Rose Cottage Farm

Unexpected Arrivals

2012-01-09T17:28:00.004Z

We were due to start lambing mid-febriary with the Manx girls.....then i went out to the fields yesterday and there was a new little portland lamb!!!! and this morning a little ewe lamb born to another portland...these two girlies must have sneaked into the ram while we were away in august!!! mums and babies doing well. I have checked the rest and only one other is looking a bit portly for her due date hmmm.... will have to watch her closely. the 2 newborns are in the field shelter all tucked up and cosy. watch this space for the next little lambs to arrive!!

November weather Brrr

2011-11-26T17:40:00.003Z

The weather is certainly changing now. we have had some really wintery showers today. The sheep are now needing some hard feed as the grass loses its goodness.

we are trying to get the ponies out as a pair at least once a week still. All the outdoor tidying has started and a few trees need to come down as they have outgrown their position. Lots of heavy work ahead.

We were showing 2 of our pedigree cats last weekend at the NEC at Birmingham.. it was the Supreme cat show, we did really well taking 1st and best of breed with both.

There is a warm mulled wine basted venison casserole in the AGA cooking away slowly all ready for tomorrow... yum yum!!

August Holidays

2011-08-20T12:10:00.003+01:00

We have 2 weeks left available in Bramble cottage during August, so special offer, a week for two people in a cosy cottage, no hidden extra's and we accept well behaved dogs...£325 !!! all electric/bedding/towels etc included.

our fruit trees are laden with plums and cherries, come and pick your own, delicious fruit not chemically sprayed. Eggs from our free range hens and ducks.

Herdwick lamb joints sometimes available too. tel 0774 094 8024/01845 597309

Borrowby Show Winners

2011-07-27T20:13:00.002+01:00

What a fabulous day we have had. Up at 5am and all animals fed,watered etc.. then off to the Borrowby show with our sheep. The Herdwick shearlings took 1st and 2nd place, then our wicked manx laughtan got 3rd place. The portland ewe lamb took second place, and the herdwick ram lamb also got a second. we met old friends and new and had a wonderful time.....back home now and happily weary!!

JULY AT ROSE COTTAGE FARM

2011-07-16T20:09:00.003+01:00

Meet our new sheepdog, Bran, she is 4 years old and a great asset to us. she and our old girl 'Lass' keep our rare breed flock on their toes.

The manx loaghton ewe reared her triplets successfully, they are a mischievous bunch with crazy horns, that give the two dogs a merry chase about.

we are showing our Portland lambs and possibly the Herdwicks at 2 local shows, Thornton le dale and Borrowby. The holiday Bookings are steady, and the visitors are enjoying the saturday sheepdog demonstrations i am giving.

We have paired the two black ponies up and are driving them frequently at the Sutton Bank top area.

Siberian Kittens Born

2011-04-05T13:21:00.003+01:00

we have had 2 beautiful litters of siberian kittens born during our busy lambing period. These semi long haired cats are often able to be tolerated by allergy sufferers, we had 11 born and already 9 are booked and they are just 4 weeks old.. but are'nt they gorgeous!!

Special Springtime Recipe from Rose Cottage Farm

2011-03-26T17:33:00.002Z

We are increasing lamb numbers thick and fast at the moment, so not a lot of time for cooking, which brought me to having a baking session to see us through. One special cake I make is a Granny Audrey's Spiced Cake. I make is with gluten free flour as my daughter is allergic to wheat flour and gluten, but any self raing flour will suffice.
12oz self raing flour.1 teaspoon mixed spice,1 teaspoon cinnamon. 8oz butter(or healthy alternative) 8 OZ light brown sugar.8oz mixed fruit, I use my own mix without peel or cherries in. 6 pieces of crystallised ginger chopped small.2 eggs, and milk to mix approx 2/3 of a beaker usually.
Sieve flour and spices together,rub in the butter until mixture looks like breadcrumbs.add sugar,fruit and ginger,stir to mix evenly then add beaten eggs and milk a little at a time until mixture nice and sticky,or claggy as my mum would have called it!! Put into a greased and floured round tin 7 or 8inch diameter. Bake in centre of a moderate oven. gas mark 4-5 for approx 1 hour for 8inch tin or 1 1/4hours for 7 inch tin. reduce heat after 45minutes to approx mark 3-4.test by pressing quite hard on top, the cake will be quite firm to touch when cooked.Delicious, and keeps well.Do try and Do enjoy.

Manx Triplets!!

