My Visit to Castle Howard & Minster of York, England

En route to the MGA Conference in Cambridge we flew to Leeds.

Visiting our mushroom friends Paul and Pam Middlebrook.
We went to their home and had coffee with cookies on Monday morning, September 23 of 1985.
Pieter went with friend Paul to his mushroom farm and Pam did take Alice Carapiet (whom we also would meet at the two SPAWN MATE SYMPOSIUMS in Scottsdale, Arizona) and me for a ride.
During all International events we would run into our mushroom friends from all over the world!
Her husband George Carapiet was with SPAWN MATE at the time.
Both had Armenian background.

Here, friend Pam and I are in front of Castle Howard on September 23, 1985...
Wearing my tweed woolen Planet suit, the one that Pam helped select for Pieter  when he was shopping for me in 1982. That was after receiving his Sinden Award, at Marks & Spencer in Harrogate.
Pam was smart to ask Pieter, which of the sales ladies at the department store, resembled my build.
So that worked out perfect!
We enjoyed lunch at Castle Howard restaurant.
Nowadays they even allow people to have their wedding there...

See more info about Castle Howard just click it.

We had spent one night at the Post House Hotel in Leeds/Bradford Bramhope, near the Leeds airport.

Here Pam showed us the impressive Minster of York, seen from the city walls and inside.
See here: Walking around the York Walls just click it.
By the way, dear friends Paul & Pam Middlebrook were so gracious for allowing Pieter's niece Judith, to stay with them for several weeks one summer.
Coming from The Netherlands, she enjoyed this country side living and horse back riding very much.

Postcard from York where you can see the Minster of York to the right, from another side.
Bottom you see some of the old medieval city walls, from where my above photo was taken.
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We did have to depart by train around 4:45 PM to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire...
These were the pre-days before our MGA Mushroom Conference in Cambridge later that week.

Still have my Planet tweed woolen suit...
Also the same Italian Piero Erbacci bag from Florence.
Not the pumps I wore in 1985...
Of course Speckie girl and Spooky boy want to be near me.

Photos are from February 16... with Spooky's tail on my left side!
I also have shortened the skirt and with the fabric left over I created four belt loops for wearing a belt with it.
A bonus when you never gain weight!
Wearing my Escada silk blouse, Escada belt and pumps.

Thanks for your visit and comment!

Related links:

{1987 Scottsdale Arizona versus 2014} | previous post about SPAWN MATE SYMPOSIUM where I met Alice Carapiet again...
1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England | previous post when husband Pieter bought the Marks & Spencer suit for me

1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England

Yes, in 1982, husband Pieter became the very first non-British, to receive the prestigious Sinden Award at the Mushroom Industry Conference in The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate in England.

The Sinden Award...

This very Waterford Crystal Decanter was engraved with the words SINDEN AWARD 1982 and presented as a gift to Pieter

Here the engraved words SINDEN AWARD 1982 are reflecting in the silver tray...

SINDEN

AWARD

1982
Finally a sunny day for making these photos on March 6...

MUSHROOM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Harrogate 1982
THE HOTEL MAJESTIC, HARROGATE

Banquet Programme

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Grace will be said by Mr. J. H. Green

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THE QUEEN

Proposed by Mr. H. J. Linfield 

Chairman of the Mushroom Growers' Association

(those that are not familiar with this British ritual, a toast to the Queen is always made during a special event).

*

THE GUESTS

Proposed by Mr. H. J. Linfield 

Chairman of the Mushroom Growers' Association

(another formal ritual where each name is being called off and that person walks in...)

To blogger friend Rosemary a question: What is the staff called, to knock on the floor with, before calling the persons names?

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Guest Speaker

Mr. Brian Wash, Q.C.

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PRIZE-GIVING and INVESTITURE OF 

THE INCOMING CHAIRMAN

Menu

Whitby Crab and Salmon Mousse

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Savoury Yorkshire Pudding with Onion Gravy

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Wansford Steak and fresh vegetables

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Wharfedale Orange Tart

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Wensleydale Cheese & biscuits

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Coffee and mints

Pieter gave his Sinden Award speech:

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gents.

