Northumberland
The Farm Stay AGM and Conference kicked off at Slaley Hall in Northumbria on Sunday afternoon.
Our members enjoyed a Quiz Night and buffet on Sunday evening, then a guided tour of either Hadrian’s Wall or the museums and galleries in Durham the following day. A champagne reception, three-course meal and ceilidh dancing was thoroughly enjoyed at the Gala Dinner on Monday evening.
Gala Dinner
An early start for everyone the next day as the AGM and conference commenced for most members, while some headed for a guided tour of Kielder Water.
L-R Guest speaker Ken Robinson, Farm Stay Chairman Barbara Sleep, Farm Stay Chief Executive Andy Woodward
Former Chairman of the Tourism Alliance Ken Robinson was a guest speaker. Other guests included representatives from Podcats, Mullin Design and Positive PR.
Hunting Hall Farm in North Northumberland has just won two Awards for Excellence from the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership. The farm’s two green holiday cottages, Newt Cottage and The Fuffins, won the Sustainable Tourism 2011 Award and Hunting Hall came first in the Farming and Land Management award – quite an achievement for a small family farm up against a large, government run project!
Tom and Karen Burn, Hunting Hall
Lying close to the coastal ANOB, Hunting Hall is a wonderful place for a holiday; two environmentally friendly, self-catering cottages allow guests to enjoy a greener lifestyle in beautiful surroundings. A farm trail, created by a teenage environmental group, winds through the peaceful countryside and helps guests explore the work carried out to help wildlife on the farm.
It was wonderful to meet and greet so many Farm Stay members at the Royal Show this year from all over the UK. It is sad to see the show close in its present form however there will be a phoenix from the ashes. Dot Tyler, Y Beudy self catering and Penyrallt Uchaf B&B dropped in from Wales to judge goats – still my favourite Farm Stay breakfast ever – but don’t tell anyone! Angela Dallyn, Bulleigh Park B&B and self-catering near Totnes in Devon was here with her sheep and Sandra Henzell from Coquet Bed and Breakfast in Alnwick, Northumberland also dropped in. Good to see you. I was pleased to be to attend the RABI breakfast sponsored by the NFU Mutual and also offer a Farm Stay voucher for the Charity Ball to help rural causes.
I was delighted to spend an afternoon this week with Angela and Simon Darbishire at Hill Farm at Priors Harwick in South Warwickshire. They have added a Shepherd’s Hut to their room portfolio. A double bed, snuggled into an old shepherds travelling van, a stable door and the Warwickshire countryside looking towards Edge Hill. Very sureal!
Which leads me onto my last couple of days. The Tourism Minister, Barbara Follett MP, the new Head of VisitEngland, James Beresford, and the new head of VisitBritain, Sandie Dawe all acknowledged Farm Stay on Wednesday. This was followed by an invitation to Clarence House to discuss ways to support hill farmers with HRH and a team lead by Mark Price at Waitrose. A great honour.
