WI Notes
The Ladies Circle joined the W.I. on 23rd June for our visit to Gifford's
Hall Vineyard and Sweet Pea Centre.
When in his mid 40s John Kemp decided to give up his career as a Fleet Street journalist and to concentrate on the things he liked doing most - gardening and wine making. He and his wife moved to Suffolk and bought Gifford's Hall with about three acres of land to start a small holding. Gradually they were able to buy more land and they now have a vineyard containing 9,000 grape vines, wild flower meadows, a rose garden, a sweet pea tunnel, Hebridean sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese.
Our tour began in the sweet pea tunnel to see rows and rows of flowers of beautiful colours, long stems and wonderful fragrance. We learned how to grow them to achieve the best results.
We were then taken for a tour of the vineyard on the "Grape Express" past the wild flower meadows where we heard about the very large variety of flowers John hopes to encourage in the future. After hearing about the types of grapes grown and the expected yield we went into the barn to see a video on a year's work in the vineyard and then had tastes of the various types of wine produced. We were offered four or five "tasters" so the drivers amongst us had to restrain themselves!
This was a very interesting evening and most of us travelled home with wine, sweet peas, eggs etc. bought from the little shop. Gifford's Hall is well worth a visit and is open daily from Easter to the end of September 11am to 6pm.
We had another night out on 21st July when we enjoyed our Summer Party in our President's garden in Burwell. The weather was perfect - just gently warm - and the food, provided by the members, was delicious. Pat and Keith had devised some quizzes to give our brains a bit of exercise, so altogether a most enjoyable evening. Thank you Pat and Keith.
Next month, on 18th August, the talk is entitled "Fresh Food Ideas". Maybe we shall learn some new recipes for next year's party! Village Hall, 7.30pm.
The day before that, on Sunday 17th August, we are having a coach trip to Houghton Hall in Norfolk.Cost of £18 includes coach fare and entry into the house and garden. There are still a few seats available. Contact Betty Fox.