Apley Craft Fairs

There were some lovely stalls during Sunday’s (6 April) craft fair, particularly these wooden items. The next one will be part of the Jousting Fair on Saturday 3 May where the theme will of course be medieval. It’s always held on the first Saturday of the month, so future dates are 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 Sept, 5 Oct, 2 Nov & 7 Dec. Call the office if you’d like to bring a stall – 01952 730 345, option 6. Every month, we will be inviting a crafter to offer hands-on experience for shoppers. I’ll feature them here, so you can get to know them a bit & better understand their craft.

I snapped this lovely shot of oil seed rape in flower as I drove past on the way back from trying out a new pony for the girls on Sunday. They’re now ready for a competition pony, as they’re getting increasingly into show jumping. I’m sure the oil seed rape is earlier than last year. I always love seeing great swathes of countryside in bright yellow, looking so cheerful. This afternoon Gavin & I had a meeting with Phil Allen & our land agent Graeme Manton in the Walled Gardens, catching up on latest developments. Then I whizzed home, checked the children & shot out again to give a marketing presentation to half the Farm Shop staff, to help them understand the marketing I do, how I do it, why I do it & to hear their suggestions & feedback. All very helpful.