An historic week; not an easy one to make a fair comment on. The funeral of our first woman Prime Minister and the longest serving Premier in the 20th Century has certainly 'stirred the emotions' of the UK population!
This week, The English Apple Man has been 'sidelined' with a bad back; many years of exuberant physical involvement on the farm, and sporting action has left my joints in poor condition. Fortunately I have been consulting my Osteopath for 30+ years and he has always managed to sort out my problems. This time however the damage is a little more intense and combination of strong pain killers and further consultations will be required before I am back to normal!
As a result, getting out and about is very difficult, so this week's Journal will be a little more varied than usual.
Current affairs strongly influence my thoughts and the passing of Lady Thatcher has triggered my brain cells regarding an interesting story.
In my youth I played football for my village, and among my team mates was a very good friend. Andrew Rutherford was our right winger in those far off halcyon days and with a rapid turn of speed and excellent close control, an integral member of our very successful team.
In the late 1960's as I settled into a role on our family fruit farm, Andrew was developing a career in the advertising world with Saatchi & Saatchi.
As the preparation's for the 1979 Election progressed, Andrew was the brain behind the election poster which in reflection many feel won the Election for Margaret Thatcher.
Thirty years ago The LABOUR ISN'T WORKING poster clearly struck a nerve with millions of voters who were alarmed by the endless union strikes, the closures of factories and the decline of traditional industries like car manufacturing, steel and shipbuilding.
Below a quote from the World Wide Web:
The famous "Labour isn't working" ad was not written by Charles Saatchi, as is often believed. It was the work of a young copywriter named Andrew Rutherford, later the "R" in the agency WCRS. Charles rejected the ad, but Rutherford secretly re-inserted it into the presentation to Margaret Thatcher, then leader of the Opposition.
Thatcher was never easy to present to, and when she was shown the "Labour isn't working" poster, she stopped them. She gazed at it for some time, then exclaimed "wonderful".
The poster ran in August 1978, a critical time for the Government of Jim Callaghan, who was deciding whether to call an election for October. The ad created an immediate sensation. In the middle of the silly season, the media seized on it as the topic of the day. Government ministers hit the roof.
The poster panicked the Callaghan Government, and especially Denis Healey, into attacking it bitterly in Parliament.
This attack aroused a storm of publicity around the poster - and Saatchi and Saatchi - which merely drew attention to the poster's message that Labour wasn't working. In 1999 the poster was voted 'Poster of the Century' by a panel of respected journalists and advertising experts.
During 1979, Andrew left Saatchi & Saatchi to link up with some of the best brains in advertising (in their fields of expertise) to form WCRS Agency; "White, Collins, Rutherford, Scott".
Can you stretch your memory back to 1984 when a man in a bowler hat walked unfunnily through a glass revolving door that had refused admittance to others?
'I bet he drinks Carling Black Label', said a wooden-faced commissionaire explaining this stilted event.
That was another product of Andrew's fertile brain!
Back to my World of Horticulture.
On Tuesday morning, The English Apple Man intended to join many influential members of the fruit growing fraternity at East Malling for an important event in the Centenary Calendar of East Malling Research.
Innovation for the Horticulture Industry.
This half-day conference, was attended by HRH The Princess Royal, and highlighted the role of science in driving sustainable solutions for the horticulture industry. The prime objective, to improve productivity, growth and competitive edge, and to add value.
Speakers from science funding bodies, the horticulture industry and the science community offered their perspectives; this opportunity to discuss the latest developments and the benefits of early adoption of innovation.
In addition, East Malling Research, showcased its new science direction and host of new science talent.
BELOW - The Official Press Release from East Malling Research.
HRH The Princess Royal marks 100 years of scientific excellence at East Malling Research
16 April 2013 For immediate release.
HRH The Princess Royal, visited East Malling Research today, to mark the 100th Anniversary of scientific excellence and innovation at the Kent-based site.
HRH attended a conference, "Innovation in the horticultural industry", before touring the research facilities to hear about the development of new fruit varieties.
