On this day in 1787: The ‘First Fleet’ carrying convicts sets sail for Australia, where it will set up the first penal colony – makes you think !!

Winter weather continues …..

It was been raining cats and dogs yesterday, but cats only today. Ideal weather for the grapes as the move into their period of dormancy.

For the wheat farmers who have done their planting … the big watering in the sky has done its trick.

Our sympathies to those of you who are still stuck in the wrong place as a result of the ash fallout from the Icelandic earthquake. It’s one thing if you’re on holiday, but a totally different matter being holed up somewhere away from friends and family

Charles Withington