What's doing at Iffin House

Albert - The albino squirrel

2010-05-01T11:02:00.004+01:00

"Albert" as we affectionately like to call him, is a true albino squirrel as he has not only a white coat but the blue eyes - which can be seen in this photograph I took yesterday afternoon. Albert or Alberta, as we havn't had an actual identification, has been around in the grounds of Iffin House since September 2009.

He can often be seen from the dining room scampering along the wall by the drive at breakfast time en route to our neighbours bird feeder! At other times in the mature yew tree where he was posing yesterday.

As Albert is becoming rather a feature here I thought I should do some research regarding the albino squirrel - so here goes!

There is no particular species of squirrels, with a plain white fur coat. The change in the colour of fur is caused by variations in the production of melanin and the amount of melanin in the fur, determines its body colour. It is the genes that determine the pattern and control of melanin production and genetic changes that causes a reduction in the melanin production results in a white fur coat and squirrels with such fur coats are called white squirrels. These are not common, as such genetic changes are rare to occur.

However, most of the white squirrels are not albino squirrels, but are those squirrels, who have a white fur coat, due to leucism, which is caused by a a recessive gene found within certain eastern gray squirrels.

Albino squirrels have a white fur coat, and, have pink or blue eyes, due to a genetic condition called albinism. This is a rare condition, when compared to white squirrels. So, the basic difference between white and albino squirrels lies in the eye color. In case of albino squirrels, the absence of melanin in the eyes affect their vision and impaired vision results in falls and injuries, that leads to loss of life.

This makes it very rare to find a true albino squirrel.

Photographic Workshop - Sun 21 March 2010

2010-02-24T14:22:00.006Z

Don't forget to book into the Photographic Workshop at Iffin House on Sunday, 21 March.

Spaces are limited and not many remaining.

If you can't make this date but are interested in another day, please contact Award winning photographer Tim Stubbings.

For more details see www.timstubbings.co.uk or email
photo@timstubbings.co.uk."

Dover Castle

2010-02-23T14:57:00.010Z

Iffin House is such a great base for exploring Kent's coast and its beautiful countryside.

Suggested to the delightful French couple staying that they visited Dover Castle (only 20 mins down the road!).

The Great Tower has been recently revamped and is part of the on-going investment in the Castle. Meticulous research and skilled craftsmanship have recreated the lavish interiors of the medieval palace of King Henry II and his royal court.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.14571

Welcome Amir & Indah!

2010-02-22T18:08:00.008Z

Sadly, our adopted Red Panda died!

Iffin House has now adopted Amir and Indah (Sumatran Tigers).

Sumatran Tigers are classed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as Critically Endangered.

For more info contact The Adoption Team at http://www.totallywild.net/jaf/

Photographic Workshop - Sun 21 March 2010

2010-02-22T10:37:00.003Z

Don't miss out on this Camera Skilled Workshop (spaces limited) run by photographer Award Winner, Tim Stubbings, at Iffin House on Sun 21 March 2010.

For more details see www.timstubbings.co.uk or email
photo@timstubbings.co.uk."

Iffin House

2010-02-20T16:28:00.001Z

Iffin House is gem of a venue (www.iffin.co.uk).

Such a creative environment, excellent food, personal attention and luxury accommodation. Ideal for small groups, workshops, weddings or just a base for exploring Canterbury and the area.

Where else in Canterbury can you enjoy close proximity to the city centre yet be in the heart of the countryside?

Photographic Workshop - Sun 21 March 2010

2010-02-19T15:27:00.002Z

"Kent-based professional photographer Tim Stubbings will be holding his next all-day training course at Iffin House on Sunday 21st March.

It's a camera skills workshop for up to 15 digital SLR users, £145.00 pp, and you'll be getting plenty of practical application, shooting time and interactive
learning.

For more details see www.timstubbings.co.uk or email
photo@timstubbings.co.uk."

Looking forward to the spring!

2010-02-19T15:17:00.001Z

The garden, here at Iffin House, in the spring is beautiful.