted memories now held dear,
Flowery meadows, butterflies in flight and birdsong music to the ear.
Let me feel the cool fresh air of dawn as mists rise from the valley floor,
Once again to see the dew drops hang like jewels in the early sunlight glow.
Away on high I hear the curlew calling by yonder distant wooded fell,
Deep memories held so close and dear, casting forth their mystic spell.
No longer may I linger in the treasured memories that I hold,
Sadly I must now move on and allow the rest of life’s journey to unfold.
I release your hand of friendship and bid farewell to the place I used to roam.
My Wensleydale you will always be remembered as THE VALLEY OF MY HOME.
Percy Sadler