Farm News: 18-06-10

Farm
• Despite being knocked back somewhat by a break-in and the theft of batteries and meat the night before, Open Farm Sunday was a great success and we had over a hundred visitors to the farm.
• There is now a woodland walk and play area where people can picnic and children can explore.
• We’re trying to figure out how we can treat the 3000 posts on the farm over the summer!
• Sheep shearing was completed in amazing time. We now have plenty of fleeces in the shed and the ewes are looking trim.
• We’ve been topping thistles and chain harrowing pastures this past week.
• Two calves have been born. Both are doing well. Two pigs are also due to farrow anytime.

Store and Veg & Meat Boxes
• The butchery area in the store will be ready in less than a month. We’re counting down the days…
• Please note that any changes to box deliveries need to be emailed to meatandvegboxes@churchfarmardeley.co.uk before 4pm on a Tuesday for Friday’s delivery

Café
• Our new trial home-made ice cream flavour for this week is banana and chocolate.
• New on the menu is our savoury summer pudding.
• Coming soon: American-style breakfast pancakes. Yum!

Events, Workshops and Courses
• For June and July only – while the sheep are being shorn – we will only be charging £35 for a day of spinning tuition (including tea/coffee) and £5 for materials.
• Our three hour beekeeping courses, which cover why bees are kept in hives, the life cycle of the bee, essential beekeeping equipment, the risks involved and include the hands-on experience of opening up our bee hives will be taking place on 25th June (6pm-9pm), 17th July (2pm-5pm) and 7th August (2pm-5pm). £30.
• An additional knitting workshop has now been arranged for 10th July (10am-12pm). £10.
• Chicken keeping course dates have been extended to August and September. They will be running from 10.30am-3pm on 18th June, 30th July, 17th August and 11th September.
• Remember you can still help the farmer collect eggs everyday at 11am and 3pm. £4.95per child (free for accompanying adult). You’ll get to feed the chickens and take half a dozen eggs home with you!