The Cook and The Gardener: WEEK 2 AND 3

Greetings to you all, and I hope your weather is not as bad as ours. We are still waiting for the rain to stop - although we have had a few lovely days today is bleak and cold again with the promise of more to come, straight off the Arctic Circle. I guess the good news is that the drought has been officially cancelled.

We have had fun exploring more small villages and new areas that we have not been to. Last year there was a documentary on a village in Shropshire called Ludlow. It was highlighted as the most successful village in England as it had no empty shops, successful markets and no unemployment. Thought we needed to check it out so took a drive last week. The country side is just gorgeous - much more rolling and hilly and has more dairy farms rather than so much cropping like around Knightcote. Stopped for coffee along the way at a gorgeous cafe/deli/fishery/butchery /wine shop in a small settlement called Ombersely. Was jammed packed with gorgeous preserves, chutneys and the like. Like all small places here it has a huge Church with large graveyard.

Ludlow is famous for geological research and the museum has fossils of plants and animals that are some of the oldest known. The town has lots of Georgian half timbered Tudor Buildings. The most notable of these is the Feathers Pub which has a really ornate facade. The name comes from the industry of arrow making which was a huge industry here. There is also a ruined castle built in 1086, but damaged in the civil war. Prince Arthur, King Henry VIII eldest brother died in Ludlow and his heart is buried in the Church here.

We had to meet with the letting agent who is arranging visits to the property here. His company - Loyd and Townsend Rose arrange holidays for the wealthy across the globe. Their website www.ltr.co.uk is worth checking out. Most of their properties are vast with clients spending tens of thousands of pounds a week. We feel quite humbled being part of their offerings as some of their places are 40 roomed castles with seating at dinner for up to 200. Quite magnificent. However we have a confirmed booking for an American family in July. There is some lovely photos on the web site of this place. It is listed as Knight Farm.

Had another wonderful afternoon with the Hills last Saturday. Their bosses were out of town and as they have now bought a car and can get about, they came across to Banbury and then onto Knighcote. Had many laughs once again comparing notes.

Looking forward to our next Kiwi visitors - Carol and Graham King who will be with us from the 25 for a few nights and then Michelle McDonnell will be here and we are going to check out some famous gardens together.

Hope you are all behaving - Debbie Clarke sent me a gorgeous photo of the autumn splendor of the trees up our drive way. Made me quite homesick. Anyhow - love hearing from you all so keep emails coming.