Chedworth Farm Shop

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2011-09-05T10:34:00.000+01:00

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What a summer

2011-09-05T10:30:00.000+01:00

It has been a few weeks since I updated this site, but I have been so busy over the last few weeks.... Ice cream making 2-3 times a week (it seems you can't get enough of it!); Coach parties (2 at the same time one day!); Opera evenings; parties and funerals; Outside catering for BBQs; Village fetes and markets. So busy! The next job on the list is to build our new bunny house. Just need to find that screwdriver....

Sing a song of sixpence....

2011-07-25T14:03:00.000+01:00

The lovely weather brought all sorts to the farm shop to see me yesterday. Young, old, dogs, nextdoor neighbours cat and a female blackbird. The blackbird managed to get in through the big doors into our village green but wasn't as sensible at getting out. Cue lots of running around with nets and coaxing words and eventually we managed to catch her to put her out. She looked very grateful at being released. Wonder if she'll be a returning customer?

Fairford Weekend

2011-07-19T12:17:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately this year I didn't get to see many aeroplanes from my paddock. Probably a good thing really, as my friend Lucy has a yard over at Masey Hampton and she was telling me that the horses there had to be kept in as they were scared of the noise. Actually more planes going over yesterday than the whole weekend put together. Didn't even manage to see the Red Arrows :-(

Pies, kievs and scotch eggs

2011-07-14T16:33:00.000+01:00

The kitchen and butchery have been very busy today. We now have loads of freshly made pies instore this weekend - steak & ale, steak & veg, spicy chicken - to name a few. As well as these fabulous pies, they have also been busy making garlic butter chicken kievs, free-range scotch eggs and local pork faggotts. Don't forget we're also at the charter market in Cirencester this Friday.

Cirencester Farmers Market

2011-07-12T15:18:00.002+01:00

We now have a stall at the farmers market in Cirencester. Last Saturday was our first and it went really well. Russell was busy selling his delicious home made pies, sausage rolls and pork pies as well as our own beef and local lamb and pork. Our farm yogurts and homemade ice cream were also there. I wanted to come along and see what was happening, but unfortunately after all the counters and food were put in, there wasn't any room for me in the van. Come along and meet us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month and try a pie or some ice cream.

Strawberries

2011-07-04T16:08:00.002+01:00

Fresh Gloucestershire strawberries just in. They smell SO good. It's a shame Shetlands aren't allowed to eat strawberries!

BBQ & Wine

2011-07-02T12:52:00.000+01:00

Well folks, Rosanne & Amy have been busy tasting some new wines for you (it's a tough job this sometimes...). So our shelves are now stacked with a huge selection of single estate wines direct from the vineyards. Reds, whites, rose and even some bubbles and a French cider are here for you to try this summer. Starting from just £5.99 they are great value.

Not to be out done, Russell has been busy making up BBQ packs. So whether it's chinese style chicken, some homemade sausages or a fabulous steak for the BBQ, we have it all on the butchery counter.

Summer Solstice

2011-06-21T11:11:00.000+01:00

Well... Apparently it's the first day of summer today, but judging by the way my tail is blowing, it's not a very pleasant day. Never mind,at least it's an excuse to enjoy some of our homemade ice cream!

Your photos

2011-06-07T17:02:00.000+01:00

Now, I know I am a very handsome young shetland and that I am gifted with being highly photogenic, as many of you, our lovely customers, take photos of me whilst visiting. I was tlaking to a family just this afternoon who said they would email me the picture they had taken. This got me to thinking... if you have taken any photos of your time at our farm shop or cafe then post them on here or on our facebook account. If we like your photo and use it as our profile picture you win a free drink in our cafe. The photo can be of me, you, the ice cream you bought, a member of our staff (if you can catch one long enough to take their photo) anything you like. Happy snapping x

SPECIAL OFFER 4 x steaks £19.50

2011-06-01T08:35:00.000+01:00

I have been told to tell you, my dear shetland friends, about a great offer that Russell has on in the butchery this week.

4 x 8oz Rump, Ribeye or Sirloin steaks for only £19.50!!

I would hot foot (hoof) it down to the farm shop, as with an offer like that, they won't be around for long...

Phew...!!

2011-05-22T12:59:00.001+01:00

‎98 cyclists, 64 motorbikers, 24 rounds of bacon butties, 60 cups of tea and coffee, 3 wet fluffy lambs and 1 windswept shetland pony... Phew...!!

