Autumn is well and truly upon us. We are working hard to strip all the leaves off the tomato plants, and will do similarly for the cucumbers this week to ensure the remaining fruit get the light required to ripen and then the plants will be removed. The polytunnel is being prepared for the remainder of the autumn and winter seedlings to see us through until 2018. Outside we will collect seeds, where appropriate, from both veg and flowers and store in the dry for next year.

Christine, together with Marion and Carla, were busy on Friday making tasty jams and the first of our Christmas mincemeat to store until December. The tasting session proved a hit so you can look forward to some delicious preserves in a few months to come. There are a few spaces left on our curds and preserves course on Sat 24th Sep, so if you fancy knowing a little more about this lovely skill, please look at our website for booking details. This year has not been a particularly good year for our honey, in fact half of what we had last year. Nevertheless, we will have a few jars for sale in the shop this coming week and if anyone wants some in their bag, please do email. The supply is very limited so will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Some of you might be aware that Emma, our Centre Manager, has decided to take up the challenge of doing a Masters at Portsmouth University very shortly. We will therefore be advertising her job this week for interviews w/c 2nd October. If you know of anyone that might be interested in the role, please do get in contact and I can forward the job description. Emma has worked incredibly hard for Tuppenny Barn in the 17 months she has been with us and will be sorely missed.