17th March 2019

Dear All,

Thank you for cards, presents, good wishes for my birthday – it is amazing how often they come round. We had a meal for 10 in St Ives last night including, eventually, Duncan & Sue Colquhoun who phoned up from Ely to say that they couldn’t find us!

Today we have travelled down to Brentwood to watch Ben scorch round a half marathon in 1 hour 41 minutes and share a meal with Esther and Emma.

Near the tape

The week did not start well as we turned up at Impington Monday morning to find the pool closed due to a chemical problem. Later we drove to Kentford near Newmarket, to pick up some vegetable seed promised for Moldova from Mr Fothergill’s. In fact they donated over 1000 packets of seed.

Tuesday’s “Wicken Fen” covered the various community projects that they have in hand. Next week we have a visit and conducted tour. I was at Shelford Garden Club in the evening talking about “Potatoes”.

Another batch of seed arrived on Wednesday this time from Hazera and in the evening Graham rang to inform us that Mary had a successful hole in the heart operation and indeed she was home the next day. Meanwhile David was unable to go on holiday due to an unpromising combination of a jippy tummy and a long coach journey!

Our Thursday walk was some way off at Shillington beyond Hitchin. It was tough going with rain and wind gusting up to 40mph. I also suffered a funny turn with a migraine.

Shillington church

Damp walker

Mistletoe at Wrest Park

Wind shelter

Near Shillington

“Biographies” subject was “Clement Atlee” the PM with the smallest ego of any so far but with a knack for being in the right place at the right time and good at spotting talent and delegation.

Over performed well 2 v 0 against Hundon in a very strong wind yesterday which made it difficult standing still on the touchline!

Love

Mike & Kate