Saturday 21st June 2025

Saturday 21^st June

SHE SAID:

I managed to see one more new to me orchid, on my final orchid hunt whilst here in England. I was very happy to see it.

Geoff & I continued on to Sue & Al’s place in Crowborough after the stop in Ashdown Forest. We were taking them out to lunch at The Middle House in Mayfield. We all had tasty meals, though I kept mine light as I was still recovering from yesterday’s dinner! It will be our final catch-up before we leave on Wednesday.

Back at Wakefield Court there was an informal gathering to “celebrate” the Summer Solstice, organised by Carol, the youngest "60-ish" resident. There were about 14 of the residents who went out into the garden & enjoyed wine, bubbles & nibbles. So, Geoff & I gatecrashed for about an hour, along with Mum, who was invited. It was a really warm evening & everyone seemed be enjoying themselves.

The Heath Fragrant Orchid, my final new one for the trip

The Lady & Monkey Orchids I saw in previous
trips out, in Kent

 The amazing looking Lizard Orchid, also from Kent

Summer Solstice party at Wakefield Court

Chocked full of flowers, the Pyramidal Orchid

HE SAID:

We both got a bit sweaty as we wandered around in the sun in Ashdown Forest looking for orchids. Luckily we found what Varena was looking for. At Sue and Al’s we enjoyed a champers before heading along to lunch at The Middle House. Lunch was fine, with the girls having a salad and Al and I having burgers. When I went to pay the already very overpriced bill (think $40 for a burger and chips) I queried the extra ten pounds “Service Charge”. I asked what it was, with the reply “It’s for the staff”. I then asked if it was an American thing, or aren’t the staff paid well? The waiter took the charge off. What a rip off! A Service Charge for nothing. No way!

Getting Jan out to the solstice do in the back yard made it 3 evenings in a row!