Farm open Sunday was a resounding success again as we joined forces with Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour. Fergus and the lads took a lot of farm machinery to the parlour for the general public to look around.
The day was incredibly busy, but it always amazes me how many people don’t have a clue how the food they eat is produced or even where it comes from. Having said that, the equipment seemed to generate a lot of interest, and with Ted explaining each piece of kit they seemed genuinely fascinated.
Friday 13 June was a beautiful day with blazing temperatures until… 10.30pm, when we had the most beautiful lightning storm lighting up the whole of the countryside.
This light display continued for approximately 90 minutes and then the first crack of thunder was heard in the distance. This quickly erupted into a full-blown thunderstorm with a torrential downpour. The poor drains just couldn’t keep up with the pace at which the rain was falling, and most roads resembled running rivers.
Basement flats in Dover had water to the roof, cars were moved into the middle of the road (district council traffic wardens had the bright idea of issuing parking tickets to abandoned cars the following morning, showing absolutely no common sense at all) and the bottom of our drive did an amazing impression of looking like a stony beach. Sixty millimetres of rain in around half an hour was an inordinate amount. On the plus side, it would appear that we had no crop damage, and the maize is looking pretty well after having a good drink.
At the end of June, we hosted a Grassland Group farm tour and barbecue. It was a pleasure to spend time with like-minded people who are all striving to achieve the same goal and it was a well-attended meeting.
As we start to turn our mind to harvest, baling, carting etc, the boys have been making sure all our farm implements, including tractors, are all above board when it comes to being road legal. I have been through all the first aid equipment and purchased new plasters etc (I didn’t know a bandage could have a ‘use by’ date. I’m still not sure why?) All lights, brakes etc have been checked and sorted out if necessary.
We also had some exciting news this month. Zara has been long-listed for the Junior European Championships in eventing to be held in Stzegom, Poland at the end of August. Fingers crossed for the final trial. I think it’s an amazing achievement to get this far with all the hard work and determination that she puts into the sport.
Our red Labrador also gave birth to some scrumptious puppies this week – another piece of good news.
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