Nature at Bury Farm

We discovered the remains of an old orchard at the back of of our new site at Bury Farm. Underneath the ivy is a good collection of apple and prunus trees. Under the expert guidance of local conservationist, Kevin Hand, we plan to turn the area into a small nature reserve. In some places, where the health of the trees was threatened, the ivy has been cut back. In others, the ivy has been left and will provide excellent cover for nesting birds. Kevin recommended that most dead branches can be left in situ to encourage insect life and fungi. Some thinning has also taken place and the cut branches and vegetation formed into small stacks, which will provide ideal habitats for other insects and small mammals.

British Archaeology Summer School

There are still a few spaces left on this unique and excellent course. The deadline is the 31st of March so hurry up and apply for your place. For more details see: www.acefoundation.org.uk/courses

First Step to Freedom

This year it is the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's (Madiba's) release from prison. In celebration e.TV, one of the big television broadcasting stations for South Africa, have commissioned a documentary called First Step to Freedom broadcast tonight in South Africa and hopefully soon, worldwide. croc E moses - some of you may remember from his gig on the 17th December last year - was commissioned to write the opening song, called we don't see and sung by Alice Matthews.

http://www.etv.co.za/extended/about/first_step_to_freedom

Clarinet & Saxophone Day SOLD OUT!

Our Clarinet & Saxophone Day with James Rae is a sell out!

Whilst pleased with this success we apologise to those of you who have not made a booking, but encourage you to consider the Jazz Day instead whilst spaces are still available.

Getting into Farming

Since we have bought a farm it seems appropriate that we should get into farming....

...actually we are just looking for somewhere to house our beautiful farm machinery. Whilst we will retain some smaller items, within the upstairs room there is a large machine called a dresser. Made by Robert Boby Ltd, an agricultural factory that was based in Bury St Edmunds, it is a local artefact for which we would like to find a new home. It probably dates from the 1940s-50s and we think was in use until about 1980.

We have approached the Folk Museum in Cambridge as well as the Farm Museum at Denny Abbey and the Museum of East Anglian Life. We hope one of these places will be able to house it and illustrate its history appropriately. However, should any of our readers be in the position to take up this conservation challenge please do get in touch before it is too late.

www.folkmuseum.org.uk

www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

Support Prospect Burma - Book Auction

Since 1992 the ACE Foundation has made a number of donations to Prospect Burma to assist with educational programmes. We wish to support them now by recognising their achievements over the years despite very difficult circumstances, and by offering you an opportunity to make a contribution directly.

Prospect Burma are holding a book auction and have a fascinating collection of literature available. As well-educated, interesting people you might be interested to browse the list and place a bid!

The list of books can be found at www.prospectburma.org and bids made by emailing dan@prospectburma.org.

Cambridge Brass Day

For those with fast filling diaries write in CAMBRIDGE BRASS DAY WITH PRIME BRASS on the 21st November. All brass instruments welcome, details to follow soon.