13th October 2013

13th October 2013.

Dear All,

Busy sort of week, Monday: swimming, replacing cement round upstairs windows, digging, deacons meeting.

Tuesday: the first session of “Just Vegetating” the U3A class we are teaching. It seemed to go quite well once we had come to terms with the facilities in Castle Hill Methodist church. The first session was on “Carrots & Parsnips”. I spoke on the history, importance, breeding aims, nutrient content, commercial growing and garden growing. Kate talked about recipes having brought some samples and encouraged exchange of favourites from the class.

Kate had an appointment at Addenbrookes in the afternoon re her foot. It was the usual frustrating experience involving copious waiting about but she has emerged with a date for an operation in November.

On Wednesday I went to the Lincolnshire Brassica Open Days together with David and Lawrie from our walking group. We managed to visit all five companies in the Kirton, Spalding area. One of them, Sakata, is celebrating 100 years and the first 100 visitors were given a large Spanish melon and a gift pack of useful (?) gadgets.

The demonstrations were very good considering the dry weather in Lincolnshire this summer and the severe pest pressure.

 Elsoms

  

Sakata

  

Nickerson

  

Rijk Zwaan

The Thursday walk started at Widdington,south of Saffron Walden and took in Henham and Hamperton. It was over 10 miles and the windiest walk we have experienced this year, but dry underfoot so a reasonable experience.

Friday was cricket pitch winter maintenance day. We managed to assemble a gang of 4 this year so it was not such hard work as last year when there was only two of us. We have to scarify, fertilize, seed and apply 50 bags of top soil. We just about managed it before the rain began.

On Saturday I returned the motor roller to it’s winter quarters at Cook’s Farm in the fens, then watched the first half of the top of the table clash between Over and Lakenheath. Over were winning 3v1 when I left but I gather it ended 3v3. I had to leave to attend Esther’s 40^th celebration meal near Margaretting. Ben, Mary-Ann, Andy and Amélie were all present so it was an enjoyable evening.

Love

Mike & Kate