Tiffany Fleming is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown.
High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our co-farmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth that many have never experienced before’.

At this time of year, I can’t but help think of that age old saying ‘Ne’er cast a clout till May be out’… sage words indeed for the promise of the sun in the sky does not yet make for summer warmth. Many a day in the past week or so I have left the house bathed in heat, only to return home later in the day bemoaning the chilly wind. This state of affairs is not assisted by the ever-increasing cost of heating. In the good old days, if I felt a little cooler than comfortable, I’d pop the heating on to take the chill off. But with the threat of our smart meter exposing my profligate pastime, I now can’t run the risk. It makes me wonder how the spiralling cost of living will be impacting on charities and community organisations and I am thankful that lighter, warmer days are on their way.
The farm, being relatively flat, is exposed to the wind, so there is good sport in watching those safely sheltered in the poly tunnel, or tucked up all toasty in the
day room, boldly braving the
outside – their facial expressions instantly registering the transition. It is days like these that make the farm shop destination of choice for the Co-Farmers. The chance to purchase a coffee or hot chocolate and lose a good half hour or so, (usually just before or just after their scheduled break), is too good to miss! Whilst it means those volunteering in the shop that day don’t get a great deal done, it is a super way to catch up. My last shift in the shop was no exception; there was a steady stream of Tuesday regulars queueing to tell me all about their weekend and their plans for the forthcoming bank holiday. This particular Tuesday marked my volunteering milestone – a year to the day – and to spend it chatting to the Co-Farmers and reminiscing about all that had happened in the past 12 months was the perfect way to mark the occasion.
Perfect too, to receive a visit from the Wessex Water Foundation who were sponsors of the recent Dorset Community of the Year Awards of which both the farm and I were winners. With so much achieved, and so many new friends made in the year, I feel as if the award is not the only accolade I should be celebrating.

Farm fact: The White Hart, Longham, is hosting a special fish supper every Wednesday, between 6.30pm and 9.00pm, throughout May. Supper costs £7.50 of which a £1.50 donation will be made to High Mead Farm.
Paul and *Carol look forward to seeing you there.
*Regular readers will know how poor I am at remembering names… in my last column I thanked Paul and Cath – as Paul is married to Carol, I now feel I owe Carol an apology… sorry Carol!