Flaming June

The last week of June. Mid-summer. Half a year gone. And just to make sure we all make the most of the summer days, the social calendar is filled with fêtes and fairs, and garden parties, and picnics and Pimm's. Wonderful. Exhausting. 

Life in the village has been typically busy. Something on very weekend this month. I think it may be a bit too much, and we haven't been able to fit it all in, with work, and travel, and quite a lot to do in the garden, too. We enjoyed the party in the Brigadier's garden, but passed at the Garden Safari. Today is the open garden at Norney Wood for the National Gardens Scheme, a Jekyll-inspired garden. Next weekend is the Shackleford fête, and the village will have its bunting out again. Of course, we'd love you all to join in.

The cricket season is in full swing. The Shackleford Cricket Club has an active calendar, and we can hear the familiar crack of ball against bat, and shouts of 'catch', as we walk the Boxers in the woods.

And if you do drive through the village, be sure to stop awhile at the pond, and 00h and aah at the gorgeous cygnets, with their own Facebook page.

What's not to love about village life? Visit Shackleford.

Jolly June (at last)

Pink Peony

What a great weekend! The weather was fab, the garden looks great, England won the football, we went to see the fantastic Guildford School of Acting production of Mel Brooks' 'The Producers' and we had a lovely day out at Open Farm Sunday. It was Father's Day too, so we treated Dad, and all had a jolly good time. The Boxers have settled in to their new routine. Themba gets his medication twice a day, and rests a lot in between. Brin is as bouncy as ever, but seems to know not to bother the little one too much. Occasionally, a squirrel or pigeon needs to be chased, the Postman and Milkman still get barked at (more in greeting than in aggression), and we are woken at 6am by wagging tails and wet noses, ready for their jog. It's hard to believe that Themba has a life-limiting diagnosis, but we won't dwell on that.

The Village is gearing up for its summer season, so there are more and more gatherings of neighbours and emails appealing for help for this and that. We are skulking away, however, as after looking at the calendar and realising it's our twentieth wedding anniversary, we decided we had better do something to celebrate. So we are taking the 'boys' to the New Forest and will miss the Shackleford fete this weekend. It can't be helped. We have stayed at Woodlands Lodge before, but it is under new management now and by all accounts seems much improved. We have always found it to be quite fine, with great food and a very relaxed attitude to the dogs. I'll let you know...

In the meantime, don't forget to check out Jump! mag, an online magazine for your young teens.

Follow @Shackleford_LB

Jersey lavender

Jersey Lavender, farm at St Brelade, Summer 2009, photograph, Lesley Beeton