"It has been a huge honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to East Malling Research at this very special event," commented EMR Chief Executive Professor Peter Gregory. He added, "This is our first public event to mark the Centenary of scientific progress and innovation here at East Malling.
From its inception on 1 March 1913, East Malling has focussed on the research needs of the fruit-growing industry and provided the consumer with greater choice, year-round supply, and an ability to produce fruit at home in small modern gardens. The scientific achievements from EMR have shaped the UK countryside and the way that fruit is grown throughout the world."
In its Centenary year EMR is committed to rising to the 'Food Security' challenge that will see a global population heading towards 10 billion people in the next 35 years, an increasing affluence of that population which means that they eater a richer diet including more meat. Significant issues, such as climate change and variability, issues of water and energy security, pressures on land use and environmental considerations will also demand that food production will need to keep abreast of all future scientific innovations.
HRH The Princess Royal last visited the research centre, owned by the East Malling Trust, in 1988 when she planted a Manna Ash to mark the site's 75th Anniversary.
Today, HRH planted a Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda' to mark EMR's Centenary.
HRH The Princess Royal is assisted by Will Sibley - Chairman of The East Malling Trustees.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME - INNOVATION for the HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
The morning Conference outlined the progress EMR is making in Horticultural Innovation and the appointment of 10 new research personnel at EMR.
Welcome: Marion Regan - Hugh Lowe Farms.
Introduction: Professor Peter Gregory - Chief Executive, EMR.
Technical innovation in the market-place: Richard Harnden - Director of Research, BerryGardens.
Science for the future: Dr Mark Else - EMR Programme Leader.
Innovation through collaboration:
The vision of the Technology Strategy Board: Calum Murray - TSB Lead Technologist.
Widening the crop protection armoury: Professor Jerry Cross - EMR, Programme Leader
Food Advanced Training Partnerships (Food ATPS): Dr Richard Frazier - Director of the Food ATP - Reading University.
The new generation of plant scientists at East Malling Research:10 x 1 minute biographies.
Closing remarks: Marion Regan.
BELOW; Press Release; Biographies of new science posts.
EMR appoints 10 science posts to address future challenges
16 April 2013 - For immediate release
East Malling Research (EMR) has further strengthened its scientific capabilities following the appointment over the past 18 months of ten new research staff.
The appointments, made with the substantial support of the East Malling Trust, have broadened the scientific capability of EMR and, crucially, will push forward the boundaries of knowledge in a range of topics crucial to horticultural industries.
"As a scientist, I firmly believe that many of the biggest steps to commercial innovation come about as a consequence of undertaking science that explores the boundaries of human knowledge," commented EMR Chief Executive Professor Peter Gregory. He added, "Since I arrived at East Malling two years ago we have worked with the Trust to employ a new cadre of scientists who will bring in latest techniques to help further many of the challenges facing the horticultural industry as we address the food security issues of tomorrow."
The ten new arrivals are Dr Gerard Bishop, a specialist in post-harvest biochemistry; Dr Edward Dobbs, molecular biologist; Dr Carole Wagstaff, a post-harvest specialist; Dr Richard Harrison, a molecular geneticist; Dr Emma Skipper, food-chain physiologist; Dr Laura Lewis, pathology geneticist; Dr Nichola Harrison, root molecular biologist; Dr Alessandra Traini a bioinformatician; Dr Robert Savillle, plant pathologist, and Dr Eleftheria Stavridou, a plant nutritionist.
Additionally an announcement about The Malling Collection of Varieties was made.
EMR launches 'The Malling Collection' of varieties.
16 April 2013 - For immediate release.
East Malling Research (EMR) has today, launched 'The Malling Collection' of varieties at an industry conference attended by HRH The Princess Royal.
'The Malling Collection' comprises all EMR varieties released since 1988, when Her Royal Highness last visited East Malling, which are currently in commercial use.
