Ausgust 2007

Although this month started soggy and unpromising, it ended in splendid sunshine bringing a new lease of life and income to the farm thanks to Emily's enthusiasm for cooking burgers, attachment to the new gas urn and paella pan and general sparkle that brought her "burger stall" to life. She scored more than a few "hit's" with visitors to the Science Museum open day, cooking and selling our home made burgers, ketchup in bread rolls from MyLoaf, an artisan bakery in Corsham. Makes a change from the greasy spoon, fast food usually available at these places. More outings planned next month.

Mention must be made of the outbreaks of foot & mouth disease returning to the headlines in Surrey. It would appear this is contained within that locality so from that perspective we can be thankful, but what a horror for those living nearby. Asked if we are concerned, we have to say, "no". Partly because worry isn't going to make anything better, but mostly because we just will have to wait and see what happens. It would appear that the quick shut downs, whilst inconvenient for our business, have at least contained the disease... but as for where it's come from and how it's got out... well... who knows. Can we trust the government? Defra? The press? ... and why are they transporting diseased carcasses right across the south of the country to an incinerator in Wiltshire?? Mad!

One fine evening, we put up the marquee, cooked some delicious food (all from local produce) and invited some guests to share in "Dinner in the Field". We ate and chatted whilst being serenaded by Jonathon on his guitar, and watched the sun go down. The horses and Brandy our dog even put on a good show for the diners! We'll be doing some more next year when the sun comes out again, so let us know if you'd like to be informed of the dates.

We welcomed Chloe, a French agricultural student and Eric, an American hiding from capitalism, to the farm this month. Chloe will be remembered for (among other things) her production line of tomato ketchup from the kilo's of squishy tomatoes donated by our friends on the farmers markets... delicious with our home made burgers! Eric brings a new energy to Vowley. He's young and enthusiastic and wired... bit of a shock to the system and indeed to the pigs who are currently being fed at 5:30am each day!!!

When the sun did come out towards the end of the month, we did actually make hay. Better than we'd expected, we'll see what the animals make of it this winter. Straw is our next concern and it would appear that there's not going to be as much about as we need... what's that saying? Never work with children, animals or the weather!