Red & BBs retirement home......

[huntergathereralex]

British Red, just out of curiosity, you must be quite close to the seashore, no? Are these the famous fens around The Wash? I'm a bit of a history/geography nut of the U.K. way back from my school days. Are you near Boston, or more near King's Lynn? I use a UK website called 'The British Coast in Maps', quite fun. It has been my dream when I retire(or win the lottery), and before I get too old, to hike large parts of the trails and footpaths of the coastline, starting from Brighton/Lewes area where my Nan was from, heading either east or west. Britain has so much beautiful coastline to travel.
If it is these fen lands, how are the mosquitos and midges this time of year. I suppose there's no real 'wild' camping thereabouts...
Anyway, sorry for pumping you with so many questions, it's my curious nature getting the better of me.
Cheers
Alex

 

[British Red]

Alex, ask away - its a pleasure to me

We are Boston side of the Wash - about ten minutes walk and about 6" sea level from the sea. We moved here from the Lewes area. If you go, go near "bonfire night" Lewes is .....incredible....on November the 5th!

 

[huntergathereralex]

OK that pic has certainly got me curious. Bonfires, Viking ships, hmmm. Will have to google it.
As a guess, are you more on the Algarkirk/Frampton side of The Haven as opposed to the Friestan/Butterwick side? Or perhaps south of the river Welland....gosh, no matter which side, it certainly looks like a lovely area!
Envious
Cheers
Alex

 

[British Red]

Older area than that (I do love my history) but up and in from Freiston shore - just along from Butterwick nearer the Wash.

As for Lewes - it is seriously nuts around bonfire night - a real throwback - screams of "burn the pope" are still very, very loud (although its all in "fun" now...)

I have lived in places with more savage traditions though Have a google at Ottery tar barrels some time!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?aq=...w&biw=1301&bih=516&sei=6LTdUbGbB4PD0QWpwYCgAQ

 

[huntergathereralex]

Holy smokes! That's nuts! Anyone lose their hair?
Saw a pic of Lewes at night during these 'frivolities', every street was alight with flames...it's a wonder Lewes has never burned down.
Cheers
Alex

 

[British Red]

Yep, Lewes is ....strange...a huge historical tradition. Many places here have them though - from Wassailing to Up Helly Aa (google those two for laughs). Lewes is a South Coast tradition - you go there for bonfire night!

Ottery is darker and older. People lose a lot more than hair - although they try to ensure people don't die too often these days . It upsets the tourists

Not trying to put you off coming - its not all "Wicker Man" here I promise. It just sounds like your people came from some of the old ways...for which you should be proud!

 

[British Red]

Oh, I meant to show youo a picture of the effigies we burn round here Alex....an older creature - but more fun!

 

[huntergathereralex]

Red, that's hilarious...wooly mammoth? And truly they are set ablaze? I love it. You Brits truly know how to have a good time! The Up Helly Aa is serious stuff. Would love to take that in...hmm, going to have to spend more time after my retirement in your country exploring these quirky and fun local customs.
I'm afraid the most people do around these parts is go to the beer store and sit around their fire rings after work drinking...pale comparison. Sigh.
...'sounds like your people came from some of the old ways...for which you should be proud!' True enough!
Good chatting with you.

 

[santaman2000]

.....I'm afraid the most people do around these parts is go to the beer store and sit around their fire rings after work drinking.....

LOL. Kinda like these guys? www.youtube.com/watch?v=88V9IcwtIeM

 

[huntergathereralex]

Santa that's hilarious...even sounds like the folks next door.
Alex

 

[British Red]

Spent the whole afternoon harvesting, shucking, blanching and freezing peas with BB....


Give Peas a Chance by British Red, on Flickr

....still, with Test Match Special on R4L, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon

It looks to be a better harvest than the early weather made us think!

Still pulling a pound or two of strawberries a day....the drawer for the frozen ones to go in the neighbours G&T is restocking nicely


G&T Frozen Strawberries by British Red, on Flickr

On to the field beans and stringing the garlic next

 

[British Red]

Well - I have a supply of proper long stemmed wheat now (having grown it!) ...when did you last see a 4' tall wheat crop? Should be excellent for making beekeeping skeps if I don't mess the job up


Long straw wheat sheaf by British Red, on Flickr

and having tried several varieties, Baart Early is the one we will continue with. Good straw strength, excellent berry retention and high yield. Its an awned variety with a nice traditional look


Baart Early (Embassy Awned Wheat) by British Red, on Flickr

Red

 

[JohnC]

The last time i saw that was in Gairloch , Wester Ross in the mid 60's.. The bee skep will be very interesting to see..

 

[British Red]

I plan to sell some on to those who want to try growing heritage wheat for their own bread and straw John - surprising how many want to try growing just a little wheat. I have never made a basket in my life...so a skep will be a challenge, but I'd love to make one....I have the bees after all

 

[British Red]

Manure Pile by British Red, on Flickr


The life of the smallholder brings a new definition to being "in the sh**"

 

[Mesquite]

Looks like you're a bit more than knee deep in it Hugh

 

[British Red]

I work on the logic that once it closes over your nose and moth, it can't get any worse

 

[ateallthepies]

I just knew Wheat was taller years ago!! Thought maybe it twas 'cos I is older and taller now?

Steve

 

[British Red]

Nope, its been bred shorter for several reasons

1) Its more wind resistant
2) A higher proportion is ear - less nutrient converted to stem
3) There is very little market for long straw now

That long straw is beautifully dry now. I'm just debating wither a skep is too ambitious for a first attempt!