Newsletter No 20
It’s our third newsletter of the year, and we wish everyone a happy build up to Guy Forkes and Christmas because we are galloping along towards bonfire night next week. We want to also say a big “hello” to all our new followers, and there are many. Thank you.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ON THE FARM
Summer has come to an end, but the fields are still green, if not water logged. The first of the heifers has calved – Spotty III – and she had had twins as her first calves. She is from our original line of 5 Hereford cross Holsteins (milking cows) we bought in 2009, and fortunately the genetics for plenty of milk appears to be kicking in, as they are little guzzlers. Several people have seen them and they have stolen their hearts. Not much bigger than a very good sized labrador, fortunately for mum carrying them for 9 months, she calved on her own at the bottom of the farm. John was caught out, as he could only see one at first! Well done Spotty.
NEWS ON THE CAMP SITE
Although returned to a horse paddock in October, it will be brought back into a good field for campers, and in particular for campers wanting to hire A WHOLE FIELD just to themselves, for their friends, family and special occasions. Several weekends have already been booked for families wishing to get together, and this is encouraging as its only our 3rd full year of being open.
The field will re-open on 1st June 2025 right through to the end of September.
More information is on our Blog No 17 and our camping page.
The projects for 2024 were all completed:-
NEW water treatment system, in preparation for showers (hopefully) next year
and NEW cabinets to house electric plugs so you can charge your devices, safely, in a locked cabinet.
Enquiries are to beef@parkhillfarm.co.uk in the first instance, and dates are only saved once a deposit is received!
NEWS OF THE FARM MEAT
Our NOVEMBER beef has “gone to market”, and the website shop has been updated. Our actual farm shop is now closed to casual callers, so please do speak to John if you wish to come and see us. His number is 07966 460312. Some popular cuts are selling out now, so please try to order early especially for Christmas. A minimum order of £60 gets you free local delivery up to 30 miles from the farm. Pork is now on the website, but if you wish to chat about your order, please let us know by email to beef@parkhillfarm.co.uk. If we have sold out, do please email us, as John may have some in the freezer!
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
We welcomed 25 school visits this summer, and most were very lucky to have a lovely day here in sunshine. The piglets were the favourite AGAIN. Our EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES are free with 25 FREE of charge visits here for children under 16 or adults/children’s groups who have special needs. We look forward to hearing from schools how we can bring their “curriculum to life” with pond dipping, habitat trails, animal tours, all geared to your class! Teachers are able to book a “block of lessons” if they wish – in the past this has been used by SEND teachers.
As always, do get in touch if you have any questions, or experience any difficulties in getting the website to work.
Best wishes for the coming months and thank you all for your great support this year.
John and Pat