Foal number 3

2011-05-18T09:09:00.001+01:00

Foal number arrived last night @ 00.30am. A beautiful chestnut colt.

Hurrah for rain

2011-05-08T13:40:00.000+01:00

At last it has rained. I was beginning to get worried, my Shetland admirers, as the grass was getting sparse and my coat was looking dusty, but a few spots yesterday has brightened everyhting up. More needed I'm afraid before I can go galloping through lush pastures...

Foal Number 2

2011-05-06T17:54:00.000+01:00

Foal number 2 arrived last night at 11.30pm. A lovely little bright bay boy. Pop along and meet him.

Goodenough to eat

2011-05-03T15:54:00.000+01:00

Our butcher Russell has been busy making the most fabulous pies and pastries for our counters. Today he has been making Steak & Local Ale and Steak & Stilton, both using our own beef, and Moroccan Lamb using fresh local lamb. He also makes pork pies, breakfast wraps and the loveliest sausage rolls we (and everyone who has tried them) have ever tasted. Pop in to sample one for yourself.

The lambs

2011-05-03T00:40:00.000+01:00

As promised here are some lamb photos.

Still only 1

2011-04-27T14:01:00.000+01:00

No foal last night, so I got lots of rest. The lambs are loving the cooler weather - wooly jumpers aren't the best clothing for 80 degrees. Foal number 1 still doesn't have a name, we will let you know as soon as we have decided. Ideas most appreciated...

Foal number 2?

2011-04-26T19:43:00.000+01:00

It looks like foal number 2 might be going to make an appearance tonight folks. What with that, foal number 1 and the little lambs how's a Shetland meant to get any rest?

Cuckoo

2011-04-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Foal number 1 is doing well. He's up and stable on his little legs this morning and I even heard my first cuckoo of the year to welcome him this morning. Come along and say hello, you may even be in time to see foal number 2 arrive!

Foal No. 1 is born

2011-04-24T16:47:00.003+01:00

Well done to Milly who has produced a beautiful little colt (boy). Actually, he's already bigger than me! What an audience we had too. Pics up soon.

The first foal is on the way.

2011-04-24T13:07:00.002+01:00

Oooh, folks. Our first mare is going into labour. The foal is on the way!

Lamb feeding

2011-04-18T18:09:00.000+01:00

We are currently feeding the lambs at approx. 12 and 4pm on weekdays and 12.30 and 4.30pm at weekends. Please check the board in the shop for exact timings each day.

Little lambs are here

2011-04-09T19:14:00.000+01:00

Yes folks, it's true. The little lambs have arrived to keep me company. This year we have three little girl lambs named Poppy, Daisy and Rosie. They were born last week so at the moment are very small and need feeding 4 times a day. So if you're in the area at 12 or 4pm then pop on by to help!

Pics coming soon - I managed to tread on my laptop!

The People's Supermarket

2011-03-05T00:06:00.000Z

I was tipped off about this programme on Channel 4 and have just watched the first episode on 4OD. I was shocked and saddened at a bit about a dairy farmer who had been forced out of business by the large supermarkets. He was being payed 15 pence for milk that was costing him 29 pence to produce, so after 50 years of farming he was forced to sell his entire herd. It was heart breaking to see him break down as the last few cows left the farm for ever. If this doesn't make you want to buy our non supermarket milk, I don't know what will! It's available on 4OD until the end of March if you fancy watching it yourself.

Weekend of love....

2011-02-13T10:03:00.000Z

So far it has been a wonderful weekend. Lots of happy couples and families enjoying the February sunshine - which always means plenty of carrots for me! In fact it was so nice our rabbits and guinea pigs were out enjoying the warm rays on their backs too. The guinea pigs seem to be particularly vocal in letting me know that they were out and about. Shame the weather has taken a turn this morning.

Never mind, I am sure a little damp weather will not put off my loyal fans turning up with armfulls of carotts and cards. If the weather is just too wet, however, I am in no doubt that, being a particularly handsome Miniature Shetland, I will receive a sackful of red envelopes from the postman first thing Monday morning.

Spring is on the way (ever hopeful)

2011-02-02T23:21:00.001Z

After a couple of days of warmer weather, and even a touch of the old sunshine in the sky, it seems as though spring is on its way. Funny noises were coming from the cafe this evening, so being the inquisitive Shetland that I am, I went to investigate. "And what did you find?" I hear you cry. Well, I found Rosanne and Amy hard at work making lots of lovely ice cream. Dairy, strawberry, raspberry and toffee were in the machine today. This year we are going to try and have tasters available in the farm shop every day, so when you're next in why not see what the flavour is. This week it's toffee and brandy ice cream. See you with a spoon soon.

