2024 is Breaky Bottom’s 50th Anniversary!
As I start on Peter’s Notes for May I thought it appropriate to show the oldest photo I have of Breaky Bottom, circa 1930. It looks much as it did when I first saw it in 1967. The cottage was tiny, shrouded by huge sycamores, though these had been felled before my arrival and I remember keeping warm for my first three years burning great logs in the little fireplace!
The original flint-built timber-framed barn and cattle shed remain, dated 1827, the lovely curves of the farm track still meander the same sweeps, the setting of the gate, the sheep graze in the paddock, and the dewpond remains, though now drained and planted with Seyval Blanc.
A brief comment on this year’s crop and lambing
Although I remain focused on the 50 years celebration, I must briefly update you on the current 2024 season. Vines are progressing well after the variable spring weather, plenty of rain but also bright sunshine and good temperatures – a long way to go but a good potential crop.
Chardonnay, a pre-flowering bud
Seyval Blanc, several pre-flowering buds showing great potential
Why do I love my sheep? The 26 ewes that start lambing around 1st April have reared 34 beautiful lambs, a joy to watch, especially on a sunny evening when, with a competitive streak, they seem to team up and try to out-race each other!
Number 1 with her single lamb warming comfortably on her back
Number 1 ewe, whose lamb appears to have chummed up with a mate!
Now back to 1974!
My youngest son Toby was born this year. Two years on, and I still had my pigs. I love this picture, Toby looking so casual alongside my favourite sow Porcelina. He appears to be posing as a famous film-star might at a photo-shoot, cooly cross-legged after endless camera takes.
Toby with Porcelina the pig
Post & Trellising
Before the end of 1974 we started driving in the heavy end-posts and intermediates within each row. We knew it would be a lot of work, and this was confirmed with the arrival of the lorry. I remember thinking this was an enormous load, surely too much for such a small vineyard, but we eventually managed to place them all in their allotted positions, confirming my original calculations – 300 end-posts, 750 intermediates.
A huge lorry - the vineyard posts arrive, fronted by Emily, Kate and Tom
My school friend Richard and I spent many hours driving the posts, particularly the heavy end posts at the top of the valley where the solid chalk comes within nine inches of the soil – some literally took half an hour or more to get them to the right depth.
Richard on the ground directing the post, Peter on the tractor
For my footnote this month I have chosen this picture of Toby and Tom at the far end of the smaller vineyard, named ‘Little Breaky’, the photo probably taken in 1976. With their stringed bows they display a rather defiant air, preparing to see-off all hostile intruders!
With all best wishes from the Breaky Bottom Team, Peter & Christina
Throughout 2024, in celebration of the 50 years, Peter’s Notes will feature further historic photos and text, reflecting more of the very early days at Breaky Bottom...
Enjoy!