22^nd  January 2017

Dear All,

It was - 6°C last night and the coldest in a week of frosts. I have started some germination tests in the homemade propagator this week and ordered seed from a couple of companies and been given some from a third so the despite the scene outside the new growing season is underway.

This Morning

The Propagator

The car also responded to the weather with a flat battery on Monday, but recovered after rapid charging.

“Just Vegetating” this week covered “Alliums” and the enthusiasm seems to be maintained.

“60s Music” was “British 60’s Girl Singers”. We were told that four girls – Sandie Shaw, Lulu, Dusty Springfield and Cilla Black scored nearly 60 top 40 UK hits between 1963 and 1970. A whole raft of others including Petula Clark, Helen Shapiro, Clodagh Rodgers, Jackie Trent, Mary Hopkin and Marianne Faithful also enjoyed success.

Our Thursday walk this week started from Brinkley, south of Newmarket and took in Burrough Green, Stetchworth and part of the Stour Valley Path. It was frozen underfoot for most of the time and the sun poked out intermittently.

Icy Sheep

Stour Valley Path

On Friday I missed “Biographies” as I had to address the “Sandringham Disabled Gardeners Club” – a round trip of over 100 miles but they were a decent audience. Kate accompanied me to share the driving. Sadly HRH didn’ t make it as she was tired after attending the WI the night before!

In the evening were amongst the guests at Over Day Centre Volunteers meal; we evidently qualify due to the quiz we present. There was a good atmosphere but they are going to have serious fund raising challenges as they have lost £40K from their council grant.

Yesterday was “Lego Morning” at chapel. This replaced Messy Church and is gradually gaining momentum with 35 children and parents present.

Lego Session

Football watching was a tad chilly yesterday but we watched a good top of the table game which ended Great Shelford 3 v 3 Eaton Socon.

Kate starts radiotherapy on the 2^nd February for 3 weeks.

Love

Mike & Kate