Sunday 2nd May 2010
It is with sadness I write my last entry onto the Barnyard Blog as I am leaving Hall Farm for pastures new. I have thoroughly enjoyed nearly 3 years as Manager of the Farm Shop, working with a wonderful team of colleagues and I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure.
Hall Farm is a special place, not just a shop, restaurant or farm, but a place which brings together a family of staff, friends and Barries as a community. Our customers help bring meaning to our work, especially those which have become friends. We have always strived hard to provide a fabulous shopping experience, within a unique environment, accompanied by the highest standard of customer service, and I am very proud that I have been a part of it.
I must thank John and Stella for putting up with me, they have been a true inspiration, teaching me so much, I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity.
I wish all those at Hall Farm who I have worked with, past and present, the best of luck for the coming years...... the best bit is I now get to return as a customer!
Happy Days to all,
Madeleine Baker
Sunday 28th March 2010
Did you see Donkey? Stella was leading the local community around the village today with Donkey. Walking the route on behalf of St Mary's Church, for Lent. We are very proud of being part of Stratford St Mary Village and felt very priviledged to take part. We hope you saw Donkey. If you didn't she has returned to her usual stomping ground, in the pastures around Hall Farm.
Monday 22nd March 2010
The restaurant is revelling, the chefs are rejoicing,
Manager Trudy is away, so you can be sure the mice are at play.
Rory is holding the helm, his strength here to stay,
His cheeky smile and happy way, enough to make your day!
Rocky the Shetland
Saturday 13th March 2010
Just where is the time going to? No sooner had the shop recovered from Christmas we are in full swing for the Easter parade. The shop is filling up with favourite Easter treats, and the chocolate is driving all the shop team mad! We have already sold out of our fabulous Linden Lady Easter Eggs but are soon to receive another delivery soon, so come and purchase yours!
The management teams are deep in debates at the moment regarding our forthcoming butchery department, so watch this space!!!!!
We are all excited at Hall Farm as we saw a glimmer of the sun the other day, we are looking forward to welcoming it back as soon as it would like to make an appearance. But true to the word of spring, the daffodils are emerging and we will be showered with their golden colours.
Shop Team
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Well I'm back did you miss me? The staff may have run riot whilst I was away, but I know our regulars would have kept them in line!
We are sorry to say goodbye to Granny Straughans Cakes. Hall Farm has been stocking these handmade cakes for years but they have sadly ceased trading and so the last of their delicious fruit cake and chocolate roulades are in the shop now and when they are gone... they are gone for good. As a replacement, our fantastic restaurant will be baking us a great range, watch out for these as they filter into the shop.
The lambs are coming thick and fast and even though we may be lacking the sunshine spring time and Easter is on it's way.
Remember your pancakes today (Shrove Tuesday), celebrating the beginning of Lent. What are you thinking about giving up? I've given up my evening G&T, I'm not sure how I will cope but here goes!
Madeleine ~ Shop Manager
Saturday 6th February 2010
WELCOME BACK OLIVE! It is lovely to welcome Olive back to England, since her epic trip to Australia. She missed all the bad weather and even managed to bring a little sunshine to Hall Farm during her first shift at the Shop. We will ease her back into the swing of things gentle, so don't hesitate to pop in a say hello or "g'day".
We also enjoyed our Staff Christmas get together last night. It is the only opportunity for us to all get together and socialise out of work, and actually quite a task to recognise some of us out of our usual uniforms. Amazing how the chefs hats cover up fabulous bouncing curls, and our winter layers in the shop, our curvacious figures.
The entertainment of Karaoke unleased some quality raw talent in Shop Manager Madeleine, wow she can move and Stellas vocal cords needed no warming up to belt out a few classics.
Spring is on its way it is offical! New born lambs are now plentiful around the farm, and in sight if you are visiting our restaurant. The daffodils are starting to poke their heads out and the white dots of snow drops are creeping through.
The shop has just enjoyed the seville orange season and sold over 240kg, the equivalent in weight to the largest African carnivore, a Lion! Amazingly the majority will now be sitting in jars in your cupboards waiting for breakfast time over the next few months.
Long may the spring keep coming and the sun keep shining. Whatever the weather pop in for some Hall Farm cheer.
Shop Team x
Friday 1st January 2010
The Barrie Family and the Hall Farm Team would like to wish all of our fantastic customers a very Happy New Year. We look forward to serving you through the coming months and sharing the seasons with you.
The Hall Farm Family x x