In defiance of Lord Drakeford and at the demands of Junior Management we are undertaking a touring caravan holiday at the rate of one day per week. I will go into the detail. The mansion here is possessed of a classic folding caravan. During the winter months it is in storage in a depot a few miles away. This year when lockdown was announced, the day before it came into force. an intrepid party from here made a dash to retrieve it using little known back roads. The mission accomplished the caravan was erected within the estate and the canopy over the door put in place.

Saturday each week now becomes camping day when the caravan is moved to a new location within the grounds, several feet away from the previous pitch. Table and chairs under the canopy are placed. After a walk to explore the grounds of the estate at 4.00.p.m. a gin and tonic inside the caravan, or a glass of white wine sitting outside (location depending on the weather) is served. Dinner is cooked and served by Senior Management as preparation space is at a premium and more junior management is lacking in the experience of mass catering in cramped conditions. A leisurely meal is consumed with accompanying wines and music.

This week superior crisps (purchased without authority by Junior Management) were eaten with a glass of wine seated outside as it was a hot day. The main course was a creamy but spicy potato, chick pea and lentil Korma curry served with basmati rice. A multi flavoured ice cream was served as desert.

The pre dinner glass of white wine was an interesting Duit 2018 Italian Trebbiano 13%. This was part of the emergency supplies despatched by International Management, who you may remember is holed up in London. Quite robust with plenty of flavour and just on the dry side of semi sweet it provided something a little different especially if you are looking for character rather than softness. A million miles removed from the German 9% sweetish gnat’s piss that used to be inflicted on us a number of years back, if you go back that far. A bit disappointing was the red wine that followed. This was an Australian Trimboli Black Duck Durif of 2019 sent along by Laithwaites as a recommended choice. At 14.5% it seemed to be trying to be the archetypal Australian, brash and lacking in any finesse. Dry harsh and heavy would be a summary. At 14.5% I would have thought leaving it for a couple of years might have been advisable, but then perhaps they knew things could only get worse. Look it had plenty of taste but at £12 a bottle I expect better. Fortunately the evening was finished up on a far superior note with a glass of Taylors 1985 Vintage port – pure nectar that smoothed its way to all parts.

I will describe where the caravan moves on to next week.

Finally on reflection re reading this I have been unfair to the average German gnat – their offering is probably stronger with more body.