After all the hype and speculation surrounding the long lead up to the Olympics, it was with some relief that we joined the masses to watch the opening ceremony on TV, kicking off two weeks of sporting frenzy and potential mayhem in and around the capital.

Leaving the cynicism and politics aside, it has to be said that the content, timing and organisation of the ceremony were impeccable, and the undiluted enthusiasm of the 7,500 volunteers inspirational. The eclectic mix of British musical talent from Elgar and Mike Oldfield to even Mr Bean and everything in between, representing the generations, was well thought out.

Following this resounding success, with high expectations of our home-grown Olympians, the first day down and not one medal won was a great leveller and you have to hand it to the women who took centre stage on day two and kicked off with a silver and bronze. However, being a true Yorkshireman, this weekend will find me leaving the frantic athletic activity behind and heading north to follow another quintessentially English summer pastime at Headingly, where I fear the result will not go in our favour, but we will enjoy it nonetheless.

Continuing the Olympic theme, FPC was in London the evening prior to the opening ceremony, celebrating with the Dominican Republic and its 33 Olympians and two Paralympians - the largest contingent in the nation’s history. The reception was hosted by our friend Ambassador Dr Federico Cuello and the enthusiasm and excitement of the Dominicans and their athletes was contagious. Rum cocktails and sunny merengue music served as a precursor to what can be expected at the 67th FPC Annual Dinner on 2 February 2013. We are organising a spectacular evening at the Savoy and tickets go on sale next week, so book early.

During the period of the Games we are back in London with Kenya and Jamaica, not only to celebrate the potential winning of medals but also to meet with key agricultural delegations and FPC members to discuss industry matters and maximise opportunities. We are at Kenya House and taking a Kenyan delegation to Spitalfields, as well as celebrating with Jamaica in the 02 Bubble and hosting a delegation including the minister for agriculture at New Covent Garden Market. I’ll be interested to find out how our members on the ground in the markets are coping with the Olympic restrictions.

And as if all this were not enough, we continue with the day job and you can find us in Peterborough, hard at work over the holiday period, meeting with our members, FERA, Plant Health and the GLA to find a positive answer to current issues. Our industry HR Forum, chaired by Tricia McCarron of Worldwide Fruit, was also really well attended.

Whether you are holidaying at home or braving the ports for sunnier climbs, I wish you happy holidays! -

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