Yes! The new metal gate made from foraged materials is finally installed in the restored stone archway at the Livadiotisa monastery.

Some design adjustments had to be made and the gate was re-sized to fit its new space; minor design modifications accentuate the significance of the site. Although I led the project, I couldn't have done it without all the people, both Greeks and other nationals, who contributed to its success. This includes the many individuals and businesses who donated when participating in walks and using herbs and similar.

Special credit goes to Vicky from the builders yard, who kept account of the donations, Babis for scaling my rough drawing into the computer, Helen for her patience to details of the scaled drawing, and Vangelis for preparing the base of the archway.

Finally, and importantly, thanks to our skilled smithy, Andonis, who overcame the inevitable snags of remaking a gate in size and style to fit its new position and purpose.

Quite a team effort!

Guest blog by Sappho Lauder and Simon Elton

Looking back on our time on Skopelos, what has struck us most is the warmth and generosity of the locals who have welcomed us with open arms. There's Sofie who has given up her time to show us some of the hidden secrets of the island

Our host, Elena, has given us delicious pots of homemade orange marmalade and plum jam, as well as an abundance of fruit and vegetables from her garden, and fresh eggs "για το μωρό", from the farmer next door.

Filios, from the incredible Rosemary cafe, always has time to stop and chat to us - and squeeze Raphael's cheeks - while his mother cooks up a storm in kitchen, including some of the best pies on the island!

Florian from the amazing Linarakia taverna in Panormos remembered us from when we got married on Skopelos two years ago and was so excited to see us return with our son! He always ensures there's a table for us, and goes out of his way to try and secure us sun beds in the shade.

Even the bakery, fruit and veg shop and butchers in town have made us feel incredibly welcome, and at home, by offering Raphael free bananas, knowing our regular coffee orders and helping out with our Greek when we get stuck!

We hope that when (because it will be a "when") we return to Skopelos we get to know even more of this beautiful island and the people who live, work and call Skopelos their home.

From the time Oregano is harvested to the final stage of processing to make it ready for use in the kitchen some months have gone by. The harvest begins in June, after the herb has just flowered. I prefer mine later in the summer, when it has soaked up the sun and the heat of the summer.

Skopelos is a green island abundant with beautiful wild flowers in the spring months, especially the month of May. August, the last month of the summer, is a month when fruit ripens, herbs are dried and preparations are made for the coming harvest of almonds and olives. Flowers, as we are accustomed to see them in Spring, become hard to find.

I was asked if I would take on a wild flower assignment for a wedding at the end of August. It was the challenge of it that made me accept the offer. In the past I have done late summer arrangements but only on small scale. This was to be for a formal event.

I looked closely at what was flowering or ripening which could be used for the arrangements. Nature is generous and has beautiful shapes and shades of colours in stock, albeit not all suitable for my purpose! I settled for myrtle boughs complete with berries, sage boughs, monks pepper blooms, flowering samphire, wild carrot blooms, flowering fennel, peppermint and sea lavender. My lucky find was a black pomegranate which made my arrangements complete, as it symbolises fertility and abundance as well as being attractive in appearance.

For more information on the wild flowers of Skopelos see Sue Warren,s blog

wildflowersofskopelos.org.uk/

Around festivals such as 15 August, Easter, Christmas and other major religious holidays, I whitewash the steps leading to the front entrance of 39steps and to the rear courtyard.

On these days I can be sure that my neighbours at the top lane will not allow water to cascade down the steps and spoil my work.

They wash the street and water the potted plants in front of their house well ahead of my work, which then allows the whitewashed steps to dazzle, keeping our neighbourhood attractive

Skopelos Old Town neighbourhood spirit...!