It has been a bit disjointed this week, as I planned to join my many friends in the apple & pear community for the BAPL Research Day on Tuesday. On Monday I accompanied my wife for a pre-op consultation prior to a planned (in the near future) Cataract operation.
But, the Consultant who my wife described as "wonderful" threw a small spanner in the works when he said; "I can do it tomorrow"
Well, what could I do but agree! The appointment was 3.15pm on Tuesday! There goes my visit to BAPL event, but then I realised I could attend the morning session, leave at lunchtime and be home well before our journey to Benenden Hospital.
The cataract operation went well, and now I'm trying to balance my available time!
Below: Tuesday 10th February - British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) R&D meeting 2026
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) R&D meeting 2026 message from Ali Capper CEO BAPL
"With colleagues from Niab, the BAPL research and development team hosted a full day of presentations from researchers and experts to share the latest in crop protection technologies and approaches. More than 80 people joined in person, with a further 150 people joining via the live online webinar".
The meeting took place in Kent on 10th February 2025 and was open to members of BAPL who pay a levy to support this vital R&D work, as well as other interested parties and colleagues from Niab.
With my busy week and additional workload (looking after the 'patient' administering eye drops 4 times a day etc.) I will leave additional coverage of the BAPL day until next weeks Journal!
Valentines Day
On social media I spotted two Valentine's Day posts worth sharing on my website!!
A message from AC Goatham our largest UK apple and pear grower
Did you know apples have long symbolised love across cultures?
- In Greek myths, a golden apple from the Garden of Hesperides symbolises love and desire, sparking the Trojan War!
- Norse tales link apples to eternal youth with the goddess Idunn.
- In China, apple blossoms are adored in weddings.
From art to fairy tales, apples represent desire & romance.
Click on: AC Goatham & Son
And from Angus Growers in Scotland
Angus Growers Ltd is a soft fruit producer organisation based in Arbroath on the East Coast of Scotland, in the heart of the traditional Scottish berry growing area.
The Company is owned and managed by 16 growers, the majority in Angus, Perthshire and Fife, who grow a variety of fruits and other crops; we market their strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. We specialise in producing fresh fruit for the major supermarkets, shops, restaurants and food and drinks manufacturers.
"Strawberries are the most popular fruit grown by our farmers. A staple favourite of the British summer, Strawberries are juicy and delicious any time of year and are a great healthy fruit. Known as a superfood, Strawberries are nutrient-rich, are packed with antioxidants and offer a wide range of health benefits.
Click on: Angus Growers Ltd
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man