Monday, July 28, 2008

Hay Making in 2008 - beat the rain...


After wandering if the Summer weather was ever going to come, we have finally had chance to cut and make hay. Ben rents some land at Whitchurch from Shropshire Wildlife Trust (melverley Meadows). They are protected, traditional organic hay meadows and Ben uses them to cut hay for winter feed. However, you need at least a week of completely dry and warm weather for it to be successful.

Last week began well and on tuesday Ben took the decision to bale the hay. By the weekend it was already to bring back to the farm, but Saturday evening and Sunday predicted rain. This meant it was all hands on deck to get it completed on Satuday. Wet hay rots and is then worthless, he could not afford to delay and run into the rains.

Charlotte and Becca were at Shrewsbury Farmers' Market, Courier Dave and Helena were at Uttoxeter Farmers' Market and Ben had been able to rally up some more help in the field. Josh, Ralph, Dave, Chris, Craig, Ghislain (from Normandy) and later Helena (from Prague), Charlotte and Marie-Anne. The team worked hard through the mid day sun and put in some real effort. Eventually the hay made it into the barn, but everyone was working well into the night.

Alas, the rains did not come. But, nevertheless the hay is now safe and the barn is full ready for this years winter feed.

Well done all those who put in the hard work.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Summer Fun in the Fordhall Woodland


After a successful year of Forest School in Fordhall Farm's woodland, we have decided to organise some Forest Fun Activities for the Summer Holidays. These will run from Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August from 10am-12.30pm. They will be run by a qualified Forest School Leader and involve a whole range of activities from map trails, mini beast hunts, blindfold trails, den making, woodland crafts and even a campfire party!

For more information please contact the office on 01630 638696 or email project @fordhallfarm.com.

Charges:
£15 per day or £75 for the week. Discounts available for second child from the same family. Adults are free.
Suitable for ages 4 years and upwards. Under 9's must be accompanied by an adult.

Places must be prebooked as places are limited.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Successful Summer Fair




This weekend was the annual Summer Fair, and what a success it was! We had such a variety of stalls and activities for all the family. There were traditional Victorian games presented by the scouts, welly wanging for all the family, corn dolly demonstrations, bench making plus we even had a visit from the fire engine and police car (for the children to explore before you ask!) the sheep shearing which took place in our new barn was a resounding success, a really interesting and informative addition to the fair.

Lots and lots of people came through the gates, from nearby and as far away as London and everyone had a great time. Lots of home cooked organic cakes were munched as was Ben's tasty Hog Roast.
A huge thanks must go out to all our amazing volunteers that really helped for the day to go smoothly and without a hitch - we couldn't have done it without you!

Hannah


P.S Don't forget that this week is your last chance to see Arthur's Plough. It is on at Home Farm, Attingham from Wednesday - Saturday. Please ring the office for ticket availability.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Second Week of Arthurs Plough Play


Today we begin the second week of Arthurs Plough and it looks like the weather may be a little kinder to us. Last week, two performances were held in Ben's barn and two were held in the Farmhouse garden. All were very successful and everyone had fun.

This will be the last EVER week of performances at Fordhall Farm, with the following weeks performances moving to Home Farm, Attingham, Shrewsbury.

If you would like to book tickets for this week, please buy them in advance as we can not guarantee they will be available on the door.


Please go to Ben's Farm Shop or ring 01630 638696.

More photos available at Virtual Shropshire

OR see the BBC promotion of the show by following the link below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7471582.stm

PLEASE DON'T FORGET OUR SUMMER FAIR
Fordhall Farm's biggest event of the year takes place this Sunday (6th July). Our Summer Fair will run from 11am-4pm and will have enough activities to keep you entertained all day. We have sheep shearing demonstrations - the naming of Ben's new Bull - hog Roast - live music - bee keeping demonstrations - games - farmer's market - afternoon teas - RAF Helicopter - fishing - composting and more...

How could you miss out!