Gavin and a team from Melton Rotary (7 climbers plus 3 drivers) have just successfully completed the ‘3 Peaks Challenge’ in 23 hours and 11 minutes. They started at the base of Ben Nevis at 5pm on Tuesday 22nd, up this then a drive down to Scafell Pike, an early morning climb followed by a drive across to Snowdon, up and down!! to finish with time to spare before the 24 hour deadline.

Crossing the finish line!

The charities to benefit are a local charity ‘Kids Out’, and international charities ‘Shelter Boxes’ and Polio. Thanks to all those who sponsored Gavin, we will let you know the final total raised by the group.

More information on this, and photos, are available at http://www.meltonrotary.org.uk/3peaks

Last Sunday was Fathers Day, Sunday lunch was full. The Dads were treated to free entry into a raffle to win a bottle of malt whisky and a couple of other prizes. James and Zoë officiated the raffle to ensure no cheating.

Top Prize!

Second Prize!

 Stapleford steam was on this weekend. A lovely show with a collection of large and small steam engines on show, as well as plenty of other attractions, including rides on the Stapleford minature railway. Gavin, James and Zoë had a ride, their engine was driven by Lady Gretton who is still very involved with the Stapleford Railway.

King Street Melton hosted its Wedding Fair on Saturday. The traders on the street plus invitees showed they could provide all a bride’s needs in one place - dresses, cakes, flowers, photography. We showcased our facilities as did a few other local venues. The weather was chilly but the fashion show and other demos brought the visitors in.

The Wedding Fair in Melton Mowbray

Yesterday we held an evening  BBQ in the garden for a local company in what is proving to be an annual event. The mini marquees went up, the daytime rain cleared and by 7pm the sky was clear.  The England match was on, so a TV was put in the marquee (not that the match provided much entertainment!).

Is it ready for the sausages yet?

Whilst it wasn’t a hot June evening  the group with jumpers on had a good time.  It is always fun to do different things and make use of the gardens which are a great asset to us.

Room 3, our large Victorian Four poster is now back in  service having had a complete bathroom refit by Gavin and his team. We are really pleased with traditional style suite with its high level toilet cistern and period fittings. we will get some pictures taken and put them on the web.

This week also saw the first honey being extracted. Gavin has been busy over the last couple of weeks collecting swarms of bees from various locations. The bees seem to be more ’swarmy’ this year than previous, so far none of Gavins hives have swarmed with the exception of the observation hive. The observation hive he let swarm to provide some ‘entertainment’ on the web cam which is directed on it. James got stung for the first time but was very brave.

Last weekend was the bank holiday. We were lucky to have the Bourne End Horticultural Society staying. The group of 40 arrived on Friday for 4 nights. The organiser provided a full day for them visiting all gardens in the area as well as fitting in a ride on the Great Central Railway. Hopefully a good weekend was had by all.

Coach drivers seem to get younger!