Netherfield

Netherfield Messenger: Our popular monthly Parochial magazine 'The Messenger' is entering into its 2nd year of being sold in the Village Stores. It has been distributed by volunteers for over 20 years, and still is, proving an asset for local news, views and advertising, great value for only 50p. If anyone wants to join a delivery in my round at Darvel Down, Netherfield, please phone me. 838825 Gillian Slack.
Netherfield newsNetherfield news
Netherfield news

Netherfield Garden Solutions: Following on from a conversation about slugs and wetness, this is the first time in very many years that we have no runner beans. Despite trying most things, including going out at night with a torch and implement, we have been unable to harvest any beans as they were all “gobbled” up. It sounds a common problem this year, but I was really sad to find that the French marigolds and lupins had gone too. We have a wonderful selection of birds around our feeders, and don’t want to harm them with pellets. Therefore, someone out there may have a secret weapon -- let us know, its birds v beans. You can contact Gillian via the details at the end of this column.

Mobile Library: How quick it seems the mobile library visits our village once again. The splendid picture of it resting outside of the Netherfield Village Stores and Cafe, opening its door to all-comers as it seeks to empower the nation through the medium of reading. Novels, factual and childrens’ books are all available inside. Ella is there to help if browsing does not seem to find the “tome” of your dreams. If you have not visited this stationary hall of pleasure it will be in situe on 19 July between 13.00 and 13.20 outside the Netherfield Shop, resting by the green. If the sun is shining so much the better. It is easy to join. Takes a minute of two. So come along and pick a winner!

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Reflections on a garden: Will it ever stop? Showers! Dull, overcast days. Heaven for the slugs and snails but a veritable nightmare for those of us that relish the though of picking salad leaves, vegetables and flowers. It would be nice to have a least one day when the sun was shining, you could relax in a chair and just enjoy the world around you. Unfortunately, the prospect of that this year seems ever more remote.

The only thing that brings a patch of joy is to see the Crocosmia “lucifer” spreading its vivid red flowers around the perennial bed like small beacons of fire in a sea of green. These striking plants are members of the iris family and, like their name, bring a touch of devilment to the garden.

What is clear is that our Gunnera Manicata loves the rain and the damp as it tries each year to become even more spectacular and architectural than the last. This Chilean rhubarb is situated next to our pond and seeks to engulf all before it.

Each year, careful pruning and husbandry, means we are rewarded with about 50 bottles of wine from our vines. I can’t say that it will challenge the supremacy of a spectacular claret but it does add flavour to a Bolognese sauce. Whilst it is a little early to determine whether this year’s crop will be better than the last, I am hopeful, as long as we get the sun later on. Is that too much to hope for?

More next week.......

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Mountfield Big Screen Social Nights: Who does not want to see “Dad’s Army”? The modern version of that TV comedy that showed the best of British bumbling. It is showing on Friday July 22 at the Mountfield Village Hall. There is a suggested £5 donation towards the hall floor refurbishment which includes complimentary refreshments and the film. Doors open at 7.30pm so why not join in the fun.

Contact: If you have any stories or articles of interest that will give our readership a reason to buy the paper please contact me on 07957588172 or via email at [email protected]

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