Where does one start….? This is Kardamyli on the Greek mainland. Historic, friendly and simply divine. Mountains, forests, wild Boar and clear sea, warm and blue. We have made friends there and visit each year.
I have a passion for very old Dianthus Pinks. The clove scent has intoxicated generations of cottage gardeners. My collection includes examples from the 1590’s, and 1600 to 1800. I am a Plant Guardian for two (2025) namely ‘Old Fringed White’ & ‘Bat’s Double Red, both from the 1660’s.
In May 2024, I was very lucky to be shown around a few of the Solent Sunbeams at Itchenor, by Vice Captain, Robin Richardson. This was ‘Molly’ at close quarters, a 1930s keel racer.
Myself, aboard a friend’s boat; ‘Red Kite’ in the Solent. Almost no wind, we entered Chi Harbour in the late afternoon and anchored off East Head. The first decent weather weekend of 2024!
Vernon Holt Painter 