September 2026
Escape artists in Irnham 
On the 4th August when passing through Irnham, it was reported that there were some escaped cows.
When I saw the photo from Ben of Watergate House I couldn’t stop laughing.
It looks like they are thinking now what do we do?
There were 2 cows one behind the other and I believe it was some time before they were reunited with their field.
Irnham Estate update From Sir Jamie Benton - Jones
Heading as we are into our 4th or is it the 5th heat wave Irnham is melting.
The harvest was over and done in July, four weeks earlier than usual which means the crop had less time to grow and mature. 
As a result, ours has been a disaster which is a common theme across the UK.
While we wait for it to rain our farm contractors led by Daniel King & Ollie Smith have started cultivating the land for Autumn.
They are drilling and are incorporating muck into the fields which is essential for soil health and the successful establishment of the new crop.
The cows and calves are doing well but without the green grass have already started eating the winter supplies!
Fingers crossed we don’t run out of food in Spring before they are let out of the barn.
The grass may be brown but as soon as it rains it won’t take long to green up.
We have been watering our crop of cricket bat willows which are very susceptible to drought conditions when young,
not an easy task without air conditioning in the tractor cab so this needs to be done early in the day!
Leila and I are halfway through our wedding season and feel like Olympic runners with the end of the track in sight.
Two years of wedding weekends are now booked up so the bank manager is thrilled to see some income continuity.
Every penny counts and the success of the pub relies heavily on weddings and the guests they bring into the village.
The Griffin Inn is bright and welcoming as always and is almost back to full health! 
The new indoor kitchen is nearing completion and chefs Jordan & Kelly are champing at the bit to get back inside.
Although we have done well to keep going with the garden kitchen, and for once the weather has been on our side they will be excited to once again work on a level floor, with brand new equipment.
The new Autumn menu will be launched from here in September.
Coming soon the Irnham Beer Festival is only round the corner with more beers, lagers, ciders and singers than before.
It looks to be the best and biggest yet and as always spans the August bank holiday, 29th, 30th,31st .
We are sad to say goodbye to our old farm manager George Brewster aged 94.
Also, a sad loss of two other huge characters in our farming community, Steven Green 68 from Kirkby Underwood and Simon Richardson 60 from Keisby.
Eclipse and shooting stars 
A group gathering in the Irnham neighbours Park.
Mike and Sarah Hatfield invited several neighbours to view the partial eclipse through their telescope.
I managed to take a photo of the eclipse that I have included taken from home.
I also stayed up till midnight with family to view the shooting stars, they were amazing.
What I hadn’t expected were the number of satellites circling overhead.
Thanks to my son and daughter in law explaining them to us.