Bacon buttie? Would you like another glass of water with that?

2011-01-30T15:31:00.001Z

As I was perusing the pages of a well known newspaper this week I came across an interesting article. It appears that many of the supermarkets have been pumping water into their bacon. I was a bit confused by this so went to ask our butcher why they would do this. Apparently we make bacon the traditional way - dry cured with salt. During this process, however, you can loose up to 25% of the pork's weight and it can take up to a week to cure one loin. For a greedy supermarket the loss of weight and the time is too much so they pump in saline water to increase both. So do you want bacon with up to 13% water added, or properly dry cured bacon where the only water is in our morning cuppa?

Now I don't eat meat, but I now which bacon I prefer.

(Chedworth Farm Shop "Farmer's Full English Breakfast" - real bacon and sausages all washed down with a mug of tea/coffee for only £6.95. Cafe open from 9am everyday)

Steak Night

2011-01-28T00:45:00.000Z

Now, I don't eat meat, but I know that our steaks are the best in the Cotswolds, 'neigh' the world (see what I did there!) In fact, they are so yummy, we wanted to give you the chance to sample them for yourself. This is why every Friday is now Steak Night. Delicious local steak cooked just the way you like it and served with crispy chips, beefsteak tomato and a field mushroom, all for only £10.95. Friday nights just got more exciting!

£6 lunches Monday to Thursday

2011-01-26T13:50:00.000Z

I have recently seen an increasing number of retired people coming to lunch with us Monday to Thursday. I was a little puzzled by this until one kindly lady told me it was because, as she was lucky enough to be over the age of 60, she was able to eat with us for just £6. Now, I don't deal in pound sterling (only lb hay), but I have it on good authority that £6 for a drink and a delicious main meal that is freshly cooked on site by our cooks, using local and fresh produce, is rather a bargain. I guess I'll be seeing you all very soon then...

Bikers

2011-01-25T07:28:00.001Z

Well, what a Sunday. It has taken me all of yesterday to recover from the excitment of our bike scramble. We (and the organisers) were expecting around 20 bikers to turn up, but as the weather was fabulous and the location second to none we had closer to 60! Now I'm all for biker chic, but decided that it was just too much for me this year, so I watched from a far. Lots of photos were taken. Click to see them all.

Vintage Motorbike Scramble - Sunday 23rd January

2011-01-15T23:11:00.001Z

On Sunday 23rd January there's a whole group of vintage motorbikes coming to see me. It's our annual vintage motorbike scramble and it's happening at our shop from 10-1pm. It's a great way to meet and talk to some of the owners of these lovely old bikes. Hope to see you there.

Let it snow!

2010-12-27T22:18:00.004Z

I haven't been on here for a while, the snow has slowed my internet connection. I have spent the past week digging it out of the drifts. The snow was so deep up here I was having trouble walking to my house and back, let alone finding snow. Luckily lots of lovely people came to feed me carrots to go with my hay, so I didn't go hungry.

Christmas went without too much of a hitch - no turkeys left so the job we did of trying to keep our car park clear obviously worked. Luckily it's started to rain tonight so hopefully the snow won't stay for too much longer. I've got to get out Friday night for the annual Shetland Pony New Year Shenanigan Party!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Hopefully we will see you all before the New Year as we are open everyday 10-3pm.

Turkey, weddings and winter weather

2010-11-20T12:01:00.001Z

I can't believe where the time has gone. One minute it's sunny and warm and the next we are only 5 weeks away from Christmas. Things have been hectic round here, what with markets and turkey orders to contend with everyone seems to be running around like crazy. I think my way of life is so much less stressful. I mean I love Christmas and the festive season, but it is so much easier when you're a horse. We don't really go in for the whole buying of presents and I'm not sure I can afford to go to Turkey for the day, although lots of people seem to be asking in the shop about it. Apparently you have until the 10th of December to order otherwise no Turkey for Christmas.

