Open Farm Sunday
by Fran Sykes.
Date: 20 June 2011
Open Farm Sunday can show families the real story behind food.
Ask most young children where their food comes from and chances are they will answer “the supermarket.” This is of course is true to an extent, however, chances are those questioned would not be able to expand beyond the obvious.
Many children do learn about food origins in schools now, but what about those who aren’t given the opportunity?
Opening The Farm Gates To The Public
This June farms across Lincolnshire opened their gates to the public for the annual Open Farm Sunday. This annual event is a must for anyone interested in discovering how farmers produce our food, and the ways they care for our countryside.
As well as a fun day out, the added benefit of attending an Open Farm Sunday is the increased awareness of where your food actually comes from and the importance of farming in the food production process.
In turn this can bring a fresh appreciation for food and with that an openness to experience a more healthy and varied diet.
The experience offers families a chance to learn whilst being interactive and experience a "behind the scenes" look at farming.
One particular farm who really pull out all the stops are Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop unclehenrys.co.uk
Mini Country Fayre
Each year the staff at the West Lindsey Farm Shop put on their own unique family fun day. The day, described by owner Meryl Ward as a mini “country fayre” has attracted in excess of 2000 people in previous years.
Visitors to the venue can take the opportunity to see how farm machinery has progressed through the ages by seeing a vintage threshing machine in action, then take a look to present day methods by checking out a working Combine Harvester. Guided trailer rides around the farm track gives families a chance to see fields of crops grown by the host farm.
Information points around the site make for an easy and effective way of learning valuable farm facts.
However, the day is by no means one of information overload. Visitors will be encouraged to join in competitions and peruse at their leisure the variety of other attractions available. A falconry display, gliding demonstrations, local food stalls and even a caricaturist are typical points of interest on the day.
The Great Outdoors
Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), organisers of Open Farm Sunday has said "In 2010 184,000 people visited farms on Open Farm Sunday experiencing the joy of discovering the great outdoors down on the farm. This is a day out with a real difference and so much to discover."
The event is usually free to enter but this is down to the discretion of the host farm. However the event is generally an ideal opportunity for hosts to raise money for local charities through activities and raffles on the day. This year Uncle Henry’s raised £1000 which has been split between Lindsey Lodge and Grayingham Church.
So make a note to visit Uncle Henry’s Open Farm Sunday next Year on the 17th June. You never know, you might just learn something new and have some fun in the process!
