Last time I wrote my news, I remember talking about how the rain is making work on the farms extremely difficult. Unfortunately, this is still the case. Although the sun has made an appearance, the ground is still wet. Though conditions haven’t been on our side, we have still needed to access the fields to work and as they dry out, large ruts are forming. There’s no doubt that this year’s harvest is going to be hard, but that is farming.

Our sunflower fields have too been planted and now the wait is on for them to bloom later in the summer. The drainage in the field is good in parts, so the seeds are taking and growing well. Fingers crossed for some continual good weather to help the growing progress. Each year, we open up our sunflower fields for visitors to wander at their leisure. No entry fee is charged but instead, we partner with a charity and ask for donations. This year, we asked our staff to put forward suggestions for a charity partner. Following the suggestions, the board have chosen Touchstones Child Bereavement Support to be the charity we raise money for this year. Touchstones work with bereaved children and young children in North East Worcestershire, offering invaluable support in very difficult times. You can find out more about our sunflower fields and Touchstones here.

As you all know, I have my helicopter flying licence and take trips where I can. I have been lucky enough recently to have access to a new helicopter. Each helicopter is allocated a call sign and as the main pilot, it was up to me to choose. Each call sign begins with the letter G and is followed by a further four letters. Of course, I thought it would be fun to name it after myself and therefore put forward “G-MRSB”, for Mr S B. It was a proud moment, and one that I was happy to share with my friends. They quickly pointed out to me that, to them, it reads as “Mrs B”. Needless to say, Jenny is very pleased!

Last month, I was invited to London to experience Blind Eating, which truly was fascinating. The waiters and waitresses are all blind but know their way intimately around the restaurant. The Restaurant is in complete darkness, so you’re led to your table by touching shoulders with the person in front of you. You really do rely on your hands to feel for your food and cutlery – who knew that your finger would become a measure for pouring wine to stop the glass overflowing! Although it’s not an experience I’d repeat, I am pleased I did it and it’s another experience ticked off the bucket list! We stopped overnight in London, so of course, did some sight-seeing whilst there. The view of the Elizabeth Tower overlooking the river at night really is sensational.

Most recently, I took a trip to Seville as I was given tickets to an ACDC concert which I thought is a trip that I should partake in. If I could only describe the concert with one word, it would be LOUD! In fact, it was that loud that when we left my ribs were still vibrating. Having said that, it was a great experience, and it was inspiring to see people in their 70’s having so much fun and putting on a fantastic show. Seville really is a beautiful city, with many sights to see and wonderful food.

Whilst in Spain, we stopped off at Alhaurin de la Torre. My grandfather, Albert, who brought the Beckett family business to Wythall in 1939 retired here some 60 years ago. My grandfather is now buried in a cemetery over there, which is very peaceful. As the 3rd generation of this family business, headed up by him all those years ago, I like to take the time to pay my respects and visit his burial place when I can.

At the beginning of June, our Restaurant team launched a new menu. All our long-standing favourites are firmly in place, but moving with the times, new breakfast and lunch items have been added. You can view our new menu and book a table online here.

For us Brits, BBQs just have to happen come rain or shine now and so our Farm Shop team are all steam ahead with stocking the counters will plenty of essentials. Handmade burgers, marinated chicken skewers, freshly baked bread rolls and crisp salad produce are available in abundance right now.

Whether you’re needing to pick up some BBQ essentials from our Farm Shop, plan to visit our Sunflower Fields over the summer, or fancy trying our new Restaurant Menu, I hope to welcome you to Becketts Farm soon.

Until next time.

S.B