The markets are going well so if you are ever in Cirencester on a Friday why not pop along and see Amy on the stall. Amy says cups of warm coffee are always appreciated. Apparently humans don't grow a winter coat to keep them warm through winter, how silly! Talking of winter coats I was looking forward to getting myself ready for the upcoming Royal nuptials next summer. Being a Shetland stallion of the very highest calibre I sent in my application offer to pull the Royal Carriage and had been busy rolling to get the coat looking just right for the big day. Sadly I have just learnt that the future Queen Katherine is allergic to horses, so sadly my kind offer has been declined. Oh well, back to rolling for my loyal Shetland Pony fans.

PS: Even though Shetlands don't buy gifts, we are always very appreciative if people bring us food gifts :-)

Pictures. At last here are some pictures of our canary, Mary, and two of the bunnies, Lo and Gizmo.

2010-10-15T23:59:00.003+01:00

Gizmo making a mess

Bunnies as they once were

Lo looking for mischief

Mary keeping an eye on the bunnies

Mary talking to the customers

More new arrivals and the firing up of the winter boiler

2010-10-13T11:48:00.000+01:00

We have two new arrivals at the farm shop; two rescue guinea-pigs called Bert & Ernie. They have made friends with our rabbits and on a sunny day will be outside in the big grass run with them, on cold days they will be snuggled up in their own little hutch in the village green. Why not pop by and say hello as they are very shy so will need lots of love and cuddles.

The weather has suddenly turned cold, so today was the first day of stoking up our big winter boiler. The boiler runs on straw, wood and all the excess packaging that we accumulate in the shop making it a very efficient and handy heat source. Unfortunately it does not run to radiators in my little shed, but fear not Shetland fans I am a hardy little beast so no heaters needed for me - my own-grown winter coat is more than sufficient.

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig....

2010-10-04T13:42:00.001+01:00

Home again, home again, jiggidy jig!

No pony fans, I have not gone mad, I am just very excited as we have finished our first ever day at market and it went very well indeed. We were at the Cheltenham Farmers Market, which is in the Prom the first Saturday of every month, right opposite Jack Wills. As it was our first venture into outdoor selling we were very glad that the weather behaved beautifuuly and was warm and dry all day. Unfortunately I was not able to attend this time (something about though shalt not lead Ones Shetland down Montpellier Promenade) but am reading up on ancient by-laws to see if I can get an invite. If you're in the Montpellier area next Market (Saturday 6th November) why not pop along and visit our stand. Even if I'm not there Amy will be, and she knows much more about all the products anyway!

Can't make it to Cheltenham? We will be at the Cirencester Friday markets starting Friday 15th October.

Rabbits and caravans

2010-09-18T10:16:00.000+01:00

I have recently joined up to the website Caravanlive. It's a great site that lets you find and review caravan sites all over the UK. Naturally I had to put my photo up on the site as I am indeed a very big (or miniature) attraction. The rabbits however are moaning that they are not getting the photographic exposure they deserve, so I have promised them I will put up some photos later today. If you have been to our caravan site we would love to get a naturally glowing review. If you haven't been why not come and check it out. A pony can never have too many friends bearing carrots!

Alison's Animals

2010-09-14T17:28:00.001+01:00

I was very excited when Rosanne and Amy got back today as they bought lots of Alison's Animals goodies with them. Now for those of you uninitiated with Alison and her animals I have attached some pictures, but basically she draws the most superb pictures of dogs, cats and horses. We have been stocking her cards for the past year and have now added to her range with tea towels, lap trays, place mats and coasters and worktop protectors. Perfect gifts for those who have everything and for those who love animals. We have a lot of stock in, but we can order any of the items produced, please ask in the farm shop for more information and a list of what else is available.

It's been a hectic few weeks

2010-09-09T17:11:00.000+01:00

I've just realised how long it has been since my last post, but fear not pony fans, I am still here and well. Lots has been happening since we last spoke. Harvesting has started and is now nearing completion. Unfortunately the summer weather was the wrong way round, so lots of sun when we needed rain and lots of rain when we could have done with sun. Never mind, at least I have some grass now. Things were looking hairier than me a few months back.

We have a new butcher, Julian. He ran his own butchery for 20+ years and is very good at producing tempting treats - his sausage stuffed apples look particularly yummy. He is also a baker so we now have such delights as hedgehog rolls for sale. I was a bit worried as hedgehogs have rather a whiff to them, but I am assured that there is absolutely no hedgehog in these, just flour and some currant eyes.

