Christmas wishes to everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FORDHALL

Well 2009 has been another fantastic year for Fordhall. Despite the recession the farm shop has remained busy and the Fordhall Community Land Initiative (FCLI) has received over 6000 visitors at its events.

George (our resident cade lamb) has entertained us a lot this year, whether he was trying to help in the office or even help Ben with Christmas orders - of which there were many, infact double last year. Of course this was extremely positive, but it also resulted in a lot of stress for Ben and his team (Chris, Steve, Hugo, Dale, Josh, Kevin, Charlotte) as they gathered boxes, three bird roasts, gammons and turkeys, carefully checking to ensure that every customer received the correct order!


Simultaneously, work on the farmhouse roof continues.... It was supposed to be complete by the end of the year, but as you'd expect with old buildings more problems were uncovered as we went along. There is one final roof on the right of the house to repair which we hope this will be complete early in the New Year.

The photo on the right shows the roof earlier this week. Thankfully all the tiles are now on and we are watertight for the Christmas break (we hope). No insulation yet, but we are hopeful that it is not too far away.

We would like to again pass on a big thank you to all who have supported us through 2009. Whether it be through the farm shop, the FCLI's events or our appeals (such as the roof appeal). It is only through your support that we are here today. Thank you for choosing to buy local and for choosing to be part of 'your' farm.

We hope that you will continue to be part of Fordhall Farm through 2010 as Ben continues to build up the farm and his catrering enterprise, and as the community trust continues to develop the farm as a community and educational asset. We will also begin to develop our old farm buildings (The Old Dairy) into a classroom, office space, tearoom and a new farm shop and butchery for Ben. It will be an exciting year with a lot to organise, but we are sure it will all be worth it.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2010 and sharing the journey with you all.

Charlotte, Ben and George :-)