With the summer now drawing to a close, it’s safe to say that our sunflower fields have been very popular over the past few weeks. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your generosity in donating to Touchstones. At the time of writing this, we are close to reaching a total of £4000 and look forward to sharing the grand total with you soon.
For those still planning to visit, the field adjacent to the A435 is still open. The main sunflower field has now closed. The farm team will soon be spreading farmyard manure, before ploughing the field in preparation of growing the sunflowers again next year.

Although many farmers have now adopted more efficient methods to ploughing, it is nice to see that this farming method is still carried forward in the community. The Wythall Young Farmers annual ploughing match took place last Sunday, which saw 41 ploughmen take to the field. It really is great to see this tradition staying with us.

At the end of August, I visited Salon Privé, a classic and supercars event at Blenheim Palace. I flew down to Blenheim Palace, which is an experience in itself and something I never thought I’d do. To top this off, the range of cars on display was spectacular. This Aston Martin especially caught my eye, but with a price tag of £2.6 million I most certainly didn’t place an order!

 

Each year I enjoy hosting a fireworks party for family and friends, so I took the opportunity to go to the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth. Starting as soon as it is dark enough, fireworks light the sky over the harbor and are judged for the best display. Whilst there, we enjoyed a glorious seafood platter and bottle of Chablis in a fish and chip restaurant. I’d argue that the best seafood is always by the coast.

 

50 years ago, I was a cast member in the Gilbert and Sullivan operatic play “Patience”. I played the role of Archibold Grosvenor, an idyllic poet. After finding out there was a Gilbert and Sullivan extravaganza happening in Buxton recently and that Patience would be playing, I decided to go. It was a great evening, with many happy memories of 50 years gone by.

 

Most recently, I was invited to a polo match. I’ve never been before so thought it’d be a great opportunity. As portrayed in Pretty Woman, I was pleased to witness that the stomping of the divots is a real thing!

 

 

At home, my cooking continues and I’m certain I’ve now mastered my apple tarte tatin. It always goes down well at dinner parties, especially with the colder nights drawing in. Apples are at the peak of their season now, so it’s a great time to give it a go. You’ll find plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables at our Greengrocers for your home cooking.