12th September 2010

12th September 2010.

Dear All,

We have been entertaining today hence the late delivery of this bulletin. Geoff and Doreen Barnes are staying at a remote cottage in the back lanes of Cottenham Fen for a week and as they cannot drive have needed ferrying as well as entertaining. They have been here all day and we also invited Mary Watts and the Kitsons for lunch.
My allocation of U3A classes came this week. Last year I applied for 5 and due to over demand only got on 2; this year I thought I would apply for 6 hoping for 3 but have been offered 5! These are:
1. The Past, Present and Future of Cambridge
2. Astronomy
3. Maps in the Digital Age
4. Family Genes
5. Walking (again)

As I was not planning to go back to full time education I have dropped “Family Genes” so will only be involved for 4 days!
Feeling fit I actually went for a run on Monday but I don’t think it will last.
It was the start of the Garden Club sessions this week and I was at Coton on Monday talking about “Oriental Vegetables”.
Tuesday we held a Sweet Corn open day at NIAB – pity none of you are close enough to benefit!

Sweet Corn Trial

Kate joined the walkers on Thursday as we finished the “Stour Valley Way” from Stoke by Nayland to Cattawade. This was probably the best section passing through Dedham and Flatford in sunshine.

Stour near Flatford

Flatford Field Study Centre

On Friday I helped collect 70 bags of Ongar loam ready for the cricket pitch winter treatment this week – not a bad trade selling 25kg bags for £4 a throw.
I was judging again Saturday this time at Great Shelford. The standard was better than the previous week but the number of entries down due to the earlier drought.

Large Onion Class

Kids Animal from Veg Class

I finished reading “Troubles” by J.G. Farrell this week and we watched “The Bicycle Thieves” on DVD last night – both are recommended, has any experienced either of these?

Love

Mike & Kate