2011-03-25T18:47:00.003Z

Lambing is well under way. Dolly the Portland ewe has one gorgeous ewe lamb, 32 the Herdwick has one ram lamb, Snowdrop the herdwick has twins and hates them, so the steriliser is on....and then matilda the manx girl had triplets today. I am feeling a little sleep deprived, but I adore the new lambs.

Just another 12 to go.........

Our First Portland Lamb

2011-03-12T18:06:00.003Z

What a suprise at 5am this morning when I went to do my second check of the night, there was Dolly the Portland ewe with the most beautiful ewe lamb all tucked up and clean, she looks like a little fawn, so cute.

The herdwick sheep are all due any day and the manx girl in about a week.

I am starting to feel a bit sleep deprived, but when the lambs are born its all worth it.

We are getting ready for the Easter bookings and expecting to be busy, people love to visit when we have lambs and chicks around.. we also have some siberian kittens born, they are delightful fluffy bundles of fun.....

Spring breaks special low prices

2011-02-26T15:28:00.003Z

We are having a spring into spring special at the cottages. Today has been fabulous and sunny, I drove the carriage and bramble(the little black pony) all the way to kilburn village, and had a pleasant cuppa and chat at the Foresters Arms,before driving the 4 miles home again.

The manx ewe is due anytime now, and is only allowed out for a few hours a day.

We are having weekend breaks for 2 people for just £100 per cottage, or 3 weekdays for 2 people for just £120, this offer will end by 14th march so hoping lots of our followers will bag a bargain.

There are lots of wild birds coming down for tit bits, we have long tailed tits, coal tits, sparrows, lesser spotted woodpeckers, and chaffinchs... and still lots of cheeky robins!!

Just about to start cooking tea... kedgeree, home produced free range eggs, from rare breed poultry, traditionally smoked haddock, and organic rice and onions... yum, delicious, come and try it here at Rose Cottage Farm!!

Easter soon..

2011-02-20T16:02:00.003Z

Spring is nearly here, the small portland ewe is showing signs of lambing.

Last week we had 2 Egyptian Mau kittens born, spotty babies that will be so naughty.

\The hens are laying lots of eggs, green, dark brwon, beige, white a really colourful trayful, and delicious.

The cottages are already for some early spring or easter bookings, we have done quite a bit of refurbishment again this year.

Had fabulous meal out at the Crab Manor for my birthday, can thoroughly recommend for a night out to any visitoers.. lobster thermidore MMMM yum!

new arrivals due any day from the siberian girls and the herdwick ewes....watch this space...

The New Season

2011-02-03T17:41:00.002Z

We had our tourist board inspection this week, and got a HIgh 3 Star result. We have redecorated both cottages and replaced refridgerators etc.

The snowdrops and aconites are all in bloom and the gardens are starting to look pretty again after such a long and severe winter.

We should start lambing in the next week or two, the first due are the herdwicks and one of the Portlands our new rare breed we have. the crazy 4 horned manx sheep is looking rather rotund as well, so some different lambs this time.

The cottage bookings are just starting to come in, we have now got our fully bookable and updatable diary on both the Guestlink and our own website. www.rose-cottage-farm.co.uk

watch this space for the first of the new lambs to arrive!!

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T17:31:00.002Z

Happy New Year to all guests and friends we have had the pleasure to meet over the years.

We hope to see you all again in the coming year,

Audrey and Jim

NEW YEARS BREAKS

2010-12-11T13:55:00.002Z

We still have vacancies for over the new year, come and enjoy the beautiful scenery, free mulled wine and mince pie on arrival and all the usual extras for just £200 per cottage for 4 days/nights!!!!!

lots of new rare breed sheep to see, we may even have some siberian kittens!!

winter wonderland

2010-12-07T18:37:00.002Z

wow isnt it cold, we have been down to -18c apparently. the poor sheep have been hiding in the shelter and are eating hay like its going out of fashion. we have some new additions to our rare breeds, we have portland sheep and manx, they are very different and much smaller than the herdwicks.

there have been a lot of deer on the surrounding hills, and fabulous to watch as they play and leap in the snow covered fields.

we have had some siberian kittens born, though only very small litters.

the horses are enjoying time off work from the carriage driving as the roads are too slippery at the present time.

we are nearly ready for christmas now, the trimmings are going up, the sloe gin nearly ready and the christmas puds maturing nicely in the larder......mmm smell those spices

october at rose cottage farm

2010-10-13T20:10:00.003+01:00

well the weather is definately getting cooler. we have gathered in all the fruit, and sloes, and starting to make the sloe gin ready for christmas.

we have 3 beautiful siberian kittens and 4 birmans, they are entertaining us with their antics.

my two kittens entered at the cumberland show both won 1st in their open classes and well placed in their side classes, a very proud day for me.

we have both cottages booked out for christmas and the new year enquiries are now coming in.

brrr, getting those winter woollies out today!!

we collect our new herdwick tup from cumbria tomorrow so a long trip ahead!!