"I am delighted to launch 'The Malling Collection' of varieties today. The varietal development activities we are undertaking here at East Malling are vital as we help growers to innovate, stay profitable and meet consumer demand for a range of perennial crops," said EMR Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory. He added, "I am of the opinion, as is common in the industry, that EMR should be making much more of the 'Malling' name - it is a great asset. In future, the 'Malling' name will be included in all varietal releases as EMR seeks to raise the awareness of industry and consumers as to where their food comes from.
The Malling Collection currently comprises 51 varieties released from East Malling including strawberry, raspberry, hops, rootstocks, ornamentals, bush and stone fruit. The Collection will change as new varieties are released and supersede older favourites.
Following the launch of The Malling Collection today, EMR will be developing further media interest including a website to coincide with Fruit Focus in July.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness attended part of the Conference programme before visiting the Strawberry development greenhouses, where Adam Whitehouse explained the mechanics of breeding new varieties.
.jpg "Adam Whitehouse explains Strawberry breeding techniques to HRH The Princess Royal")
HRH The Princess Royal 'cross pollinating' Strawberry flowers.
.jpg "HRH The Princess Royal 'cross pollinating' strawberry flowers.")
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE ORCHARDS?
The weather has been warmer, and plant life is on the move; apples are still slow to move and generally still at the 'Mouse Ear stage.
Discussing the progress with an Agronomist friend on Wednesday, his feeling is the soil has not warmed up much and until it does, bud development will continue slowly.
As it stands, the season is running about 2 - 3 weeks late.
BRADBOURNE HOUSE AND GARDENS TO OPEN FOR CHARITY
28 April 2013 from 2-5pm
The East Malling Trust, owners of Bradbourne House are offering one of the few opportunities in 2013 for the public to view this splendid Grade 1 listed house and its grounds, including the Hatton Fruit Garden. This is the 33rd year that the Hatton Garden has been opened for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
The predominant feature of the Hatton Fruit Garden, inspired by the fruit plantings in Louis XIV kitchen garden at Versailles, is the use of pruning and training to achieve the widest range of fruit tree forms in the country. It includes cordons, pyramids and espaliers and variants of these basic forms: oblique and vertical cordons, cordon arches, double 'U' cordons, step-over, goblet, crown, arcure, le bateau, winged pyramid.
In fact, 25 different training methods are on display. In addition, there are examples of 47 varieties of apple, 28 varieties of pear and individuals of medlar, nectarine, peach and fig.
Experts from nearby world-renowned East Malling Research, which is celebrating its centenary in 2013, will be on hand to give advice on how to create these forms.
Originally planted in 1945, the garden was established to show the economic use of ground, without over-crowding. Although selective tree removal and replanting has occurred, many examples of the original remain. The garden continues to evolve and recent plantings will help to demonstrate how the different tree forms are produced. New plantings of apples include examples of varieties produced by the breeders at East Malling Research.
The Hatton Garden is also now a venue for short courses on pruning offered by East Malling Short Courses
Bradbourne House displays excellent examples of Queen Anne period architecture disguising an original Tudor period house, with fine rooms, halls, staircases and a unique collection of watercolours and portraits.
The Mid-Kent Beekeepers are planning to supply attractions for visitors including apiary visits, candle rolling, candle dipping and honey sales.
There will also be science exhibits, plant and produce sales and refreshments.
All gate receipts and contributions from plant and produce sales are donated to the NGS and many thousands of pounds have been raised to benefit its charities over the years.
Admission £3.50. Children (under 16) free.
Entrance on New Road, East Malling, Kent off the A20.
For more information, please contact:
Ursula Twomey, Telephone 01732 843833
e-mail;ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk
For more information on Bradbourne House and Gardens
For more information on the National Gardens Scheme,
Below - Photographs of Hatton Fruit Garden
The English Apple Man extends a sincere 'Thank You' to Dr. Ursula Twoomey - Communications Manager at East Malling Research for supplying information and pictures from HRH The Princess Royal's visit to EMR on Tuesday 16th April.
'Crossing my fingers' that my back improves over the weekend, as the BIFGA Spring Orchard Walk is scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon at HOWT Farm Bobbing in North Kent.
Take care................
The English Apple Man