JAYNE, THE FARM AND OTHER ANIMALS
There is something rather special about The Home Farm in
Tatton Park. It’s
not just that it has been restored and is still a working farm using many original
buildings but the nostalgic atmosphere created by Manager,
Jayne Chapman and
her dedicated young team. Many hundreds of adults and children are entertained
and educated here throughout the season. Walk out into the yard and suddenly
you are gently transported to another era. Maybe the time of the
second world war when the farm was vital for the self-sufficiency of the estate. Lord
Egerton and his family, with their busy aristocratic lifestyle, provided employment
for many local people either within the estate and also protection for young
evacuees from Manchester
Eve (4), with copper curls and shy smile, was my companion for the day. Visiting
just after a hectic Easter the whole farm was alive with new or imminent births
and pretty spring flowers decorating the yard. It is such a busy time for
Jayne and her staff but she kindly gave us a guided tour around her much loved
domain. Though not from a farming background she always wanted to work with animals
and, as a youngster, helped on a farm in Pickmere. Agricultural College
followed and a job as a farm ranger at Tatton Park. 18 years on and 5 years ago
she got her dream job – to be the Farm Manager. For total relaxation
she climbs in the Peak District or the Himalayas and has spent time with primates
in Texas – but that is another story.
This life clearly suits her. Jayne positively glows with delight as we meet up
with all the rare breed animals and Kippy, the farm dog, is never far from her
side.
She communicates easily with all age groups and never seems to tire of
chatting about her work. The farmyard smells are surprisingly sweet and inoffensive
though in the piggery the dear little piglets and their mums produced a slightly
more memorable pungency. The farm is now an appointed Centre for Rare Breeds
and it is hoped that an Animal Adoption scheme will soon be available. Pregnant
Red poll cows, greedy goats, chirpy chickens, dozy donkeys, the titian haired
tamworth pigs (my favourites) with gorgeous piglets snuggling and snuffling in
their immaculate sties. Out into clearer air and over the cobbled yard
to see the giants of the farm – the Shire mare, who will give birth in
May, now standing still and statuesque in her stable and allowing us to stroke
her swollen belly. Such a magnificent working animal and with Jayne
riding her they have taken many prizes at local shows. The visitors
are crowding round – this month especially is all about lambs – over
40 had been born in a short time – some only hours old – and one
little one, on his wobbly, woolly legs, became the star of the show taking the
bottle of milk with great gusto. Kippy kept control. This is what
we came to see. In this special place I can see why Jayne couldn’t
possibly live anywhere else
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| 2011 |
Events at Tatton Park,
Knutsford, Cheshire. |
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The North West Food Lovers Festival
From 21 October 2011 to 23 October 2011
The North West Food Lovers Festival.With over 120 delicious
food and drink stalls selling the best produce available from across the region,
this year's festival will bring a feast of fun to all the family.
Click
here for further details
Get Squashed in the Gardens
From 22 October 2011 to 30 October 2011
Enjoy the fantastic displays of Tatton's end of season produce: squashes,
marrows, pumpkins, gourds and other tasty home-grown varieties! Follow the
trail to Tatton's special pumpkin tree. Normal Park Entry Charge Applies. Closed
Monday.
Click
here for further details
Skin and Bones Natural History at Tatton Park
From 25 October 2011 to 30 October
2011
During October half term join the Mansion and Ranger
teams as they explore Natural History at Tatton Park.
Click
here for further details
Halloween Hauntings at the Old Hall
From 25 October 2011 to 30 October 2011
TV's Most Haunted Live were genuinely spooked when they visited the
Old Hall during January 2010. See how scared you are when you visit the Horrendously
Haunted Old Hall this Halloween
Click
here for further details
Tatton Park Christmas Shopping
Fair
From 29 October 2011 to 30 October
2011
It's an early chance to look for those special christmas gifts
for all the family. You will be delighted by idea's for presents
not usually found in High Street shops!
Click
here for further details about Tatton Park Christmas Shopping
Fair
Christmas Gift Fair
From 5 November 2011 to 6 November
2011
It's an early chance to look for those special Christmas
gifts for all the family. You will be delighted by ideas for
presents not usually found in High Street shops! Fifty exhibitors
selected from all over the country. Normal Park Entry Charge
applies. visit www.countrywide-events.co.uk or Tel 01530 834056
for more information
Further
details
Pruning Course
19 November 2011
Gear up for pruning your trees and shrubs this autumn.
Learn about the correct equipment and improve your knowledge,
with the help of the gardening team
Further
details about Pruning Course
Pruning Course
26 November 2011
Gear up for pruning your trees and shrubs this autumn.
Learn about the correct equipment and improve your knowledge,
with the gardening team on hand to answer any queries.
Further
details about Pruning Course
Christmas and New Year Party Extravaganzas
- From 2 December 2011 to 31 December
2011
Superb Christmas and New Year Parties in the Grande Pavilion.
For 2011 celebrate with us Venetian Carnivale - an opportunity
to join us for an evening of glamour, decadence and sumptous
food
Further
details about Christmas and New Year Party Extravaganzas
Visit the Venetian Christmas Mansion
From 7 December 2011 to 23 December 2011
This year the opulence and sophistication
of Venice comes to Tatton Park inspired by the Egerton family’s travels
to Venice during the 18th and 19th centuries. The influence of
Italy on the Mansion is reflected in the Mansion’s collections,
in particular the Canaletto paintings on display in the Drawing
Room. The state rooms are spectacularly decorated with striking
displays and traditional fresh garlands from the parkland. Live
music entertains you during your visit. On weekdays Tatton’s
mansion staff will be demonstrating how to make your own decorations
at home and kitchen staff will be busy preparing for Christmas.
