A day at the farm… goodbye September!

Stour and AvonOctober 7, 20220 Comment0

As the nights drew in and we waved goodbye to September, all focus on the farm was firmly directed towards the Open Day held on the last Sunday of the month.
Shoe-horning events into the the day-to-day running of the farm is akin to working two jobs, and it means that staff, volunteers and Co-Farmers alike often find themselves undertaking tasks they might not normally get involved with.
Nik, our resident chef, aided by his Co-Farming catering team, was busy baking Dorset Apple cakes for the day and twice visited the farm shop for eggs only to be told that they hadn’t been collected.

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Unable to wait for delivery any longer, poor Nik headed to the coup himself and collected his ingredients from beneath the birds.
I am not sure that sourcing the produce direct is in his job description but at least he knew the eggs were fresh!
I was covering in the shop for the morning and watched in awe as produce was picked, plants were pruned and pallets painted.
I had my own challenge as Tarmac and Bernie the farm kittens, who appear to have taken a shine to me, attempted to access the shop whenever my back was turned.
Much of my time was spent removing the little critters only to find them returned, sitting in the till drawer, or climbing in the empty boxes.

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

When they weren’t harassing me, they were threatening to hide under the newly-constructed shop decking just as the final boards were being added.
Co-Farmer Will, who was helping with the construction, learned the true meaning of herding cats as he conscientiously made sure both were in clear view before screwing each new section; a slow and laborious job which was perfectly suited to Will as his love of animals made it impossible for him to get annoyed with their antics.
Only he had the tolerance to lure each kitten out every time they disappeared under the deck before he could confidently secure the next board.
When our new stock of autumn and Hallowe’en bunting arrived later, I smiled, as black cats were once again a theme – at least they are purported to be lucky, let’s hope it’s a sign!

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Regarding everyone’s event organising efforts, they were not in vain.
The Open Day was a great success, the busiest yet.
The sun shone and the feedback from the visitors made each and every extra hour worked worthwhile.
It once again highlighted how lucky we are to have such a dedicated team of volunteers who often go over and above to do their bit for the farm; without their passion and patience, events like the Open Day would simply not be possible.