As we are getting into the swing of things this summer and coping with the changes in both the weather and in the news, we are also gearing up for a very busy few weeks ahead. We’ve all learnt a lot in the last few years about the importance of spending as much time as possible in the fresh air and the importance of looking after ourselves, and we are lucky to have our new decking with fabulous views over the Ecclesbourne Valley with some beautiful Shire Horses to look at, so there aren’t many better places to enjoy a cream tea or a local ice cream in the summer sun! Talking of the horses, we have been extremely busy recently as we are in the middle of the showing season and been to Staffordshire County, Shropshire County, Three Counties and Great Yorkshire show all in the last few weeks as well as several smaller local shows too. You can follow what we are up to and how we are getting on on our Facebook page, but we are very proud that Cowerslane Isabella, our three year old black filly has already qualified to go to the Horse of the Year show final later this year. On the farm, we have mowed the grass and baled it as haylage ready for the winter months ahead and had all the ewes and lambs in a couple of weeks ago doing regular checks on their health.
We were sad to say goodbye to our Butchery Manager, David Jackson last week, who has left us to go back to his family marquee business, so we wish him well for the future and welcome Chris Banton as his replacement, who joins us in a few weeks time. Looking forward, we are having a few changes in the shop week commencing 8th August, with new counter fridges being installed both in Butchery and in the Deli, which will allow us to introduce some new products into the range and they will also be more energy efficient which will be very helpful in the current climate! We are also in the process of changing our freezers to the scoop out freezers, so you will be able to choose how many Yorkshire Puddings or croissants you want in the future! We are also finally looking forward to some new play equipment being delivered next week!
Finally on Sunday 7 th August, we are looking forward to welcoming many more Shire Horses to the farm for the Derbyshire Shire Horse Association Silver Jubilee Show. There will be many different classes including one for mares and foals, ridden Shire Horses, Shire in harness and one for younger handlers too. Croots will be doing a BBQ and there will be a few different displays and stands to look at as well as the horses! I hope to see you there!!
Kay