Farm and Estate Tour by the Royal Agricultural Society of England

We were very honoured last week to receive a visit from 45 members of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (also known as RASE); who came to look at both the Farm and Estate and see some of the work we do here.

In the morning we took the group for a tractor and trailer ride on the hill and around the Farm to look at the cropping and Jake and his team's conservation work for wild birds. We also called in at the Stud to see Simon Sweeting.

After lunch we visited the Joinery Workshop to see Alun and Simon, looked at some of our recent barn conversions and the businesses operating there as well as one of our current refurbishment projects and the wonderful Conderton Chase, with it's listed dovecote.

Since it was set up in 1840 RASE has supported farming and the rural industries by spreading information about the best in research, development and practice. As well as attending many of the big shows, they also organise conferences, events and projects such as 'Operation Bumble Bee' and The Edible Garden Show - do check out their website for more information http://www.rase.org.uk/

Our Apprentice of Distinction

Well done to our Apprentice Joiner, Simon Whitaker, who recently achieved a Distinction in his end of year theory exams at Gloucestershire College. Simon is currently in the 2nd year of a Carpentry and Joinery NVQ having commenced an Apprenticeship Programme with the college in 2008.

Simon works alongside his father, Alun Whitaker, in our Joinery workshop making windows, doors, staircases and other bespoke items of joinery for the Estate's houses and cottages.