With our extension works in full swing, we’ve had a lot on our plate lately. With regards to the cultivation, there’s the increase in the number of plants. And with regards to the new greenhouse, there are all sorts of extra tasks. So, we’ve hired four new employees – four middle aged women, who are joining us on a part-time basis.
Two of the women were retired. Our governments makes it possible for people to retire after 30 years of work, against 70% of your salary. If you started working when you were 25 years old, you can retire at 55. One of the women is returning after a period of sickness, she’ll start with two mornings per week. The fourth new employee moved from Toronto to Norfolk County to join her partner. We hired her through the Employment Centre. This way, we receive a subsidy to offer her eight weeks of training.
The heating installer is coming next week. He’ll start with hanging up the convector heaters. They supply additional heating, especially in winter. His next task will consist of installing the hot water system for the heating tubes. We’re using small, high-efficiency, stainless steel condensing boilers with an efficiency of up to 92%.
The electrician is starting next week too. He’ll start with wiring the motor gearboxes. It’s becoming more urgent, now that night temperatures are dropping to 4°C. After that, he’ll move on to the heating systems. The main irrigation pipe is scheduled for two weeks later.
Last week was also the week of our 177th Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, our annual funfair and regional market, comparable to the Calgary Stampede. We took part for the first time this year, in the competition for tropical indoor plants and flower arrangements of grasses, weeds and wild flowers. Competition wasn’t anything like the former VKC. Participants were all regional and very diverse.
Our main reason for taking part, was to promote our produce in the region. But in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king of course. So, yes, we won a prize. And because local wine and beer producers were represented too, we immediately celebrated with a nice drink.
Angelle van Kleef