It is a great honor I realize, and I am very grateful to all of you, especially the nominating committee, for getting this Sinden Award.

It will be now approximately 25 years ago, I suppose, that I visited the U.K. for the first time.

I was working in the Extension Service as the brand new assistant of what I can now name as my mushroom parents; Pieter Bels and his wife Henriette Bels–Koning.

I remember very well that we visited the Noble-Atkins farm, with wooden shelf beds, gleaming from the Cresylic Acid, or Baker and Jones, using trays with a loose, separate bottom. We visited Barton who just started in a few handicraft houses and also Linfield, especially to see how a big, mechanized composting yard was designed and how an automatic composter works. We also had a look at Peter Stanley–Evans' farm. He showed us his nice chrysanthemums first and later the mushrooms. He grew them in soldier cribs, in army beds, so in fact he is the first real bed grower.

Later, many times, a number of you gave us hospitality and opened your farms for my Dutch students. 

In my lecture, on Thursday, I have already said that we in The Netherlands realize very well that we also learned from our colleagues abroad, not the least from the U.K. growers as well. So the first instigation for this Award is given by yourself.

My job is, as you know, gathering practical experience and knowledge, translating that into useful growers language and then selling the message.

So, if I was in the position to do something for the Mushroom Industry than it was because of a number of people, growers as well as colleagues, supporting me with their experience and the results of their research. I like to accept this Award therefore, not as Pieter Vedder as a person, but as a representative of a country.

I think, this Award is a mark of nearly 25 years of good cooperation and even friendship between the mushroom growers in two countries. I hope from both sides we are in the position to continue that fellowship and friendship, because 'You can't have too much of a good thing'.

(The English' well-known slogan or quote to promote mushrooms...)

Thank you very, very much!

 The Sinden Award 1982
Pieter Vedder
In recognition of his outstanding
contributions to the
Mushroom Industry
for many years both in the
International field and on behalf of
British Growers who have made this
presentation.
His book
'Modern Mushroom Growing'
has found a place on every progressive
grower's desk.
His mushroom courses at Horst
have a worldwide reputation and
have helped innumerable growers,
young and not so young, from many countries.
In addition, his advice is always
available to anyone who asks and
is always cogent.
Chairman

Mushroom Growers' Association

The Best Conference for Many Years...

Excerpt from the above page: The afternoon session started with Mr. Pieter Vedder of Horst -- the 1982 Sinden Award Winner -- giving his Sinden Award lecture 'Our Formula to be Competitive in the Mushroom Business'. Just click the link for viewing Pieter's lecture!

Also published in The Mushroom Journal January 1983 ←click ISMS link.
One has come to expect over the years a very high standard from Pieter and his audience were not disappointed.

Working for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at the time was not easy as you had almost no freedom.
In June, husband Pieter had already written his boss, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for allowing him to travel to England...
This is the reply from July 5, 1982
In response to your above-mentioned writing, I notify you that on my behalf I do not encounter any objections if your board allows you to receive the award personally.
As for the exact period of your absence, I will be pleased for being informed in time.
I have also taken note that the costs associated with attending the conference are borne by the Mushroom Growers Association.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment you on this Honorable Award.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
For this, the Director of agricultural education, Dr. Ir. P.K. Schenk

IN THE SUNSHINE
Principal P. Vedder of the education center for mushroom cultivation in Horst, The Netherlands has been decorated with the high English distinction of the Sinden Award. This award is awarded since 1975 to a person who has made himself meritorious in the mushroom cultivation. Vedder from Horst, The Netherlands, is the first foreigner to whom this recognition was awarded. Congratulations.

