Success for Stalham in Norfolk’s top farming business competition.
Broadland farmer James Chapman was reserve champion in the 36th annual Norfolk County farm business competition.
And a former chairman Richard Hirst, of Carr Farm, Ormesby, won the diversification award and the Stuart Chapman Memorial Shield.
There was success too for the current chairman, Luke Paterson, as Bindwell Ltd, of Dilham Hall, was runner-up in class two to the winner, Ali Cargill, of Grove Farm, Gimingham.If you would like to read the full results then please visit the competitions page. Entry added: 19 Jun 2015 |
Exclusive tour of a 50-year-old garden “gem” in north Norfolk.
Two dozen members and guests were welcomed by Roger Last, of the Mill House garden, Corpusty. After drinks had been served, he outlined how the garden had evolved over the past half a century.
It now covered a total of about five acres, including the latest addition on the other side of the former Norwich to Holt Road, which included a “wooden mill henge” as well as some dramatic planting.
Mr Last, who was joint author of the definitive Norfolk Gardens and Designed Landscapes, published in 2013, began the long-term project with his brother, John. After his death in 1990, Roger continued the evolution.
One project, the grotto with four dark chambers, which took a total of 14 years to complete and used carr stone from west Norfolk, wowed the company of visitors. And his siting of his compost bins in the corner of a classical designed sheltered garden, with its lovely citrus including oranges and lemon bushes, also caused much amusement. And his wonderful “newtery” also impressed the party.
Mr Last also built a “ruined Gothic” tower with carstone as another observation post.
In the second section of garden, a lake was dug out and includes a massive gunnera, which certainly caught the eye as did a seven-metre stainless steel spire – another modern folly.
This five-acre garden – featured in Country Life last year – has evolved over the past half century.
He amazed the party, when he said that he did all the work in the garden with the help of someone else for three hours a week. And some outside help with the strimming.
He had also bought some splendid sculptures, produced by a student at the Norwich University of the Arts, for the third phase of the garden. And one, the man on the cross, was perfectly sited against the backdrop of the square tower of Corpusty church.
And another highlight, the look-out tower on top of a 1940 brick-built pillbox.
It was a great privilege to be allowed to tour this special garden, which was greatly appreciated.
Afterwards, many of the party went for supper at the Walpole Arms, which was first-class.
Next outing – The chairman’s farm walk at Hall Farm, Wickmere, on Tuesday, July 7, 5.30pm for 5.45pm prompt start. Please let the secretary know if you would like to attend. Supper afterwards.
Entry added: 18 Jun 2015 |
Mill House gardens, Corpusty.
About two dozen members and guests will be exploring a five-acre garden at Corpusty on Wednesday evening, June 17. There is the opportunity for another handful of members/ guests to join this evening but please let the secretary know because there is a modest charge.
Our host, Roger Last, suggests that visitors park on the common - about 100 yards from the entrance to Mill House gardens.
Sat Nav - NR11 6QB.
The mill, straddles the River Bure, and entrance is just before the bridge (from Norwich direction).
Drinks - will be served on arrival at 6pm when Mr Last will give a brief introduction to the garden and its development over the past half a century. He suggests that there is enough to entertain visitors for about two hours.
Walpole Arms - supper - the advance menu choices have been sent to the Walpole Arms. And food will be served at 8.15pm - hopefully, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the garden.
Entry added: 16 Jun 2015 |
A final reminder of the first summer social outing on Wednesday, June 17. About two dozen members and guests will be touring the five-acres of garden at Mill House, Corpusty, starting with drinks at 6pm. And a dozen will be going on for supper at the Walpole Arms afterwards. If you would like to join the party, please let the secretary know without delay. The two-course meal has to be booked in advance. Details from the secretary. And if you'd like to join the farm walk party at Wickmere on Tuesday, July 7, please let the secretary know too. Entry added: 12 Jun 2015 |
Champagne moment at RABI garden open afternoon -
A champagne toast was a highlight of RABI’s garden open afternoon in Norwich when newly-weds, chartered surveyor Rachael Hipperson and club member Jonathan Pye, arrived to help on Sunday.Sally Mitchell, county secretary, and husband, John produced two bottles of champagne for the 16-strong group of volunteers to drink the health of the happy couple at the Bishop of Norwich’s garden.Rachael’s godfather, Peter “Spin” Seaman proposed the toast which followed their wedding three days earlier. Jonathan, who farms near Cawston, then helped along with a strong contingent of Stalham members, on the gates. Committee member John Purling and wife Ena, David Faulkner and secretary Michael Pollitt were among the many helpers.
The hard-working committee produced enough for tea for hundreds of visitors and Carolyn Gay made some topical cup cakes, decorated in Norwich City colours too. Clearly a good omen for the following day’s big match as it turned out.The RABI committee also appreciated the very tasty strawberries from Place UK, of Tunstead, provided by Tim Place.The predicted rain duly arrived to dampen the attendance as the gates opened at 1pm. Then, a depressing heavy drizzle from 3pm ensured a soggy conclusion to the afternoon. A modest amount of about £500 was made as about 100 visitors toured the four-acre garden.Tickets are now on sale through NFU group secretaries for RABI’s 30th annual cocktail party on Monday, June 22 at the Norfolk showground.