Children can take part in venetian mask making at weekends Closed
Mon and Tue
Further
details about Visit the Venetian Christmas Mansion
Christmas Lantern Parade welcomes Father
Christmas
9 December 2011
See Father Christmas arrive
at Tatton Park during a brand new lantern parade. Meet Tatton’s two adorable
reindeer Prancer and Dance. Bring along any no longer wanted
toys to donate to a children’s charity. There’ll
also be the opportunity to post your Chistmas wish list to
Father Christmas. Festive music from local band and choir
will entertain and the shops and restaurant will be open
late for Christmas shopping and dining
Further
details about Christmas Lantern Parade welcomes Father Christmas
Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm
From 10 December 2011 to 11 December
2011
Father Christmas arrives at Tatton
Park on Friday December 9th and children can pay a visit to see
him during the following weekends. This year he’ll have Prancer and Dancer with
him, two adorable reindeer who will be resident at the Farm.
All the Farm animals, including the donkeys, pigs and horses
and Tatton’s famous rare breed animals are all on show,
while some are the star attractions of the nativity scene.
Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special
Christmas gift. Children’s rides (small extra charge),
face painting and story telling making a great Christmas day
out for the family.
Further
details about Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm
Christmas Decorations
10 December 2011
Indulge your creativity in the festive season. Join
the gardening team to produce your own inspirational Christmas
wreath to take home.
Further
details
Northern Chamber Orchestra Christmas
Concert
15 December 2011
For each evening concert the Mansion opens at 7pm,
when you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Venetian
themed Victorian Christmas Mansion and walk around the beautifully
decorated state rooms and enjoy a warming winter drink before
the concert starts at 8pm. Pre-concert suppers are available
from 5pm in the Stables restaurant. Pop in on the night or
reserve a table on 01565 755001. Call 0161 247 2220 to book
concert tickets
Further
details
City of Chester Male Voice Choir
16 December 2011
For each evening concert the Mansion opens at 7pm, when
you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Venetian themed
Victorian Christmas Mansion and walk around the beautifully
decorated state rooms and enjoy a warming winter drink before
the concert starts at 8pm. Pre-concert suppers are available
from 5pm in the Stables restaurant. Pop in on the night or
reserve a table on 01565 755001. Call 01625 374400 to book
tickets
Further
details
Roberts Bakery Band Christmas Concert
17 December 2011
For each evening concert the Mansion opens at 7pm, when
you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Venetian themed
Victorian Christmas Mansion and walk around the beautifully
decorated state rooms and enjoy a warming winter drink before
the concert starts at 8pm. Pre-concert suppers are available
from 5pm in the Stables restaurant. Pop in on the night or
reserve a table on 01565 755001. Call 01625 374400 to book
tickets
Further
details
Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm|
From 17 December 2011 to 18 December
2011
Father Christmas arrives at Tatton
Park on Friday December 9th and children can pay a visit to see
him during the following weekends. This year he’ll have Prancer and Dancer with
him, two adorable reindeer who will be resident at the Farm.
All the Farm animals, including the donkeys, pigs and horses
and Tatton’s famous rare breed animals are all on show,
while some are the star attractions of the nativity scene.
Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special
Christmas gift. Children’s rides (small extra charge),
face painting and story telling making a great Christmas day
out for the family.
Further
details about Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm
Family Christmas Carols in the Stableyard
18 December 2011
Bring your friends and family to the outdoor Stableyard
Carols and join in the singing to the accompaniment of The
King Edward Musical Society. Shops will be open until 5pm for
last minute Christmas shopping.
Further
details about Family Christmas Carols
Deer Feed and Trailer Ride
20 December 2011
Take a trailer ride with the rangers to watch the daily
deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in
their beautiful natural setting. Booking is essential as places
are limited. Price includes park entry. Minimum age 5 years.
Further
details
Deer Feed and Trailer Ride
21 December 2011
Take a trailer ride with the rangers to watch the daily
deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in
their beautiful natural setting. Booking is essential as places
are limited. Price includes park entry. Minimum age 5 years.
Further
details about Deer Feed and Trailer Ride On 21 December 2011
Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm
24 December 2011
Father Christmas arrives at Tatton
Park on Friday December 9th and children can pay a visit to see
him during the following weekends. This year he’ll have Prancer and Dancer with
him, two adorable reindeer who will be resident at the Farm.
All the Farm animals, including the donkeys, pigs and horses
and Tatton’s famous rare breed animals are all on show,
while some are the star attractions of the nativity scene.
Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special
Christmas gift. Children’s rides (small extra charge),
face painting and story telling making a great Christmas day
out for the family.
Further
details about Father Christmas at Tatton Park's Farm On 24
December 2011
Most events
are subject to
Tatton Park entry
fee. National
Trust membership
does not apply
for special events.
While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this
information we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies.
Events may also be subject to change.
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Prices, times of opening and other details may be changed without
prior notice. |
| All details correct at time of press. |
| If a telephone number is not listed above,
or if you wish to obtain charges, opening times and details, telephone
the Tatton Infoline on 01625 534435 no more than 14 days prior
to a particular event. The above information was correct at the
time of printing, but changes may be introduced without notice. |
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TATTON INFOLINE :
01625 534435
01625 534400
Tatton Park,
Knutsford,
Cheshire,
WA16 6QN.
OR SEE
www.tattonpark.org.uk
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