Current Weather at Strickley

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Back to work

While we were away last week (relaxing in the sun, or not) James was busy painting and tidying up round the yard. Last year we had several events at Strickley (culminating in our Ruby Wedding Party) and had a massive tidy up and clear out. This year is quieter - but it does us good to have a reason to get back into shape. Last Friday Natural England held a training session here (training them, not farmers) and we provided the land, and somewhere inside (in case it rained). So we cleared out the "new" building across the yard (stanchions etc painted red by James) and provided coffee and cake (thank you Michelle - master cake maker). We put a dish out and asked for donations for Endmoor First Responders (who now cover New Hutton).

On Saturday the building was in use again (perhaps we should call it Strickley Conference Centre, Or Strickley Hospitality Suite?) when Kendal South Choir held their own fundraising event. It was a miserable wet and cold day, but 30 odd brave souls were led on a farm walk by Arthur, and then were joined by the less hardy (including us) for a barbecue. If only it had been on Sunday, when the weather began to perk up.

By Monday the weather was looking settled so we mowed a six acre field for big bales. This is more or less the last of first cut. * We got the bales last night and today James is moving them from the field to our Big Bale compound.

This morning Natural England are back with another group of trainees and have the benefit of seeing the farm in sunshine.

Over the years we've accumulated several garden chairs, some off Freecyle and Freegle, which are useful for these sort of dos. So, if you're investing in posh new patio furniture and wondering what to do with the old faded stuff, think of Strickley Conference Centre.

* Updated - ignore what I said about finishing mowing - we're at it again this afternoon

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