FARM CLUB Summer Open day and Craft Fair 12th June 2011
SWCHS Farm Club triumphed on Sunday’s Summer
Open Day despite the poor weather. Once again the
announcement of a drought in our area resulted in a
day of drizzle and rain, but many attended and were
not put off by this change in recent weather.
Many of our attractions were still able to be held under
cover, including the craft stalls which offered a wide
range of items for sale. Local group ‘Legal Aliens’
played throughout the afternoon and there was a
great demonstration of martial arts by Saffron Walden
Tae Kwando Club who kept going outdoors despite
the drizzle. Year 7 pupil Maisy McSweeney sang
some of her favourite songs brilliantly and there were
lots of interesting children’s faces from the face
painting stall.
Nurses from local vets Mercer & Hughes answered
questions on small livestock care and children were
able to handle these in the ever popular Pet’s Corner.
The Sheep were sheared by local rare breed keepers,
John Hedges by machine and Jayne Drinkwater by
hand, who also demonstrated spinning and had
woollen goods on display and for sale. This was very
popular and lots of questions were asked especially
by young visitors. The weight of a fleece of wool from
our sheep in our competition was 3.6kg and the
weight of our 3 month old ram lamb was 41.2kg.
Youngsters were able to see and explore a new
Massey Ferguson tractor supplied by Mark
Weatherhead ractors, and there was good trade on
the plant stall and raffle in particular which had some
excellent prizes. Thank you to those local firms and
individuals who supplied prizes.
A BBQ and refreshments were provided by Newport
Scouts during the afternoon which kept going despite
the conditions. Thanks to them for their support.
The day ended with a small group of children helping to feed the animals and collect the eggs from our free range chickens.
We are confident of raising our target figure of £1,500 which is important in helping towards the £8,000 annually we need to pay for the day to day running costs of this renowned farm. Many thanks to all who worked hard and to those who supported us on the day.
Dave Crosby - Farm Manager/Club Leader
01799-513030