So taken with our new velvet sofas in lavender and the chair in peacock blue with amethyst cushions I have managed to burn the cupcakes I was making for after school for the girls!  So batch no. 2 has just gone in the oven, which means I have exactly 12 minutes to write my blog, proof read a postcard for Sally-Ann Fitter’s art exhibition in June and confirm arrangement for our Dawn Chorus guided walk in a fortnight.

Pleasing to open the Sunday Telegraph and see Cafe 1885 got a mention for its use of products from our Farmers Market on the foodie pages and a great feature piece about Polly Robinson’s Seafood Food Safari – it is very encouraging to see Suffolk food making the nationals.

If you have a do have a chance check out the High Tide Festival Theatre in Halesworth – Johnny and I went on Saturday and thought it was superb – great performance by Mike Daisey on The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs. 

We have had the pleasure over recent months of working with the young and very talented artist Emily Rae Manning.  We commissioned Emily Rae to work with us on a collaboration of products for a Snape Maltings collection which includes English crockery, textiles and stationery.  We are delighted that today our first delivery of Snape Maltings mug arrived, all made in England with four unique designs. 

Over the coming weeks we will be  building our collection, so when you are looking for a stylish and affordable gift which represents the landscape and the qualities of Suffolk, you need look no further. 

It was not that long ago that we decided to order water butts for around the Maltings and since then the rain has not stopped!  In those moments when it does take a ‘breather’ you get these wonderful skies.  I was taking the children for a walk along the path to Iken and this stunning rainbow showed itself before us.  We all stood still in complete awe.   We managed to dodge the showers and all felt better for the walk. 

Two weeks ago today that BBC Countryfile were here filming for their programme this Sunday 29^th April.  I was thinking how fortunate we were to have managed long periods of sunshine for Emma and Ellie to paint on the river wall.   We are all looking forward to seeing the programme this weekend.

If you have time, I would recommend going along to the Alde Valley Spring Festival – Ella and I went along last Saturday and thought it was superb, it just gets better and better every year.  Well done Jason!

We have just begun working with Katie’s Garden from Newbourne to bring their expertise and quality plants to our Pond Garden within the House & Garden shop.

The compliments about the quality and value of the plants has been superb and it is a reflection of the work of this independent, family run nursery.

Their team have been superb in recognising the plants customers are looking for, whether it be for the dedicated gardener or if you just need something simple and easy to brighten up the garden.   The vast majority of the plants are Suffolk grown so they are very healthy and strong.

When visiting us again you will be really pleased with this addition to the Maltings.

We have had a great day’s filming with the crew from BBC Countryfile around the Maltings. 

From filming the buildings and appreciating their rich history to a piece with Emma Green, local artist and our Gallery curator.  Emma and presenter Ellie used oils to paint the river and the expansive Suffolk sky whilst standing on the river wall (as per my picture).  Then Ellie went on to interview Pat Lord, who has lived at the Maltings for over 70 years of her life followed by a piece with Aldeburgh Young Musicians.  Just now as the tide is coming in they are sailing into the Maltings aboard ‘Cygnet’, the resident Thames sailing barge.

It has been a superb experience for everyone involved and incredibly appreciative of how fantastic all the crew have been, we are all looking forward to the broadcast on Sunday 29^th April.     

As we say goodbye to Easter we turn our attention to the Queen’s Jubilee.   The spirit of last year’s Royal wedding has carried on for the Jubilee celebrations with streets parties, family parties or simply good friends gathering to toast the Queen’s magnificent 60 years.  

I adore this Jubilee Collection we now have in House & Garden.  There are so many wonderful pieces in this collection which make it so easy to get into the spirit of the occasion and you all you need is an iced cupcake, sponge or a few finger sandwiches and a pot of hot tea.    

I will be sending some of the Jubilee collection to my mum in Australia as she always has the best afternoon teas.  As these Jubilee pieces are so light to post I am sure I will be receiving additional orders from her friends!

We have had a full and exciting day at the Maltings yesterday with our largest and busiest Farmers Market on record since we began.  Many stallholders felt it was like a Spring Food Festival with the fantastic turnout of locals and their families who had come to Suffolk for Easter.  I saw the gentleman who bought the last of the hot cross buns and it was like he got his own Olympic gold medal!    The atmosphere was spirited and people appreciating the food prepared by the producers.   

It was also our first day of the guided River Walks by Malcolm Farrow. Malcolm is an excellent river guide, appreciating the river landscape and the wildlife and his walks are a great insight.  I am looking forward to his Dawn Chorus walk next month.  Also on the river for the start of the season was our River Trips which set sail again.  Our new garden collection was well received and a reflection of the high quality plants produced here in Suffolk by Katie’s Garden. 

Café 1885 continued to attract new friends and followers with its busiest day on record. 

The day was ended with supper in the Plough & Sail, now under new management and from the full tables it was evident the changes are being well received. 

All in all a great day!  Happy Easter.