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Manor Farm Shop Newsletter

The colours have changed from green and golds to oranges and reds - all the corn, straw, hay and silage has been harvested and gathered into the stores ready for the winter routine. Even the peas survived - a valuable crop providing us with protein for our animal feed - battered by the summer rain and at a price of £600/tonne to buy organic peas in, I envisaged us on our hands and knees picking them up off the floor. But all was well and after a stressful summer of rain, what beautiful autumn weather, a last flourish of sunshine and warmth. My favourite time of year.

Dead wood is being cut and stored ready for the fires and the cool air is breezing in together with those rain clouds both revealing draughty holes and leaks in the house reminding us to do some essential repairs, (not by my husband I might add' if it requires tools smaller than a matbro digger then we don't ask). Just an example - a cat flap made with a chainsaw - door had to be replaced! - you get the picture!!

There seems to have been an explosion of fertility on the farm this summer - bad weather leading to a lot of 'you know what' in the pig huts - piglets everywhere. Even Rosy ( our prima donna ) surprised us, not to be outdone by those other celebrity seeking sows, she out did everyone with 14!! Always having to make the headlines, she retains her crown.

In the shop Geoff and Claire have become Pie Makers Extraodinaire - as fast as they can produce the delicious golden pots of succulent meat and gravy, they're gone. Granny is busy producing tasty chutneys and of course those well reknown sausage rolls. We have a new member of staff Ellie who's brilliant. You have kindly raised another £150 for Water Aid and during the Open Day we raise £45 for Help the Heros. Our own hero Liam, (Karen's son) is due back this month.

The event of the summer for us was our Open Day organised in conjunction with South Gloucestershire Food Festival. BBQ, tea and cakes, stalls, children's games, historical talks with the star of the show being the CHILLI FARM. Our chilli range of delicious sauces proved a great hit with Louise selling out of product. The Chilli Poly Tunnel full of chilli plants displaying their brightly coloured crop, an Aladins cave full of shiny jewels ready to be eaten and then 'THE CHILLI EATING COMPETITION', oh yes there was a lot of milk drunk that day. Alex our chilli nut was master of ceremonies, dressed in his very attractive chilli suit he successfully coaxed and persuaded with his charm and wit wary competitors to sign their indemnity forms.

The competition began - and why were there only men! because commonsense is a well known female trait. The beautiful chillis were laid out in order ranging from the Hungarian Hot Wax (green) to the Dorset Naga, then cut into pieces with ceremonial precision and given to the competitors, some nervous in anticipation, some expressionless but with a air of cool confidence. The lack of drama at the first mouthful was rather disappointing for those watching but with addition mouthfuls the chewing became more strained, the struggling swallows, the watery eyes and sweating brows and those longing looks at those cold, cold glasses of milk beckoning each man to give up. Oh,Oh's and Ah,Ah's. It was like dominoes at first with one person giving in, others quickly following - the relief at their decision clear to see. But there were some true Olympiads - those cool expressions still evident. Five eventual winners - nothing would split them - well done, much admiration .

Now I don't like to mention IT so early BUT the evidence is already in the shops and the first catalogue was thrust into my hands back in August - you know 'deck the hall with holly, it's the season to be jolly tra la la la la la la la la' - I am glad you can't hear my singing.

We are officially taking ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS from Mid October and on Thursday NOVEMBER 19TH, at 6.30- 9.00 there is to be a CHRISTMAS FAIR of local talents selling their creations, Jewellery by Ann Lynn Manuel, Wreaths and table decorations to order by Beccy, beautiful pottery made by Kim Donaldson, Paintings and Christmas cards by local artists, local wine company Bascula, the chilli farm sauces, the farm shop will be open and much more .So please come and buy some Christmas goodies for friends and family while sipping a glass of mulled wine and enjoying our hog roast - wear warm clothes - it's in the tithe barn.