11^th September 2016

Dear All,

On Wednesday Kate and I went to Moggerhanger to see “Charming China” a photographic presentation organised by John Law. There were over 300 large photos mostly displayed outdoors in the walled gardens. It was very good and is on until the end of the month. John is heavily involved with Moggerhanger but it is far from easy and as yet, not very profitable. He lost most of his strawberries and raspberries with vine weevil and is now concentrating on tall Bearded Irises having taken on a National Collection.

Part of Outdoor Display

Indoor Section

Ancient Potting Shed

Sample Pictures

Iris Empire

Thursday saw us walking from Arrington via Whaddon, Orwell and Wimpole Hall. It was still shirtsleeves and good going and Wimpole is always interesting.

Break

Wimpole Estate Building

Friday was car MOT and service day. When we bought the car we also paid for a warrantee scheme covering unforeseen expenses with these operations for 3 years. In retrospect it was a mistake as Marshalls garage is on the edge of Cambridge and the choice is a long wait or a bus trip into Cambridge to pass the time. I chose the latter and surveyed the Grafton Centre, Starbucks, the Sedgewick Museum and the Central Library.

On Monday we had a “Philip Briefing” for our forthcoming walking trip to Exmoor (we leave next Sunday). The briefing is part of the enjoyment as various options are laid out for walks and meals and menu options – you would never guess he was in the military!

Meanwhile I have been working on Joy Larkcom’s book revision which has so far involved receiving 32 emails – but the end is hopefully in sight!

The strawberry bed replanting took place this week and we are waiting for new raspberry canes.

Love

Mike & Kate