Hobbies / Books   (Gardening, walking, books, films, theatre etc.)

Do you remember Prof Allan Gemmell (University of Keele) and regular panellist of BBC's "Gardeners' Question Time" back in 1960's/70's? (Over 1,200 appearances)

Not only was the guy remarkably knowledgeable and helpful, but his comments were so amusing, they remain in memory for decades.

Sometimes frivolous, my favourite when a question was, "When is the best time to lift potatoes"?

His reply was, "Just a couple of minutes before the water comes to the boil in which you intend to cook them"!

I will never forget his scorn for the tomato variety 'Moneymaker' (you aren't making money, so why settle for an inferior taste) and his urging us to plant Ailsa Craig variety instead.

If only all teachers made their subjects as interesting...