JAYNE, THE FARM AND OTHER ANIMALS
There is something rather special about The Home Farm in
Tatton Park. It’s
not just that it has been restored and is still a working farm using many original
buildings but the nostalgic atmosphere created by Manager,
Jayne Chapman and
her dedicated young team. Many hundreds of adults and children are entertained
and educated here throughout the season. Walk out into the yard and suddenly
you are gently transported to another era. Maybe the time of the
second world war when the farm was vital for the self-sufficiency of the estate. Lord
Egerton and his family, with their busy aristocratic lifestyle, provided employment
for many local people either within the estate and also protection for young
evacuees from Manchester
Eve (4), with copper curls and shy smile, was my companion for the day. Visiting
just after a hectic Easter the whole farm was alive with new or imminent births
and pretty spring flowers decorating the yard. It is such a busy time for
Jayne and her staff but she kindly gave us a guided tour around her much loved
domain. Though not from a farming background she always wanted to work with animals
and, as a youngster, helped on a farm in Pickmere. Agricultural College
followed and a job as a farm ranger at Tatton Park. 18 years on and 5 years ago
she got her dream job – to be the Farm Manager. For total relaxation
she climbs in the Peak District or the Himalayas and has spent time with primates
in Texas – but that is another story.
This life clearly suits her. Jayne positively glows with delight as we meet up
with all the rare breed animals and Kippy, the farm dog, is never far from her
side.
She communicates easily with all age groups and never seems to tire of
chatting about her work. The farmyard smells are surprisingly sweet and inoffensive
though in the piggery the dear little piglets and their mums produced a slightly
more memorable pungency. The farm is now an appointed Centre for Rare Breeds
and it is hoped that an Animal Adoption scheme will soon be available. Pregnant
Red poll cows, greedy goats, chirpy chickens, dozy donkeys, the titian haired
tamworth pigs (my favourites) with gorgeous piglets snuggling and snuffling in
their immaculate sties. Out into clearer air and over the cobbled yard
to see the giants of the farm – the Shire mare, who will give birth in
May, now standing still and statuesque in her stable and allowing us to stroke
her swollen belly. Such a magnificent working animal and with Jayne
riding her they have taken many prizes at local shows. The visitors
are crowding round – this month especially is all about lambs – over
40 had been born in a short time – some only hours old – and one
little one, on his wobbly, woolly legs, became the star of the show taking the
bottle of milk with great gusto. Kippy kept control. This is what
we came to see. In this special place I can see why Jayne couldn’t
possibly live anywhere else
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Events at Tatton Park,
Knutsford, Cheshire. |
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Saturday March 27th to Sunday
May 2nd
Cultivate and Celebrate. Treasures of the Kitchen Garden exhibition.
Inspired by the Kitchen Garden,
artist in residence Christine Wilcox Baker explores the relationship
between the gardens at Tatton and its Mansion kitchens. Drawings,
photographs, paintings and mixed media installations sited in
both the Gardens and the Mansion will portray kitchen garden
produce as items to be celebrated, treasured and cared for.
Normal opening times and prices apply
Tel 01625 374400
2.30pm. Free to TGS Members -
tickets available for non members
Tatton Garden Society 01477 537 698.
e mail: tattongardensociety@hotmail.com
Saturday April 3rd to Monday
April 5th
Teddy Bear Easter Festival
Bring your teddy along to a special Teddy Bear Easter weekend and join
in the fun in the gardens, mansion, farm and stableyard. Check Teddy in to the
special teddy bear hospital and watch the marvellous magic shows.Follow the bees
to the honeypot in the gardens.
Normal opening times and prices apply
Saturday April 3rd to Monday April 5th
Easter Crafts and Country Shopping Fair
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a special
Bank Holiday event. Packed with home décor and furnishing ideas, arts
and crafts and gifts for the family
Open 10.30am to 5pm. Craft Fair free to enter. Normal park and attraction
entry charges apply
Contact Countrywide Events 01509 217 444
Thursday April 15th Lunchtime
Lecture - Summoned by Bells
Join Gwyneth Mitchel who has delved into the past and provides
a fascinating glimpse into the lives of domestic servants in the 19th century.
