Newsletter Autumn 2014

Autumn Newsletter

It was lovely to meet so many people at the Ludlow Food Festival. Customers old and new looked to be having a good time trying out some of the best that glorious Shropshire and the surrounding area have to offer. Congratulations to Margaret Appleton who won the prize draw for a Bronte Merino scarf, it should keep you lovely and snug.

Here at the farm where Prickly Pear is based, the arrival of the Autumn equinox is making itself known as there's a definite nip in the air first thing .. I can see the breath from the cattle and sheep this morning. It's very still and quiet at the moment, apart from the moorhens that are particularly vocal. Given that the wildlife pool is adjacent to the drive and in a busy area of the farm, they seem unperturbed by the comings and goings of daily life. The leaves are starting to turn and in the hedgerows the rosehips are ripening, but, as usual, the birds have beaten me to the rowan berries ... not enough to make jelly again this year. The blackberries are plumping up ... difficult to resist snaffling a few as I walk round the fields with Sam the spaniel and Freddie the collie as we check on the flock.

Talking of sheep, the girls are anticipating the arrival of the teaser into their midst ... love is in the air! But first, we have, as our neighbour says to "take their knickers off"!  We cratch or remove all the excess wool from their rear quarters to make sure the ram isn't impeded when he gets to work. Three weeks later the rams proper, or tups as they're known in Shropshire are introduced. Traditionally, the tups went in on Bonfire Night and lambing would begin on April Fools' Day, but we find it suits us better to start lambing during March.

At Prickly Pear it's no surprise we're passionate about wool and we're very proud to announce that we are now members of The Campaign For Wool, Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales  www.campaignforwool.org.uk  We achieved this, not only for our own wool products, but also for the range of throws and fabrics we stock from other British mills. It's a sustainable, renewable resource with a fibre that adapts to its environment and climatic conditions. It's durable, biodegradable, naturally fire-retardant and carbon efficient and versatile enough to be used for a whole range of applications from the finest wool clothing through to home insulation. Live Naturally ...Choose Wool.

British Wool Week (6-12 October) is nearly with us and we shall be taking our 'home-grown' throws to the monthly Craven Arms Farmers' Market on the 4th. We'll be back in Ludlow 29-30 November for the Medieval Fayre so come and seek us out if you're looking for that extra special Christmas gift or something lovely for the home, or just to say hello. In the meantime, pop by our farm website www.haytonhouse.co.uk to see more of what we do..

Prickly Pear Interiors - Fabrics & Soft Furnishings