End of British Summer Time

Hello Everyone,

Well it happens every year…the end of summer time. We all enjoyed an extra hour in bed this morning or we got up very early, twiddled our thumbs and waited till our bodily clock said “time for breakfast”. 

I always thought the hour change was established to allow farmers to take advantage of lighter days or that school children would be safer walking to school in the lighter parts of the day. None of these are totally true. The full reason is from over 100 years ago when the clocks where changed to help conserve fuel during the First World War. I am not sure if this reason is relevant today. However, the idea that farmers can take advantage suits me…we now have to stop physical work earlier and eat at a sensible (or should I say normal) time in the evening. What does happen is, time is used more efficiently and becomes a more effective tool. During the whole year we constantly look at the weather, we now also look at the daylight time available and plan our days accordingly.

As this weeks picture shows, we have had glorious Autumnal days of blue sky, warm days and rich colours. Plenty of work has been completed in the outside growing areas

- A ditch along the whole length of the Orchard Field bed is working very well with water being captured before it is able to hit the growing area. 

- The surrounding fence has been secured and made good.

- Along the whole of the fencing, all the grass has been cut back for the winter months. This border is going to be lightly burnt to, hopefully, reduce weed and grass growth which tends to encroach on the vegetable growing area.

- Empty beds are now prepped and covered with weed suppressant fabric. This will remain as a cover for many, many months. Then, boom!, a clean and rested bed for growing new crops in.

There is little new news on the new project from this week. Bob is still having lots of meetings with various individuals regarding the services to the site. What I will say is the surrounding trees are providing an unbelievably stunning show of autumnal colours. This bodes well for the future, when patrons visit the restaurant and garden. 

Bob and I have always known we enjoy a charmed life. Not only in the life we have now but in our pre-farming life too. We enjoy this good life in the country and have known a busy city life. As we are ‘old’ we can safely say that each of us must take advantage of what life offers, this ensures a happy life. 

Today I have been reading about French city folk who are beginning to split their working time between the city and country. For part of the week they work in the city to earn money to have the means to live and then take to the country to tend land which offers a healthy sense of well-being and purpose. It would appear the two worlds of city and country are working together. (I read this on the BBC website if you wish to read more). They are taking advantage of the opportunity of both worlds and enjoying a more fulfilled life.

Enjoy your city or country time.

All have a great week,

 Ann👩🏻‍🌾