Published in the local Echo on Friday, October 15, 1982

High Foreign Award
Mr. P. Vedder, director of the Centre for Mushroom Cultivation Education, Westerholtstraat in Horst, The Netherlands, was presented the Sinden Award at the annual congress of the Mushroom Growers' Association in England.
This award was set up in 1975 by the English Mushroom Growers' Association and is awarded annually to a person who made himself meritorious in the mushroom cultivation. This award was first  presented to Dr. Sinden, who was the most important international figure in the mushroom world in the eyes of the English growers. The award is also named after him.
Mr. P. Vedder is the first foreigner to qualify for this award. The annual congress of the Mushroom Growers' Association in England was held in Harrogate this year. On Thursday, October 7, Mr Vedder held a lecture on this subject: "Our Formula to be Competitive in the the Mushroom Business".
On the closing day of the Congress, on October 9, the award was presented. He received the award for his entire work for the Education in Mushroom Cultivation. Specifically 3 points were emphasized:
a. His book "Modern Mushroom Growing" no mushroom grower in the world is without it. (It is even translated into Polish).
b. The Centre for Mushroom Cultivation Education in Horst organizes annually two important courses for the growers in English.
c. Mr Vedder's willingness to always be available with practical advice for the grower.
This year Mr Vedder is also involved in mushroom cultivation for 25 years. He was a researcher at the Experimental Station for the Mushroom Culture in 1957. In 1961, the first Dutch edition of his famous book "Modern Mushroom Cultivation" appeared. In 1963, he was instructed to set up education for the mushroom growers. In 1964, the first courses were given and in 1969, the school started in its own building on the Westerholtstraat.

The same story got picked up by other News Papers as well...

An old fashioned telegram from Indonesia, from Mr. Soetantyo from Mantrust, Jakarta for whom we later worked... We knew him already for a number of years through the World Bank.

Numerous cards and congrats poured in for Pieter.

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Just have to add that my dear husband Pieter has always been a down to earth person, approachable for everyone and he always helped out.

He never used his title as his motto always has been: "I hope they respect me for what I am and not because of my title"! 

His very humble upbringing during the depression years and WWII made him appreciate so much more the true values of life.

He never accepted any bribes for promoting a certain product—and thus he never accumulated great wealth.

What most counts is the worldwide friendships that last a lifetime!

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Too bad that on his special day of recognition, he was all by himself... his ex-wife Thea never had a real interest in his work and was not eager to join him. She never kept a scrapbook for him or whatsoever. Her interests were only for her hobbies and tennis, she never worked a single day.

*

I no doubt would have felt honored to stand by him during this ceremony!

It was only four months later that Pieter and I embarked on our life's journey together as we found TRUE LOVE!

We both treasure our INTERNAL WEALTH of worldwide friendships and many fond memories!

That is what life is all about, for helping others to achieve a better life and for creating fond memories to look back on towards the end of your life...

Related links:
1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me
1980 MGA Conference Reception in Royal Albert Hall, London | previous post by me
Husband Pieter Speaks at MGA Conference, Bournemouth - England | previous post by me

Husband Pieter visiting Mushrooms in the Cave - Bradford-on-Avon in England | previous post by me

Visiting A.G. Linfield Mushroom Compost Facility in England  | previous post by me

Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in England | previous post by me

SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me

Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post by me

Husband Pieter Speaks at MGA Conference, Bournemouth - England

On Thursday, October 14 of 1976, husband Pieter lectured at the Mushroom Growers Association's Conference at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth in South England, a resort area and World Heritage Site.

 Husband Pieter to the left with Saviour Gauci from Malta (center).

They were at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth click it

Pieter's lecture has been published in The Mushroom Journal May 1977 now being uploaded by the ISMS

Pieter received this card from Saviour Gauci, via his Dutch Rotary friend Loek Nelissen and his wife, who met him while on vacation in Malta...

That was already several years after the MGA Conference, but it shows that people know Pieter J.C. Vedder the world over! This was after Pieter got his prestigious Sinden Award but more about that later...
Translated from Dutch:
Congratulations with 'The Award!" Terrific! Well earned!
Since you were not at Rotary, herewith proof that we met your friend in Malta.

How sociable it was we will tell you. Greetings, Loek
*

This photo of the C.C.O. Staff is taken by Saviour Gauci in1982 after a course for the M.G.A. Growers at the Practical Training College for Mushroom Growing.
 From Left to right: Principal and Founder Pieter Vedder, Antoon Van As, Peter Rechsteiner, Jan Smits and Roel Seubring.

