[proust-upton <pbs@shoalhaven.net.au>]

Morning everyone,
cold blustery day here. A nice 20mm overnight. I was recently contacted 
by John Skidmore from Kangaroo Valley enquiring if Shoalhaven Seed 
Savers could help him track down some particular scarlet runner bean. If 
anyone knows of these particular beans (or has some) please contact me 
so we can help John out. Below is a part of what he sent me:

/For the past 60 years or so, I have annually saved the seed from a crop 
of scarlet runner beans which are totally resistant to mildew.  The 
variety was developed in the UK by my step-father who was a seedsman 
with special interest in peas and beans.

This particular variety was never marketed or even named.  It is a heavy 
cropper and grows well in a variety of soils & climates.

About 5 years ago, I sent a consignment of seeds to Seedsavers at Byron 
Bay & they told me that they would identify them as 'Skidmore beans.' .  
I am now almost out of seed stock because last year's crop was ruined by 
bower birds.  I am now raising my remaining seeds in pots, this is my 
last chance to keep the variety going/.

If anyone wants to get inn touch with John directly his phone/fax is 02 
44 651 666

yours with seedlings up to our ears
Gerard Proust
Tomerong
Shoalhaven Seed Savers