The Glorious First of June 1794 Admiral Lord Howe of Langar defeated the French fleet off Ushant in the Bay of Biscay. I won't go on about that because we are rather busy just now. We celebrate the victory every year with a lunch party. Today I invited some distinguished naval men from the 1805 club and the Nelson society, their wives, some Americans (their grain ships sailing to relieve famine in France caused the battle) a descendant of the Admiral, and Pascal representing the French. He refused to have anything to do with the celebrations and like his countrymen before him, fled from the British, shrugging his shoulders in disapproval.

On these perfect summers days people arrive to enjoy sitting in the garden with a glass of wine and stay on for lunch, tea, snacks or dinner. No one wants to leave. The lunch party last sunday stayed until the sun went down. Everyone is happy when the sun shines.

The garden is a dream of poppies, peonies, geraniums, valerium, old roses and now sweet peas. Simply beautiful and all the work of my daughter Louise who is out in all weathers in her wellies and wheelbarrow making it appear absolutely natural. Then there is the kitchen garden with lovely lettuces grown for the salads, herbs and other goodies to come later.

So what news? Nothing much because those special room rates I did last month have been so successful that we are keeping them on. Quite frankly I think £100 a night is just about right for two people including breakfast and £85 for single business men. I really missed the business men in January and Febuary and I am very pleased they are back again. They are the most appreciative guests, no trouble to any one and being regular guests become part of the family.

We had a long visit from the head of Belgium tourism. I told him there was nothing to do here and then thinking again made this list:

Belvoir castle, Belton House, Burleigh, Isaac Newtons birth place, Newak and Swinderby antiqu fairs, Nottingham cricket, football and theatres, Langar wild flower farm, Lincoln catherdral and Southwell Minster, Doddington hall for its farm shop, restaurant and gardens. Then an hour away, Chatsworth, Haddon and Hardwick. Not forgetting that you can be back in London within an hour from Grantham station or soon in Scotland going in the oposite direction. So you see, although I never recognised Langar as a tourist spot, suddenly I realise it is the centre of the best things to visit in the East Midlands. Do come and stay it is just so beautiful just now.

Next week Lila (grandaughter) promises to show me how to read your comments.

Here is wishing you all many happy sunny summer days. Imogen

P.S. We just had a cancellation for the whole house for the duration of the Game Fair at Belvoir so if you would like to go and can't find a room please telephone us asap.