January for the most part here has been exceptionally wet and exceptionally warm.  Not winter at all.  The ground (heavy clay) has become waterlogged and those animals which remain out for the Winter or (like the horses and donkeys) are put out each day have cut it up badly. One wonders if the ground will ever recover. Think back 12 months and government was warning of drought to come last summer.  Some drought then and some now.

The BBC's Antiques Roadshow of the programme filmed at Kentwell in September was broadcast last week.  Judging from the comments we have received from many who watched it, Kentwell provided a very fitting background to the programme. It was certainly visible much of the time.

Many have also commented what an interesting programme it was.  We thought so too. What was curious was how we had missed all the items which were shown in the programme.  We saw many items being filmed and were generally reasonably au fait with all the filmed finds - or so we thought.  Yet, one way or another we missed each item eventually shown - so it was as much news to us as to all other viewers.  On the other hand all the extremely interesting items which we had seen being filmed some of which we were sure would make the programme were not to be seen during it.

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We had perfect weather and huge crowds (somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 in all) and queues which stretched as far as the eye could see. Such a rich and interesting range of treasures were produced for identification and evaluation. 

The day could not have gone better and the BBC were kind enough to comment that Kentwell proved an excellent venue and awarded us 10 out of 10 for our organization. 

The programme will be broadcast in January or February, the BBC have many hours of filming (they filmed right up to their cut off point of 7.00pm). It is not possible to predic what tems will actually feature.

The BBC also said they had never  had such excellent Stewards as Kentwell's Tudors who added glamour and interest to their queue control duties.  It should all make for excellent viewing.

We hope that the BBC remove all their Antiques Roadshow detritus in good time to allow the NCCPG to come in over the weekend and set up their annual Autumn Plant sale.

With our Gardens we have a keen interest in Plants.  We fear that we may spend whatever we earn from the occasion on stocking up on plants.  Rather like one year we blew all the fees from an Antiques Fair on one piece of furniture in the Show.  Because there will be a lot of gardeners visiting we are making en effort to ensure that the Gardens are in reasonably good shape to receive them. 

The Plant sale should feature a whole range of good quality and really interesting plants. 

We no sooner said goodbye to the Suffolk Horses, here for the Spectacular, when the pantechnicons and huge tentage which is the BBC's Antiques Roadshow rumbled in. It starts with erecting tents on Monday, equipping them on Tuesday, technicians setting up on Wednesday, doing the Show on Thursday and everything going on Friday. 

Its one of those Events that we think will be fun to do when it is first proposed.  What will we feel like when the last vestige leaves on Friday ?  I hope we'll still be saying to ourselves "that was good fun". 

Alas, not as many Suffolk Punch horses as usual but at about 50 still very good considering that there were 3 or 4 other horse shows on the same day wanting Suffolk Punches.  The grand parade of Suffolks was as impressive as ever.  For those who love the breed can there be a better sight ?  Kentwell has a long history of Suffolks, including having as a tenant farmer one of the few breeders of the horse in the breeds darkest days in the late 60s and early 70s.

The weather could not have been kinder and the Ring had non stop action from 10a.m until 4.30p.m.

Another first for Kentwell this year is to host the BBC's Antiques Roadshow now in its 30th year. Apparently, there are still surprising treasures being unearthed despite all the publicity given to antiques in the media these days.

East Anglia has the reputation of being rich in treasures tucked away in its many period houses.  Entry to the Event is FREE (and includes entry to Kentwell's Gardens) so you should come equipped with your choicest pieces.  It is an unrivalled opportunity to learn more about your treasures from a whole range of Experts who will spend the day appraising items.

You may not become a TV star but you may learn a lot.

The day starts at 10.00a.m..

For the fourth time (every other year since 1991) we are delighted to provide The Suffolk Horse Society with the venue for their annual Spectacular.  We hope for another good attendance to see these marvellous horses in a day with a full and varied programme starting at 10.00a.m..  So arrive early not to miss anything. 

Entrance is Adult £7.50, Child £5.50 and OAPs £6.50 and this includes entrance to Kentwell's Gardens.  This is an important way in which to support the vital work of the Society.

There are only some 300 pure-bred Suffolk Punch Horses now left (within living memory there were tens of thousand in East Anglia alone). They are, therefore, amongst the most endangered animals in the world. At the Spectacular you may see some 50 of the survivors.  There is no other opportunity in the year to see so many, in all their shades of chesnut, at one time.

At last ! A Re-Creation weekend at Kentwell with favourable weather. It was sunny on all four days without being too hot and visitors were able to spend the day enjoying the various activities. Although, August is not our biggest Event we had a wide range of activities inside and outside, of which the Archers, the Felters, the Mummers and the Players regularly drew crowds.