5 little bunnies are staying with us, 2 will remain here at the farm shop and the other three are looking for good homes. There is 1 red, 1 blue and 1 black for sale and they are all very inquisitive, friendly little boy bunnies. I will try and put up some photos as soon as my camera is working (I dropped it trying to take photos of ladybirds!!) The two staying with us are Gizmo (Mo), a buff and white, and Lola (Lo) a red. When it's cold they have a pen in the farm shop and on sunny days they can be found running round their outdoor pen.

Events wise, we've had car rallies, vintage motorbike rallies and a very strange group of people who turned up in steam cars which all sounded like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There was even a steam bus. No steam horse boxes so unfortunately they couldn't take me for a drive.

I'm sure lots more has happened but my memory isn't as good as it used to be... old age has a funny habbit of creeping up on us. I won't leave it so long next time, my Wifi is up and running in 'Chez Jack' so I hope to be able to update much more often. Until next time, pony fans.

Eyes to the skies

2010-07-19T12:11:00.000+01:00

I woke up with a crick in my neck this morning pony fans. Why? I hear you cry. Well, I spent a thoroughly enjoyable weekend watching the Fairford International Air Tattoo. I was not actually there I hasten to add, apparently the planes are very low and loud and not particularly suited to small pony ears. However with the fabulous view from my paddock in front of the cafe I had uninterrupted views of the planes. The Red Arrows had to be my favourite.

Mary Canary

2010-07-13T22:12:00.000+01:00

A lot of people have been asking me what happened to the little canary that turned up last week. Well... we managed to locate the owner, who turned out to be an elderly lady who lived the other side of the village. She was very happy that we had found her canary, who turned out to be called Mary. We said that we would miss Mary when she went and the lady was kind enough to ask if we would like to keep her. She said that Mary would have a much livelier time at the farm shop with us. So, we would like to say thank you so much to her as Mary is very sweet and has already settled in. She is very friendly and loves to talk to customers, so why not pop in and meet her.

Donkey Day

2010-07-09T18:45:00.002+01:00

Last night I was very lucky to have four donkey friends stay for the night. They are part of the As I Walked Out group who are walking round Gloucestershire putting on art displays and workshops. I've never been too close to donkeys before, having always thought them to be sad creatures and likely to lose their tails, but these donkeys were fabulous fun. I was amazed by the length of their ears. After a night of frolicks and feasting they were refreshed and ready to take on the next days adventure. Good luck to them for the next leg of their journey. You can follow their adventures on their blog. For more photos check out our gallery.

2010-07-05T16:50:00.000+01:00

I had just finished telling you all about our little feathered friends when I looked round and another racing pigeon had arrived. This one is very cheeky and seems to think he owns the place, strutting around like a prize peacock. I've decided we must have a sign on the roof saying 'stray birds land here'. Either that or this Twitter has a lot to answer for.

Chirpy chirpy cheep cheep

2010-07-05T08:24:00.000+01:00

Over the last two weeks we've had a couple of feathered friends arrive at the shop. Last week it was a racing pigeon. Apparently she'd been released in northern France and was on her way back to the Midlands and just needed a rest. A couple of days of food and drink and then she was fit and healthy and was soon off home. And this weekend we were visited by a small yellow canary. We think it must belong to someone so have spread the word, but if no one comes forward for her we will have gained a farm shop canary. I'm not sure where they are finding out about us, but I did hear someone talk about something called Twitter!

Lots of lovely sun

2010-06-29T01:15:00.000+01:00

Sorry it's been a while folks, but what with lost racing pigeons, coach parties and all this sunshine I haven't had much time. The lost racing pigeon, Ralph, was with us for 4 days. He regained his strength with plenty of food and water and was soon on his way back to the west midlands, (we have recently found out that Ralph was actually a Ralphette!). This sun is fabulous, the smell of barbecues is constantly wafting over my field - sadly I haven't been invited to one yet, but I don't really mind because Shetlands don't like burgers. Long may it stay sunny but my field could really do with some overnight rain.

All by myself...

2010-06-07T14:02:00.000+01:00

The farmer came this morning and took the lambs to a new farm as they have to be weaned. I was stood there feeling a bit lonely when a nice fox came to talk to me. He was a big male fox and was out looking for food for his wife and cubs. We chatted for a while and then we both had a good roll together. I think he found something smelly to roll in but it didn't seem to stop him. His white belly was on show to everyone in the cafe - unfortunately my camera wasn't charged so I was unable to get photos of him. Not sure how often he will be around so I now need lots of people to come and say hello to me to stop me getting lonely.

