All aboard the Coach, we head for Awnells Farm, Much Marcle were the family of David Powell have worked the land for over seventy-five years following a long history dated from 13th century.

After a ‘cuppa’ we watched a presentation of the history of Eric Freeman’s,

Newent farm, a member of ‘Rare Breeds Survival Trust’ RBST an organization set up 1972-3 to save farm animals. Categories covered were Endangered, Vulnerable, At Risk, and Minority animals such as sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, and poultry. The farm is dedicated to that end and is very much part of life on the farm where Old Spot Pigs, rare Ryland’s, Cotswold Sheep live close to Gloucester cattle, almost extinct, saved by purchase from the Dowdswell sisters. The meat is sold to local butchers.

Awnells Farm has been donated to the Countryside Restoration Trust, David runs the farm and continues to gain rosettes at country shows with his Traditional Herefords who graze on the swards of the meadows which contain a variety of herbage achieved through traditional farming methods.

Barn Orchard has been on this site for at least three hundred years, the fifteen-acre site contains old traditional species of fruit. Cider Apple and Perry Orchard registered with the Soil Association as an organic orchard, during the autumn send the fruit to cider makers, Weston’s.

Well worth a visit, by appointment. www.rbst.org.uk

Queenhill WI meet the second Thursday in the month, the next meeting

8th September, 2.30pm, WI Hall, Queenhill.

PEGGY BOOTH