Welcome back to Alexandra Churchill

We are delighted to welcome the renowned artist, Alexandra Churchill, who has recently re-located her studio back from Chipping Campden to Overbury, although she has lived in the village for many years.

Alexandra has a passion for painting horses, dogs and hare and gets much inspiration from the village and surrounding fields and countryside.

Many of her past originals of flowers and animals have been reproduced and sold worldwide from country shops to Harrods and Fortnums in London; her images are also available for licensing.

Alexandra would be happy to discuss commissions. Please see her website for more details: http://www.alexandrachurchill.co.uk/

or contact Alexandra at The Bothy, Stocktons Courtyard, Overbury. Tel. 01386 725 385 or on email via alex@alexandrachurchill.co.uk

Oak tree split

Sadly, one of the amazing old oak trees in the park split right down the middle last week and has lost a limb. We are hoping that the remaining upright section will be viable and can safely be left in situ once we have tidied away the fallen branches.

Using Barley Straw to control weed and pond algae

Martyn and George spent a hot day this week making barley straw 'sausages' to sink into The Break Pool and Robins Mill Pond. This is a traditional method of managing pond weed and algae; the theory being that as soon as the straw is placed into the water it starts to rot and produces mild hydrogen peroxide (all quite natural we assure you) and this reduces the algal and weed growth. In the next couple of weeks, the sausages will become saturated with water and will sink beneath the surface of the pond, so that they do not present an eyesore.

Unfortunately, the process is very much a 'trial and error' method and we may need to top up the straw in a few months time - in the meantime, it should improve the oxygen levels in the pond for any fish and invertebrates and we have scooped out the worst of an algal bloom in a specially designed net.

Our thanks to Kingcombe Aquacare for their expertise, nets and the use of their special sausage making machine. Martyn is looking forward to having a go at making his own 'replica' model!

www.kingcombe.com

Maypole Dancing

There was a full turnout of pupils and parents when the children of Overbury C of E First School crowned their May Queen on the last day of term last Friday, 28th May. They led a procession from the School for their annual Maypole Dancing in the courtyard at Overbury Court. Grasshoppers Nursery School came along to watch.

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.

Hunting on the hill

The morning of February 10th and the Croome and West Warwickshire Foxhounds annual meeting at Overbury Court dawned with blue skies. The pack set off onto the hill shortly after 11am and riders were able to take in the fantastic views and scenery on such a clear day.

The afternoon ended with a sprinkling of snow and a short trip back to the Court for a quick photo opportunity before heading home.

The hounds met again at nearby Kemerton on Tues 9th March.