This year’s Farm Open day was a huge success! The weather was fine and we welcomed 100’s of visitors from the local community to the farm.
Our students were on hand to explain and answer questions about the farm and livestock care as well as being integral in the event organisation. Visitors got the opportunity to get up close to see farming practices in action. Alan Kensett gave sheep shearing demonstrations. Students helped visitors hand-feed orphan lambs. And, of course, our youngest visitors were able to sit in our tractor driving seat, always one of our most popular activities.
The Wealden group of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers demonstrated the ancient art of spinning and our resident beekeepers, Beatrice Sales and Gill Waterton were on hand to explain how bees make honey.
Music was provided by ‘The Jazz Dukes’ and country dancing group ‘Roses are Red’ from Shoreham, entertained our visitors whilst they tucked into delicious Oathall sausages and burgers cooked up on the BBQ. We sold out of tea and cakes, the greenhouse did a roaring trade in plant sales and our cows obliged with the cow patch stall.
Mr. John Blackholly, Head of Farm unit said:
“The day was a great success and we raised £2400 towards the upkeep of the farm and animals. Thank you to everyone who came along on the day and to all our volunteer helpers, students and staff who made it all possible.”
For more photos from the day see our Flickr page here.
