Newsletter Winter 2011
Seasons!
The summer and autumn have been very dry nationally, but up here in the Blue Remembered Hills, we have had plenty of rain along with the mild temperatures. Our grass has never stopped growing, and is growing still! This has meant we have had lots of grazing, and our hay crop has been sweet and plentiful, quite a comfort as we face another winter. Let’s hope we don’t get the arctic conditions this time!
It’s difficult just now to believe that we’re approaching December, the weather is so mild, and positively warm on some days. Autumn seems to be extending later this year, the trees reluctant to cast off their leaves, the mists settled in the valley in the mornings and clouds of chattering starlings.
Winter has a magical quality, with its amazing starry night skies, and blue-and-golden days. There’s nothing better than a log fire on a cold evening, with a big bowl of home made stew and dumplings, and eating yourself to a standstill!

Ringing the Changes
Following a review of the holiday cottages at New Cwm Farm we have had to accept that they were not profitable and have reluctantly decided to close the business. This is a great disappointment, as we have met so many lovely people over the past few years. One couple bought Oak Cottage a toast rack, the gentleman said they liked to buy their holiday accommodation a present! We would like to thank everyone who has stayed at New Cwm Farm, our lives have been enriched by meeting you.
The static caravans and campsite at The Anchorage will still be open from Easter to October each year.

My new-to-me Car
I have gone up market and now have a beautiful silver Mondeo. I call her my Young Lady, and she’s quite a character. For instance she will lock or unlock the doors for no reason, so I have to take the ignition key with me whenever I get out of the car, or she might lock me out! She’s just a push-fit in the garage as she’s bigger than my last car.
I must say I didn’t realise how many silver cars there are until the first time I tried to find her in a car park. A few weeks ago I walked straight past her twice at the Stiperstones, and there was only one line of cars!
Our Three Remaining Lambs
Small Lamb, Sunday Dinner and Tiny Lamb.

The South Shropshire Hills is
an area which is conducive to creative ability, be it painting,
writing, poetry, or in the case of our neighbour, sculpture. Jonathan Byetheway has
the prodigious talent of (believe it or not) chain saw carving! He
has the ability to see a piece of wood, and picture the sculpture
within, be it animal, bird, or a character from Wind in the Willows. His spectacular carvings cost from only £20 upwards. Contact him on
01686 670920.
Thomas, Diamond and Dragonflye