Tuesday, May 24, 2011

AGM, Barn Dance and Spring Fair Weekend!!

The Fordhall Community Land Initiative's 2011 AGM was held at Fordhall Farm for the very first time!  It was really well attended by shareholders from all over the country.  As it was held here, it gave people the chance to have a hot drink and a piece of cake in the new tearoom, which was opened last weekend.  The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Board, Chris Eldon Lee. 

The official AGM ran until 2pm, when it broke for a delicious 'bring and share' lunch and a local choir, the Mere Singers, came to entertain everyone. They sang some beautiful songs, including the famous "Pancake Day" from the play "Arthur's Plough". 


After lunch, guided tours took place around the farm and new buildings led by Charlotte, Ben, Beth & Bex and for those who didnt fancy the walk, Alec Nunn led a great Pyrography activity for adults and children alike.

In the evening, we celebrated with a Barn Dance and Hog Roast.  Lots of fun and laughter was had by everyone, the food was delicious (as always), local ale was sold at the bar and the band kept everyone up and dancing throughout the night.

The next day, Fordhall Farm was bustling...or should that be blustering with visitors attending the Spring Fair and Farmers' Market.  Some 20 Stall Holders battled against the gale force winds to sell their local wares.  There were opportunities to try out our new family orienteering course and kids could have a go at hunting out all the Fordhall Staff in Beth's Wildlife Treasure Hunt.  Ben's sheep were being sheared ready for the summer and the Tea Room was still being checked out by one and all taking shelter from the gusts of wind.

 Despite being windswept and a little bit chilly, a good day was had by all!! A big thank you to all who helped to make it a really successful weekend!

6 comments:

Maude said...

Dear Charlotte,

You did indeed do it...I cannot imagine how and using what for energy, but
the new building looks wonderful and the surroundings are transformed.

I enjoyed Sunday so much...
Maude, Oswestry

Elaine and Bryan said...

Just to say once again a very very heartfelt thanks to you - and
EVERYONE - for such a great AGM and summer fair ... the last few months
must have been absolutely gruelling, and you come through smiling and
coping with everything. The new building is just magnificent -
everyone who came must have been so impressed. Lost in admiration ...
Elaine + Bryan
Shareholders, Staffordshire

David said...

Sunday 22nd May.
Dear Charlotte, Ben and the whole team at Fordhall.

I would just like to thankyou very much for an excellent AGM and farm walk
yesterday. The buildings are great and I like the Cafe and shop areas.
David, Gloucestershire

Philippa said...

and thank you - always a pleasure to be with you! So glad to see tearoom being so much enjoyed.

Ann and Norman said...

Dear Charlotte and Ben

Just wanted to write and say how much we enjoyed being up with you at the AGM on Saturday. We have been trying to visit for a few years now and just delighted we got there to see all the great things you have done at Fordhall
Farm. Your energy and enthusiasm is obviously infectious and you have gathered an amazing array of loyal volunteers and a very supportive Board around you. It was one of the best chaired AGM we have been to.

Keep up the good work and if you are ever down this way, please do come and visit us here at the orchard.

All good wishes from Ann & Norman Stanier

Dragon Orchard Cropsharers
Herefordshire

John and Gill said...

Hi

Just wanted to say we had a lovely time at the AGM - the speeches, getting to meet the board members as well as other shareholders, good food, seeing the new buildings and the music entertainment .......highly
recommend it to anyone who hasn\'t been! Well done for all the hard work you\'ve put in to make it such a good day.

john & gill