We both hope that Saviour Gauci's mushroom business is doing well in Malta!

Related links:
Husband Pieter visiting Mushrooms in the Cave - Bradford-on-Avon in England | previous post by me
Visiting A.G. Linfield Mushroom Compost Facility in England  | previous post by me
Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in England | previous post by me
SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me
Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post by me

Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in England

Yes, husband Pieter was very, very fond of the U.K. and loved going there!
On October 3 of 1958, Pieter visited the Darlington Spawn Makers in England

For those of you that have no clue how mushrooms are being grown, this is a MUST see short 4 min. video about how they take the spores from a disinfected, mature mushroom and inoculate on some agar to incubate and next let it overgrow on rye grain.
This one mushroom contains millions of spores!
Just click Growing And Eating Aka Mushrooms 1966 and enjoy.

Pieter met with Fred C. Atkins, the very first Sinden Award Winner and also an author, like my husband Pieter.

Mushroom growing houses at the Noble-Atkins mushroom farm near Peterborough in the U.K., on October 4, 1958.
Growers Ben Noble and Fred Atkins

Fred Atkin's book MUSHROOM GROWING TO-DAY from MCMLVI (1956) is in Pieter's library.
Fred C. Atkins also was the Editor of THE MUSHROOM JOURNAL Official Publication of the Mushroom Grower's Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Via link below this post you can find a letter that Fred wrote to Pieter after receiving his publication of Modern Mushroom Growing.

Related links:
1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me where Fred Atkins' letter is shown.
SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me
Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post about Pieter's very first visit to a Mushroom Farm in England

1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English

It was only within two years since that very 1st trip to Australia, for lecturing, that husband Pieter's Dutch book on Mushroom Growing got now published in English as well.

See below post for info about new published English book!
Following the nature of comments I received on my previous post, I'd like to give some more information about my retired husband Pieter...

This cartoon was created by Mac at the VIIIth International Congress on Mushroom Science 1971 (ISMS)
at Imperial College London
PJC Vedder
Principal of a Famous Training Centre
~
From youth up-getting them Mushroom minded

So there it was; 1978 the first English publication of his book!

Already in 1961, Pieter wrote his 1st Dutch Moderne Champignonteelt and in 1964 his 2nd edition, in 1968 his 3rd edition, in 1971 his 4rd edition and in 1978 his 5th edition and also his 1st English edition.

Top from left: Dutch, German, French

Spanish and English

The above article (Dutch) got published in "Bedrijfsontwikkeling" September, 1979, page 872
Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing in five languages.
In 1961 the book 'Moderne Champignonteelt' appeared by Mr. P.J.C. Vedder. This manual was the successor of the 'Manual for Mushroom Culture' from 1958 by Bels. New revised editions are being published regularly. In 1978 the fifth edition came off the press.
Vedder's book, a cultivation manual, is a reflection of the mushroom industry in The Netherlands, with aspects of research, information, education, growers organization, marketing, processing, etc.
Vedder in 1963 became Director (Principal) of the Center for Mushroom Cultivation Education in Horst, Province of Limburg.
The developments of the mushroom industry in The Netherlands, drew the attention of many from abroad. Requests therefore came for allowing to have 'Moderne Champignon Teelt' translated. This yielded the result that Vedder's book now lies before us in five languages. Dutch (5th edition) 1978, German 1966, French 1974, English 1978 and Spanish 1978 (several editions). A unique event. They are not short tutorials, but books of about 400 pages.
A manual in five languages has never been published in the more than 350–year anniversary of mushroom cultivation.
The manual now covers 25% of the total language area, so that many can draw knowledge from the mushroom events in The Netherlands. In the Dutch history of agriculture and horticulture a manual in five languages is unique.

The five books by Vedder (under photo).
~
Needless to say that I feel very proud of my Pieter!
His book has been called: 'The Mushroom Bible' and it has helped so many.