Spring roll

2010-06-01T22:16:00.000+01:00

What happened to spring? One minute it's hot and sunny, the next it's gone back to winter. What's a poor Shetland to wear! I started off with a big black fur coat which was a bit warm in the sun. Luckily I got a nice bath to keep me cool and make me look fabulous. The next day I wake up and it's raining, so all the good work is undone and I am back to my old bedraggled self. Never mind, I thought, I've still got the fun of the cheese rolling to look forward to, but alas, it was canceled. Something to do with rolling being dangerous... no-one told me that!

Sun, ice cream and hot air

2010-05-23T21:52:00.001+01:00

What a great weekend it has been. I love the sun, but being black and hairy I find the heat and it looked like all our customers did too. Nearly everyone I saw was eating an ice cream. They look so nice but I have been told that ice cream is not suitable for small Shetland ponies (or big ones) so I had to make do watching. Our ice cream went down a storm at the BiG Picnic on Leckhampton Hill. Lots of people walking the Cotswold Way just happened upon the 'party' and were also treated to our homemade ice cream and a wonderful Ukulele band. Check out some of the photos of the fabulous view. In the evening there were hot air balloons but unfortunately I had to attend the opening of a local BBQ so wasn't able to make it. Luckily the balloons decided to fly past my house the next evening so I was able to see them after all. What kind fellows those hot air balloonists are.

Chedworth Farm Shop ice cream at the FWAG "BiG" Picnic

2010-05-19T00:34:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago a lovely lady from FWAG came to see us and tried some of our ice cream. She liked it so much that she has asked us to go to their International Day of Biodiversity "BiG" Picnic on Saturday 22nd May.
The picnic is being held on the top of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common between 12.30pm - 3.30pm. Unfortunately Shetlands are not allowed but why not come along and meet Rosanne and Amy and sample some of our delicious home made ice cream.

I'm on Facebook

2010-05-15T16:34:00.001+01:00

Yes folks, I have joined the "youth movement" and now have my very own Facebook page. Well actually it's mainly run by Amy as I just don't have the time to look after that as well as this blog... not to mention reading the sacks of fan mail I receive. Come and be my friend and you will be sent info on promotions and events we are holding. Just click on the Facebook Badge to the right. Your favourite Shetland, Jack.

Cor Blimey!

2010-05-07T13:06:00.001+01:00

Now. I'm no expert on the intricacies of electing a new parliament, or what a hung parliament even means, and being a mere Shetland pony it probably doesn't impact on me greatly, but I do know that I like people who tell the truth. This is why I was quite shocked to read about fish and chip shops serving up catfish and calling it cod. Now I was puzzled by this as all the cats I know are very adamant that they dislike water immensely, but apparently there is one that lives under the sea. Rest assured that ALL the fish we serve in our cafe is 100% genuine plaice, haddock and cod. Freshly cooked to order, so it isn't sat around. Why not come and try it for yourself. Served every Friday 12 - 9pm and Saturdays 12 - 2.30pm. Eat in or take away. See you there...

Now serving fairtrade coffee

2010-04-30T00:18:00.001+01:00

All the coffee in our cafe is now fairtrade. As well as supporting farmers in South America, for each bag of beans we buy we are helping protect rainforest in areas of South America - which I think is great news for any Shetland ponies living in the Amazon.

At last some rain

2010-04-29T22:47:00.000+01:00

I was actually quite pleased to see some rain today as my paddock was beginning to look a bit brown. Not sure our little lambs were so happy - it was the first rain they'd seen!

St George's Day Fun

2010-04-23T20:16:00.000+01:00

St George's Day was celebrated with a classic car rally that started at the farm shop. Now I have no idea who St George was as Shetland ponies don't study history, (apparently he did something with some dragons), but if it means people dress up like this then he sounds like a fun guy.
More pictures are on our website.

Vintage MGs

2010-04-20T21:07:00.000+01:00

I was happily playing with my new lamb friends when the car park was suddenly filled with vintage cars. I was told they were MGs. This doesn't mean a lot to me, but they were definitely nice and shiny.

Check our gallery for more pics.

Some little lamb friends

2010-04-18T19:23:00.003+01:00

I was feeling a bit lonely in my paddock so asked if I could have a friend to talk to. Low and behold 3 days later and 6 little lambs were delivered to the farm shop. They have a lovely pen next to me and we have spent hours running around and frolicking together.

