3rd October 2010

3rd October 2010.

Dear All,

Kate and I were in Hutton yesterday helping Esther catch up with her garden: clearing and replanting the raised beds, tidying the greenhouse, digging the borders and filling holes in the lawn. The lawn is becoming like a petting zoo with rabbits, chickens and cats. Esther is off the Bulgaria in a couple of weeks to help with a project assessing people with learning difficulties.
On Friday John Law and myself travelled to St Pancras to meet up with Chris from Southampton who accompanied us on the last Moldova trip. It was my first good look at the refurbished St Pancras and I was very impressed.



St Pancras


John Betjeman and me

Kate joined the walkers on Thursday for a local trip from Elsworth via Knapwell, Childerley, Lolworth, Boxworth and Connington – only 9.5 miles this week! And fortunately the best weather of the week.
I visited an old NIAB colleague, Dick Knight on Wednesday as he wanted some onion data and examples for his gardening club at Bourne. He was with us when we visited W.E. Sherwell-Cooper’s garden at Arkley Manor many years ago. Sherwell-Cooper was gardening correspondent to the Christian Herald amongst many other journals and was used to accolades from admiring elderly ladies. Dick and I were a bit critical of a few aspects of his garden so he asked “What are your names?” Dick said “Knight” and I said “Day” so he turned on his heel and stalked off as he thought we were taking the mick!
Kate’s sister became a grandmother again this week as daughter Sue produced Alfie Thomas on Tuesday (as planned!) She is now converting to Catholisism to get here eldest into the local convent school!
Winter digging got underway this week and squash were all harvested for winter storage. Runner beans are still cropping and parsnips and carrots in full swing.
On Monday evening we had another meal out with some of the local walkers at the “George & Dragon” at Elsworth.
Ben has put some of his Madagascar photos onto Facebook, some examples are shown below.

Ben and local


Ben and wildlife



Local resident

Kate has just been heading up the catering for a post dedication lunch, last week’s dinner guests had Jonty dedicated this morning and brought about 30 guests with them.



Jonty

love

Mike & Kate