Surrey Farm and Food Week 2014
Grinding wheat to make flour
Surrey Farm and Food Week returns, with a spread of farm-tastic events running from September 20th to 28th. Henry Turner gives his pick of the crop
With harvest time approaching, the Surrey County Agricultural Society is looking to open up farming in the county, with a veritable host of events running from September 20th to September 28th, showcasing everything from brewery and farm tours, to food, talks on farming, introductions to animals and even lamb racing!
For those with an interest in good tipple, tours are available of Old Scotland Farm’s microbrewery (Sep 20, 11am), which will include tastings. Albury Vineyard and the adjacent Silent Pool Distillery (Sep 20, 2pm & 4pm) are also running tours; with the 1970s steam boiler being a showcase point at the distillery. Last but not least, the vineyard at Greyfriars will be hosting a walk around its premises (Sep 26, 11am), showing the production of its classical champagne grape varieties.
Insights into life on a farm and the work that goes with it can be gained from various farm walks. Imbham Farms will be offering a ‘flour trail’ through farm and wildlife habitats. Try your hand at milling your own flour at the Granary and try coarse fishing under the tuition of the Haslemere Angling Society (Sep 20, 10.30am).
Farming boasts a great deal of history as an industry in Britain. Hardwick Court Farm will be opening its 15th century barn, showcasing medieval field systems, its heavy horses, cattle, sheep and vintage farm machinery (Sep 24, 5pm).
What would a celebration of farming be without enjoying some of the fruits of produce? The Three Horseholes Pub will be serving specially hung Surrey beef and fruit from local farms for the whole week (Sep 20-28).
Of course, some of the core partners in running a successful farm are the animals themselves. Clear Barn Farm will be showcasing a variety of rare breeds; with rare pigs, sheep, goats, rheas, chicken, ducks, geese, turkeys and bees on display (Sep 21, 10am-4pm). Shabden Park Farm offers the opportunity to watch a sheepdog trial and visit their farmers’ market (Sep 27, 8.30am-5pm). Merrywood Farm has a herd of friendly Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs to meet, as well as sausages and bacon available for tasting (Sep 27, 2pm).
The most important animals on many farms are those responsible for our dairy products. Many farms will be showcasing their bovine friends.
Goldstone Farm is offering trailer tours to see its Surrey County Show Reserve Dairy Champion Ayshire cattle, calves, milking and modern farm technology (Sep 21, 2-5pm). Pierrepont Farm offers pedigree Jersey cows enjoying the freedom of their 24 hour robotic milking parlour, as well as a variety of species of bats living on the farm (Sep 23, 6pm).
Last but not least, the season brings festivities and competitions. Loseley Park will be paying host to a country fair, featuring a ploughing match, traditional rural entertainment, vintage and modern tractors, and even a lamb race (Sep 28, 9am-5pm)!
For full details of events and venues, click here