Meanwhile in 9 official languages!
From left at top: Dutch, Italian 1980, French 1974, English 1978
Polish 1980, Spanish 1978 and German 1966
Bulgarian has been added and the Chinese just 'stole' it without ever bothering copyright!

As of January 25, 2023 also available in Russian as we granted our Ukrainian friend Maksym Yenchenko from UMDIS legal permission to translate our book with his team. 

Russian speaking people can find it here: vedder.umdis ←click link.

With thanks and appreciation to Maksym Yenchenko and his team!

~

Pieter J.C. Vedder got numerous references.

His colleagues world wide responded with kind letters.
Like here by The Mushroom Growers' Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. Fred C. Atkins who writes about the arrival of your marvelous book and the generous inscription made me a very happy man.

The British have had a very close and long standing relationship with Pieter.
This yielded him The Sinden Award 1982
Pieter Vedder
In recognition of his outstanding
contributions to the
Mushroom Industry
for many years both in the
International field and on behalf of
British Growers who have made this
presentation.
His book
'Modern Mushroom Growing'
has found a place on every progressive
grower's desk.
His mushroom courses at Horst
have a worldwide reputation and
have helped innumerable growers,
young and not so young, from many countries.
In addition, his advice is always
available to anyone who asks and
is always cogent.
Chairman
Mushroom Growers' Association

Another very kind letter from the USA from the American Mushroom Institute
Dear Pieter:
I wish to congratulate you on the most informative and educational
book I ever read on mushroom growing. It is an encyclopedia on
mushroom growing. It is a complete review of growing, diseases,
mechanization and many small detailed aspects of growing analyzed
with great knowledge and experience. No wonder that this practical
book is translated in so many languages.
As an Agronomist with 34 years working with the mushroom industry,
I always find very valuable information and excellent guidance. Only
a dedicated teacher, grower, and researcher like you could wrap up
this valuable book that I am sure will have a constant increased
demand. I am very proud that I was one of the first to have this
translation right-off-the-press.
I am very pleased that I also got the opportunity to personally give
you the letter of invitation to the AMI conference in San Francisco.
I am sure you will enjoy meeting our growers as well as our hospitality.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Sincerely,
Aron Kinrus, Agronomist
Public Relations Coordinator

Lastly, but in fact THE most important one came on June 13, 1979 from Pieter's Boss:

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

I have heard from the press about your book "Moderne Champignonteelt" now having been published in a fifth language. With this unique happening I would like to warmly compliment you.

I am pleased that at an international level your work and with that also agricultural education is being propagated.

Although it is not my habit to approach in this way authors from agricultural education circles, I have felt to make an exception for this particular case.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

 (Dr. Ir. P.K. Schenk)

No wonder that copies of his book still are being offered at a better price than they ever sold for right off the press!

This is not the actual cover...
Wonder why they put this on?!

Amazon UK offers the Spanish Edition for $ 756.13...

Thanks for your visits and comments - greatly appreciated, also by Pieter!

Meanwhile, you can order the newest versions: modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting Softcover

As well as: modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting Hardcover and by far the BEST version!

modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting EPUB also is available with ISBN/SKU 9781735241326

Print On Demand (POD) Worldwide from any Library, University or Large Book Seller.

Related links: 

modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | our newest book and post about it

1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England | later post by me
Trips to Australia | previous post by me

{Angels engraved on lucky calendar coin of 1969} | previous post by me
{My Teacher, Mentor, BOSS & Husband over 44+ Years} | previous post by me
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to East Asia - Arrival in Beijing, China} | previous post showing the Chinese version of Pieter's book
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post showing one of his Royal customers for his book!
{What YOU should LOOK for when Buying Fresh Mushrooms} | previous post by me showing publications from both of us...
{HELP ME FIND ITALIAN ARTIST M. SOTGIU mother of Luigi Tramarollo} | previous post by me showing Pieter's Italian edition
{Reader Asked WHY They Are Called Toadstools} | previous post by me about Pieter's publication

Fred Atkins' book Mushroom Growing To-Day helped Pieter Solve Yellow Mold & False Truffle Problem | showing Mac's cartoon, the same artist that created Pieter's!

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