As the lambs are only 2 weeks old we are bottle feeding them. At the moment they are fed at about 2 o'clock so if you want to come and help pop along at this time. (Although you wouldn't imagine how funny it is watching Rosanne and Amy trying to feed three lambs each!)

Check out our website for more lamb photos.
www.chedworthfarmshop.co.uk

Sorry it's been ages

2010-04-01T23:16:00.000+01:00

Things have been a little hectic over the past few months, what with Christmas and snow and all this cold weather. I'm looking positively fuzzy at the moment. Roll on spring weather. It can't have been to cold though as the reception class from Chedworth School all came up to see me last week to sample our ice cream. They were doing a display on farm shops so they came up to talk to Rosanne about it. Here they are eating their ice creams. It's a shame Shetland's aren't allowed ice creams; they look really yummy.

Chedworth Farm Shop on Gloucester Radio

2009-12-01T13:03:00.005Z

We at Chedworth Farm Shop were interviewed as part of Gloucester Radios School Dinners Week. As we have been cooking the school dinners for St Andrews School in Chedworth for the past 3 years, Gloucester Radio spent the day with us to see what is involved in preparing delicious healthy food for up to 60 pupils every day. They were with us whilst we prepared and cooked the childrens dinner of baked potatoes with beans, cheese or tuna and talked about preparing the chicken curry for the next days dinner. The food was taken to the school and the children and head teacher Tina Buck were all interviewed. Luckily all the children spoken too loved the school dinners!

What's done to your milk?

2009-11-06T18:01:00.003Z

I was browsing the channels the other night when I came across Jimmy's Food Factory on BBC1. He was talking about milk so I'd thought I would watch it, living on a dairy farm and all. What I saw was quite shocking. On Woodlands Farm the milk is simply pasteurised. Nothing else is done to it. No homogenising; no oxygenising; no sterilising; just milk as it should be. Milk that you buy in the supermarkets has been put through so many processes that I'm not sure if there's anything resembling milk left in it. It certainly looks different to ours.

And how can you tell that our milk is the real stuff? Just look for the lovely layer of cream on top.

If you missed the programme it is available on i-player for the next few weeks.

The Best of Cheltenham

2009-10-07T18:14:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago we had some lovely people from The Best of Cheltenham come to see us. They thought the shop and cafe were so wonderful that we had to go in their book. It is a great privilege as only the best of the bunch get in - they were very impressed with the range of local produce and delicious food on offer. (I'm sure seeing me in the field helped greatly too!)

Please visit our bit of the site and write a testimonial for us, as the more we get the more people come to visit me with carrots.

Wedding Photos

2009-09-20T13:42:00.004+01:00

We recently held a wedding at the farm shop. I had a great time watching all the deliveries turn up and the shop being transformed. When the guests started arriving it was very exciting for me as I had 160 new friends to meet. Here are some photos to show you what fun we had. Click the picture to go to my gallery.

Delicious homemade ice cream

2009-07-09T15:19:00.004+01:00

Phew, wasn't last week warm? Being a little black hairy horse has it's disadvantages. Luckily I had my little house to hide in, but I spent some time watching the customers and they all seemed to be eating ice cream. I asked if I was allowed one but was told they are not good for horses. I was, however, assured by a little girl with a very large chocolate ice cream, that they are very good for humans when they get hot. I have attached some pictures to tempt you.... but hey, it's homemade ice cream; how much tempting do you really need!

Little Calves

2009-05-07T15:58:00.004+01:00

I was getting a bit lonely in my little field. The two foals we have are much bigger than me so were always playing together and I was feeling left out. I mentioned this to Rosanne (the owner) and they brought 4 little calves down for me to talk too. These are very cute and as they are getting more confident they are beginning to run around and play a lot more. You should see us some days, all 4 calves, me and the 2 foals all racing around our paddocks. I will try and get some photos of them, if they stand still long enough...

Car Boot Sale Saturday May 9th, 9.00 - 1.30

2009-05-07T15:23:00.003+01:00

We are holding the Chedworth Playgroup car boot sale at the farm shop on Saturday 9th May. Why not pop down and find some bargains.

Welcome

2009-05-07T14:45:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the Cotswold Farm Fayre blog. This blog will keep you up to date about events and goings on down at the farm. It will also be a way of finding out about new products we have in stock, special offers we're running and general handy hints about how to shop and eat local.