Entry added: 28 May 2015 |
Farm visit and hog roast supper.
This is a joint event, meet at 5.45pm for 6pm prompt start at Hall Farm, Wickmere, with East Norfolk NFU branch. Members and guests will be most welcome. Members of North Walsham and Acle YFC will also be welcome.
Please let the secretary know if you like to attend in order to help our host plan the evening and arrange enough transport – by Friday, July 3, please.
A hog roast supper will be provided – hence numbers are needed
Entry added: 19 May 2015 |
Wednesday, June 17.
Garden visit to a special North Norfolk Garden on Wednesday, June 17, 6pm start, drinks and an optional guided tour followed by supper at the award-winning Walpole Arms, Itteringham.
Roger Last is inviting members to tour his five-acre garden at Mill House, Corpusty, which has been lovingly created over the past half century.
Then, members can enjoy supper and a two-course meal for £32 per head.
Or join the garden tour and drinks, £10 per head.
Numbers strictly limited – and must be booked in advance with payment, please.
RSVP is a must!
Supper: This must be booked in advance–
Meal choices:
Main- Braised short rib of beef, chive mash potato, aromatic carrots and braised red cabbage.
Whole chargrilled sea bass, roast tomatoes, turned potato and Parisian courgette
Pudding- Sharrington strawberry Eton Mess
Vanilla crème brûlée with Mrs Sizeland's raspberries and homemade shortbread.
Please let the secretary know by Friday, June 12 if you’d like to join the party. And your meal choices, please.
Drinks, garden tour and supper, £32 per head.
Email, or telephone 01603 486997.
Payment – Stalham Farmers’ Club, 60, Chamberlin Road, Norwich NR3 3LY or direct to bank – Barclays 20 99 21. Account 408 27886.
Entry added: 19 May 2015 |
Are you up for the big farming business challenge?
Norfolk’s county farm business competition has been dominated by two entrants in the 33-year history of the supreme championship.
And many other members of Stalham Farmers’ Club have also been successful in the Aylsham Agricultural Show Association’s Norfolk county farm business competition.
The current champions, LF Papworth, of Lodge Farm, Felmingham, have won the supreme title on a total of eight occasions since it was first awarded in 1981. In that year, LF Papworth stood reserve to KE Gill Farms.
But the other leading contender, Sir John White’s Salle Farms Co has won a total of six supreme championships. His estate manager, Poul Hovesen took the title for the first time in 1992 and retained the trophy the following year and in fact, became the sixth champion in 2013.
At the launch in 1979, there were then three classes with the category for the largest farm of more than 600 acres and a special award for more than 1,000 acres. Another for the best farm under 250 acres was won by Malcolm Alexander.
The categories were not changed until 1993 when the large farm class was set at 1,200 acres and the smaller class acreage was increased to 600 acres. While a livestock award has been part of the competition for many years, other changes were introduced as a conservation prize was introduced in 2003, for diversification in 2007 and a special category for best Norfolk County Council tenanted farm in 2011.
The focus of the competition, which was originally awarded for the best farm, started to reflect changes in the industry more than 20 years ago when it became the Norfolk County Farm Business Competition.
There have been six entrants, which have won twice and seven other supreme champions. A full list of all winners from 1979, which includes many Stalham members, can be seen on the aylsham agricultural show association’s website.
Entry added: 18 May 2015 |
Can you help farming’s charity, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, by spending an afternoon in Norwich?
On Sunday, May 24, the Bishop of Norwich’s four-acre garden in the heart of the city opens with proceeds to RABI. As members will recall, the Rt Rev Graham James was a speaker at our 2013 dinner.
Sally Mitchell, county secretary to RABI, needs to recruit a team of at least 20 to help with general duties on the afternoon, when it is open to visitors from 1pm to 5pm.
Several members have agreed to help including John Purling and your secretary Michael Pollitt. Tim Place, of Place UK, who is also a member, is donating strawberries for teas.
And offers of home-made cakes would also be most welcome. Help is needed with the gates, serving teas etc - from earlier in the day.
One charity, which has already opened, raised about £2,500. And if you can publicise the afternoon as well – tremendous.
Contact Sally Mitchell for more details – 01692 670521.
Entry added: 12 May 2015 |
President's praise for Clan Trust
Club president William Donald responded on behalf of the guests at the annual Clan Trust dinner at Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham.
He praised the trustee body for the sterling work of the trust, which was founded by the late Rob Alston almost half a century ago.
In keeping with the tradition at the annual dinner, the trustees and members stood to toast absent friends and the founder at 9pm.
The guests included the committee of YANA (Your Are Not Alone), which has been supported by the Clan Trust since its launch almost eight years ago, said the chairman, James Alston. He thanked Melinda Raker, of Croxton, who had the driving force from the start and helped to raise the profile of YANA’s campaign on mental health awareness in the wider farming and agricultural community.
He also thanked (Stalham member) Emily Page, who had raised funds for YANA with her Sahara trek last year and also gained invaluable publicity for YANA. The volume of visitors to its website have more than doubled year on year, he added.
A number of the guests were also members of the Stalham Club including trustees Tim Papworth and Alison Ritchie, as well as Greg Smith and his wife Rebecca, Ken and Pat Leggett, Michael and CJ Pollitt.
Entry added: 27 Apr 2015 |