WOW it's been a funny old week!
On Wednesday evening of last week (18th June) while planning to water our garden baskets, I sat for a moment contemplating a few small plants I had left over, pondering where to place them. I decided in a pot by our small fish pond. Rising from the chair I lost my balance completely and fell headfirst into the pond!!!!!!
A frightening experience for an 83 year old as I was underwater facing down and in that matter of a few seconds, thought I would drown!
Somehow I managed to turn over onto my back and feeling very stupid wondered how I would get out!
Being one of these creatures who always has my mobile phone in my pocket, and fortunately not very wet and working, I rang my wife who was sitting indoors obliviously watching TV. " Help, I've fallen over, in the pond" - she heard the fallen over bit, but not the pond bit!
A few moments later she arrived at the back door, stood on the top step and seeing me sitting 'forlornly' in the pond, started laughing!
I don't know what your laughing at I roared, I could have been drowned!!!!
Friends know I have been suffering with mobility for some time, unsteady at times and I had no idea how to get out! So my wife rang our friendly neighbours and they came round and pulled me out and sat me on a wooden chair wet and very despondent. But not before trying to 'smother laughter' -
Ten days later and I am still feeling the aches and pains!
I had been planning to visit the BIFGA Summer Walk taking place at Gaskains at Selling in East Kent on this Thursday which included a visit to Domaine Evremond which produces sparkling wines crafted by the Taittinger family.
My thanks to Peter Breach for sending me pictures from the evening's event enabling me to cover what was clearly a very informative and enjoyable occasion!
THE 2025 BIFGA SUMMER FARM WALK ON THURSDAY 26TH JUNE 2025
Below: Presentations were made in the space between cold stores by BIFGA Chairman John Breach and guest speakers
Below: Mark Gaskain
This annual event was held at Gaskains Ltd @ Selling in Kent by kind permission of Mark Gaskain.
This was a rare opportunity to visit one of the UK's leading top-fruit farms (producing apples, pears, plums, and now grapes on behalf of Domaine Evremond); coupled with a visit to some vineyards, and the nearby new winery, Domaine Evremond which produces sparkling wines crafted by the Taittinger family.
PROGRAMME
4.00pm Presentations from:
Gullands Solicitors - The Commercial and Corporate team at Gullands Solicitors will provide an update on some of the legal issues around moving towards a more diversified farming business and getting business structures right to secure the business and maximise its future potential. Also, succession planning and ensuring the business structure is fit for purpose on handover to the next generation or exit.
Opportunity to chat about the issues and ask questions during the walk.
Nigel Bardsley - Supporting the National Fruit Show, 5th November 2025.
James Simpson, British Apples and Pears Ltd - Update.
5.00pm Tour of some orchards, including Gala, Braeburn, and Conference.
Below: left. Mark Gaskain addressing attendees and right. Conference Pear orchard
5.45pm Proceed in cars (doubling-up) to visit the Domaine Evremond Winery, and enjoy some
spectacular views of the nearby vineyards.
Below: A chance to taste the produce! and a view of Domaine Evremond and 'Classic Cuvee'
Click on Domaine Evremond for a complete overview and Video of Domaine Evremond at Chilham
6.45pm Return to the Top Stores for Supper: Texas-style beef brisket bap (vegetarian option available);
followed by apple pie and cream.
The cost of the visit (which is open to non-members) including supper, will be just £15.00 per person.
The BIFGA General Committee is looking forward to welcoming: members; non-members; and, special
guests, to this event. If you would like to join us, please complete the attached form and return (or scan
and email) it to the BIFGA Secretary, with your remittance, by no later than Wednesday 18th June 2025.
BIFGA would like to acknowledge the generous support being given towards this event by:
Gullands Solicitors, 16 Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6XT
We are now well into the new UK Cherry Harvest. The first usually ripen in East Kent followed quickly by the rest of Kent.
The English Apple Man tends to get his first cherries from my friend Michael Dallaway who grows in Northiam and Sandhurst in West Kent.
Below: left. Dallaway Cherry stall at Sandhurst and right cherries on display
Cherries are everywhere now, roadside stalls and several PYO cherries open since 21st June
Click on: Michael Dallaway Cherries
That is all for this week, my apologies for the late publication (2pm Saturday)
Take care
The English Apple Man