Histon Manor invited several artists to take part in their 'Landscape Artist of the Year' event. I went along but knew I could not stay for the time one of my paintings take, so I made a sketch.

The grounds were beautiful, many areas of different landscapes. I liked the formal garden with the sundial; and I also liked the seat placed underneath. I would have liked to sit there but I am sure I would have been in someone's way when they were painting.

I took some lunch along but never got to eat it as they provided free biscuits in the morning and free cake in the afternoon, all homemade which were absolutely delicious.

On the right of my sketch is Sue who was also taking part in the event.

Most people who know me, know I love going outside to sketch. I was thrilled to be asked to help organise the sketching sessions with Cambridge Drawing Society and on Saturday 21st June I organised a group sketch at The Orchard Tea Rooms in Grantchester.

When I booked this with the Tearooms, the weather was forecast as rain but actually we had the hottest day this year with 35C. There were 15 of us sketching in the area and it was glorious in the Orchard where the many trees gave us some shelter from the sun.

After we had completed our drawings, we had our usual photo of us holding up our drawings before settling down with one of the Orchard's superb scones or a piece of cake washed down with a cold drink.

And then it was back on the bike for the 5 mile ride home along by the river and across the commons in Cambridge until I reached the cycle lane on Milton Road and home.