October, 2003

The first thing we wanted to share in this report is that this is the first quarter in which we will be in the black! Thanks to a lot of hard work on both our parts.

The month started with a splendid Harvest Market in Swindon. Organised by Wiltshire Food Links, there were stalls of meats, vegetables, jams and chutneys, cakes, sweets, sprout soup, fish and cheeses as well as entertainment from a band and face painter and Roves Farm bought some of their animals along too. It was the first outing for our bacon and it was clear by the end of the weekend we have drastically under-estimated the market for fine, Gloucester Old Spot pork, bacon, gammon and sausages. Lorraine couldn't get it out on the stall quick enough and we are left with some very disappointed customers wanting more. It will be several weeks before our next piggies are ready to go, in the meanwhile, we're trying to negotiate with the man who breeds our pigs to buy a "ready made" one so we can at least have some pork available.

Perhaps you will recall that Lorraine wasn't well at the end of last year. So much going on on the farm and some courses to run left her reserves rather low at turkey plucking time. This year, being a smart cookie, she told her course co-ordinators that after half term she would not be available. The net result was that she's been running 5, six week courses and several "bite size" workshops all in September and October - phew! It was a very busy time and Mark was left holding the fort at Vowley, especially when the clocks went back and the darkness fell before Lorraine got home. Well, it's all contributed to the financial success of this month and we're glad it's over!

Mark is continuing to develop his skills as a teacher of horsemanship. His confidence in his ability to make a difference is growing and as a result he has had several new clients and is about to take on a new horse for training.

We celebrated 10 years of marriage on the 16th. A romantic dinner for 2 round the kitchen table at Vowley Farm,, feasting on home grown fillet steak has finally spoilt Mark's enjoyment of dining out. Our daughters, Anna and Emily, spent the weekend with us and took us to a very nice local restaurant where Mark concluded that no beef or pork on the menu was a patch on what we've been producing so in future, he's going to stick to fish! It was however, quite delightful to spend time with our children. They are both grown women and, having been through the teenage mill it is wonderful to notice how much we look forward to their visits and to connecting with them. Saturday they took Lorraine shopping at the Outlet Village in Swindon... Sunday they spent the day riding with Mark. It all passed too quickly.

Finally, we are honoured and delighted to share in community spirit here. Once again our helping hands weekends have been blessed with gracious gifting from friends of their time, eagerness, fun and "have a go" spirit.

Thank you all for being a part of Vowley Farm.