A week celebrating the great outdoors
Last week, we were delighted to welcome Prisca Furlong, a landscape gardener who is knowledgeable in the history of gardening, in particular, the gardens and parklands of estates.
Prisca has worked extensively researching at Revesby Abbey and is going to assist us in restoring the gardens at the Rectory. She is keen to work with nature rather than against it unlike some of her eminent predecessors such as our own William Kent and his pupil Capability Brown. Prisca also has a love of Japanese gardening and its ability to offer tranquil, meditative areas for contemplation and relaxation. She intends to call on the Japanese influence on the Arts and Crafts Movement at the turn of the 20th century to help create a garden of the 1900s.The terracing at the Rectory, which leads the eye to the most idyllic views of the Lincolnshire Wolds, will be an exciting project that she is looking forward to getting her fork into! She hopes to incorporate a croquet lawn at the Rectory as she remembers one from her visit to a Tea Party back in 2000. Pergolas and promenades might be features as well as a classical labyrinth through a wildflower meadow.
Elsewhere on the Estate, the farmers have been incredibly busy getting the harvest in. The dry weather has meant that they have been able to have a good run at this and it is important to ensure that harvested crops are neither damp nor humid as this can lead to mould and rot when stored. Whilst the farmers would have preferred more rain to assist growth, crop yields should be ok. Straw yields are good but vining peas have had a tough season. We are looking to start drilling our oilseed rape soon and John Crutchley, our Herd Manager, is keen to sow some fields with a mixture of seed that will provide nutritious fodder for our own Lincoln Red Herd.
Preparations are well on their way now for our Beef and Bike Night on Thursday 16 August. Leanne Winn, our Events Manager, has been busy organising the marquee, posh loos, refreshments (including the Estate’s Lincoln Red Beef sausages) and band, so all we need now is the summer weather to continue. We have taken on board comments from last year and there will be plenty of food on sale as well as more non-alcoholic drinks including tea and coffee.
It will be a great way to celebrate the beginning of the Bennetts British Superbike weekend at Cadwell Park. We think it will have a bumper attendance this year -with the practice sessions starting on Friday 17th August, qualifying on the Saturday and the main races on Sunday 19th August. Road signs are already up detailing arrangements for the Sunday as traffic congestion could be likely and routes are being advised for entry to this hugely popular event. The Cadwell racetrack is nationally renowned, especially for its infamous ‘Mountain’ section, which riders usually tackle airborne!
Would you be interested in finding out more about South Ormsby’s past? We currently have 17 possible volunteers attending the Layers of History Recruitment Day in the New Room at the Hall on Tuesday 14th August. It will be great to have a dedicated team who will hopefully uncover new elements of South Ormsby’s historical past. If you are interested in joining in, please contact Heritage Lincolnshire on 01529 461 499.
