A busy run-up to Christmas (From Craven Herald)

A busy run-up to Christmas

12:08pm Thursday 22nd December 2011 in From The Farm By Liz Hird

Last weekend was our final weekend of farmers’ markets for 2011. It was a busy two days as we had Richmond on Saturday and Otley and Holmfirth on Sunday. In addition, on Sunday, we had been invited to attend a Christmas market at the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, so we were pretty stretched.

Stuart went to Holmfirth, David and Polly covered the Otley market and I trundled off to Barnard Castle.

It was a bitterly cold morning and when we all set off, at about 6.30am, it was trying to snow. I was a bit worried about getting over Kidstones top into Bishopdale, but although it was a bit icy there was no snow and the road was well-gritted on the other side. I did run into some snow showers, but this had cleared by the time I got to Richmond.

Next stop Scotch Corner, so-called because it is the spot where travellers from the south heading for eastern Scotland part company with those heading for the west. From here I travelled west along the A66 which I believe, going back to the time of the cattle drovers, was known as “the winter road”, running from Scotch corner to Glasgow via Carlisle. “The summer road”, a spectacularly scenic route, passes from Barnard Castle through Teesdale to Alston, then Brampton, Carlisle and on to Gretna, Scotland. The Bowes Museum was built in the 19th century by John and Josephine Bowes. It is a magnificent French-style chateau that stands proud on the hillside on the outskirts of Barnard Castle.

The Christmas market was held in the formal parterre garden and on the terrace in front of the building, a spectacular setting and a wonderful atmosphere. The crowds flocked in when the gates opened and there was plenty to see and, with well over 50 stalls, plenty of opportunities to do some serious Christmas shopping. It was a long hard day, but well worth it. In fact, all three markets were pretty good and a big bonus compared to last year when everything was cancelled.

On the farming front, cows are now inside and Eddy has just about finished sorting through the sheep as tups are taken up. They are currently running in four groups with three or four tups per group, just in case any are not in lamb, and they will stay like this for another week or so before sheep are turned out onto the moor.

Stuart has caught his 89th mole and is hoping for a century by the end of the year! In other news, David passed his driving test last week which is great and will be very useful, but it will no doubt mean a significant increase in fuel bills. Merry Christmas to all and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.