Lecture 11am, Mansion tour 12pm, Lunch 1pm.Lecture only £10. Lunch
and Lecture £23. Call 01625 374428 to book
Saturday April 17th to Friday April 23rd
Lambing Week at the Farm
Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see our Lambs being born.Informative
talks thoughout the week and live viewing via our webcam.Sheepy quiz and collage. CLOSED
MONDAY
Normal opening times and prices apply
Tuesday April 20th TGS
Annual General Meeting and Lecture'Gardens of Japan',
Graham Hardman, Chairman, Japanese
Garden Society
AGM 7.15pm, Lecture 8pm. Free to TGS members.
Call 01477 537698 or email tattongardensociety@hotmail.com
Wednesday April 28th National
Garden Scheme
All garden entries and donations will be given to the National Garden Scheme
which helps charities such as the Queen's Nursing Institute
Normal opening times and prices apply Most events are
subject to Tatton Park entry fee. National Trust membership does not apply
for special events.
Please note that the majority
of Tatton Park events are subject to the Park entry charge
of £4.50
per car
While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this
information we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies.
Events may also be subject to change.
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Prices, times of opening and other details may be changed without
prior notice. |
| All details correct at time of press. |
| If a telephone number is not listed above,
or if you wish to obtain charges, opening times and details, telephone
the Tatton Infoline on 01625 534435 no more than 14 days prior
to a particular event. The above information was correct at the
time of printing, but changes may be introduced without notice. |
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TATTON INFOLINE :
01625 534435
01625 534400
Tatton Park,
Knutsford,
Cheshire,
WA16 6QN.
OR SEE
www.tattonpark.org.uk
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Get Creative at Tatton Park!
The stunning natural landscape of Tatton Park is the setting and
inspiration for a number of creative classes this year. The ever
popular Watercolour Workshops return from May-November.
Led with an artistic flourish by painter Chris Beesley, these classes
provide a wonderful opportunity for people to develop new skills
and enhance existing talent. There is a great supportive
atmosphere, so brush off your reservations and pick up your paintbrush!
Weather permitting, the courses will take place in the Gardens.
Try something new with our Willow Weaving classes,
led by our talented demonstrators. Using Willow from Tatton’s
very own Millennium Wood plantation, these classes are very much
hands-on. You will leave with a unique piece of art for your
garden and full of creative ideas and skills!
And if wool not willow is more your thing – join us for Tactile
Textiles. Discover the wonderful world of wool
and weaving at the Tudor Old Hall. Costumed guides will
demonstrate some of the historic skills of working with wool
and you can also take part in the hands on activities. These
classes are suitable for adults and children aged 7 years and
over.
Lynn Podmore, Learning and Visitor Services Manager commented “The Get
Creative! courses are just a few of the diverse range
of family activities and participatory events planned this year. From
lessons in the historic longbow to nature walks with our rangers,
horticultural courses to our stimulating lecture series, there
is something for everyone in 2010. They also make ideal gifts
so if you are searching for something unusual for a friend or
loved one this year, look no further!”
Find out more
Call 01625 374428
All courses must be booked in advance. Please call
Philip Watts on 01625 374428 or email
Willow Weaving
Saturdays 20th March, 22nd May, 2nd October
10.30-3.30pm. £12.50 per person
Watercolour Workshops
Saturdays 1st, 15th May (beginners’ classes), Wednesdays
9th June, 7th July, *3rd November. £30 per person per day.
10am-4pm. Wednesday 4th August & Thursday 5th August. £55
per person for two days, 10am-4pm
Be inspired by Tatton’s historic gardens and create your
own watercolour masterpiece. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings
and receive expert guidance and demonstrations from our experienced
art tutor. Beginner classes available at the beginning of summer
to improve your skills. *Special Christmas theme in November. Booking:
01925 490109 / 07773 982996 / chris.beesley@virgin.net
Tactile Textiles
Sunday 27th June; Friday 20th August,10am -1pm. £12.50 per
person.
Discover the wonderful world of wool and weaving at Tatton’s
historic Old Hall. Watch demonstrations by costumed guides and take
part in the hands on activities. Suitable for adults and children
aged 7+.Normal Garden Entry Price Applies: Adult £4.50, Child £2.50,
Family £11.50 (2 adults, up to 3 children). National Trust
members – free entry to Gardens. Park entry £4.50 per
car. Parkland is open from 11am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
For further information contact:
Eleanor Pownall
Marketing Department
Tel: 01625 374447
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What's On