Crafty creations and cakes — the perfect combination for visitors to The Old Barn at Field Farm, Rolleston
As the least artistic person I know, I have always shied away from tackling anything remotely creative.
I love the idea of being able to make something beautiful and useful with my own hands, but I came to the conclusion a long time ago that it wasn’t meant to be.
So when Helen Whatling invited me to try one of the craft workshops she runs at The Old Barn at Field Farm, Rolleston, my first thought was to think of an excuse.
But, having being promised there would be tea and cake, I warned her of my artistic shortcomings, and accepted.
And guess what? I am now the proud owner of a willow bird-feeder, made by my own, somewhat scratched, hands.
It is not exactly a thing of beauty, but it holds a handful of fat balls that the birds will appreciate regardless of the wonkiness of the container.
Helen started the family farm venture earlier this year, to help children to learn more about food and farming through fun activities.
She grew up on the farm, owned and run for many years by her parents, Pete and Claire Foster.
Inspired by her own childhood, and wanting to share some of that experience with her own two young children, and with other families, Helen set up The Old Barn.
It is a creative workspace from where she runs events, activities and workshops, all inspired by the countryside.
The programme so far has included a muddy puddle walk for little ones, scarecrow-making, autumn floristry, and willow workshops.
Helen welcomed us with hot drinks and home-made cake — very welcome on a miserably wet afternoon.
She demonstrated the first part of making the feeders, by arranging lengths of soaked willow in a base, which would hold everything steady.
After we completed each stage, Helen demonstrated the next, and kept a friendly eye on everyone’s progress.
I confess to having weaving envy, if that is a thing, as someone else on my table produced a beautifully-tidy creation, while my willow seemed to defy all efforts to make it bend where it should.
But it was great fun, very sociable, satisfying, and suitable for novices or old hands, groups or individuals — and the cake was delicious.
For details about The Old Barn at Field Farm, and to book, contact Helen on the oldbarnatfieldfarm@hot mail.com or visit www.theold barnatfieldfarm.weebly.com
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