SUMMER IN HERRIOTS COUNTRY

2010-07-22T15:18:00.004+01:00

hi ,AGAIN, WELL WE HAVE BEEN BUSY. THE COTTAGES HAVE BEEN HUNTED , BUT FOR ALL THEN SAME FEW WEEKS, WE DO HAVE VACANCIES IN SEPTEMBER AND ALL THE INTER MONTHS, SO PLEASE GIVE US A CALL 01845 597309

WE HAVE DONE CHARITY GALS WITH OUT PONIES, LOTS OF HERDWICK LAMBS GROWING ON,.. AND NEXT WEEK BORROWBY SHOW, LETS SEE HOW OUR GIRLS PERFORM THEN! THE RUNNER DUCKS ARE RUNNING, AND THE SILKIE HENS FINALLY REPRODUCING.... JUST NEED SOME LATE SUMMER BOOKINGS TO KEEP US COMPANY THROUGH THE FALL?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

AUDREY

march lambs at rose cottage farm

2010-03-16T18:35:00.002Z

well they are here at last those spring lambs... not an easy start to the year, two of our ewes had prolapses, causing massive vet bills, far outweighing the lambs worth, but little lives have to be saved.

we have a set of twins and two singles at present with 12 more ewes to lamb.

According to lambing live, the herdwicks do it all themselves, well not so, here they have needed help.

we have had other new life too, two runner ducklings hatched and 4 exchequer chicks, so its all hands to the feed bins!!

we have few cottage bookings for the easter weekend, but the easter week still has some vacancies left.

We are looking forward to the drier weather and carriage rides with the horses.

The elderberry wine bottled from 2009 is going down well with us and guests alike, a firm favourite!! watch this space for more lambs arriving!!

February & St Valentines Day

2010-02-04T20:36:00.004Z

Well, February has arrived and still we are getting more snow...St Valentines Day is just a few days away, My birthday and hopefully some bookings for the cottages, they are a cosy place for lovers.

The lambs are due to arrive from the 19th, we just hope the weather improves as its a harsh start to a new life, even if they are born with wool. We keep the lambs in for 48 hours before their little world becomes one of harsh elements and mud...as well as a few blades of grass. It has been a harsh winter for the sheep and the horses. We have had to supplement feeds for them all as well as lots of hay. Easter is late this year so hopefully it will be warm and welcoming when it arrives.

We have some indian runner ducklings, they and a couple of the extra drakes we have, will be going to the auction mart this saturday morning at about 6am.

The Egyptian Mau kittens are getting more mischievous by the day, just two left to find willing slaves and new homes, they are such fun cats, we will miss them.

Watch this space for the new arrivals from the 19th!!!

January and snow snow snow

2010-01-20T20:37:00.002Z

Well here we are in January, just 4 weeks off lambing and such dreadful weather. The sheep are spending most of their time in the field shelter munching their way throughy lots of hay and sheep nuts. The horses are bored and as ready as we are to get back on the road. This year we are hoping to organise insurances to let us offer trips around the villages for our gusts on the carriages.

We have 4 indian runner ducklings and 3 egyptian mau kittens. The egyptian mau's are the original domestic spotted cat. We have just 3 beautiful bronze boy kittens and are expecting lots of interest when the adverts go public. They are really fun cats full of life and very agile.

In December we had a new kitchen fitted in the farmhouse, so January has sen lots of hot casseroles and home baking in the new ovens.. and some tried and trusted recipes in the faithul old 1952 AGA... still chugging away and keeping us warm.

Happy New Year to you all..

audrey

JULY AT ROSE COTTAGE FARM

2009-07-22T21:33:00.003+01:00

Well here we are halfway into July... the holiday cottages are doing well now, after a really slow start to the season.

we have a beautiful litter of chunky siberian kittens that are thriving really well.

Sadly our chestnut mare lost her foal after a difficult birth and is starting to recover and get ready to bring back into work.

The latest creation at the farm, is my very popular Elderflower champage.. excellent refreshing drink with low alcohol content. I have made 3 gallons and have bottled and given several away to friends. This simple to make drink requires no skill other than a few elderflower heads,chopped lemons, sugar,cider vinegar and plenty of water. just combine the elderflower and lemons in a fermentation bucket with the water, approx 8 heads,2 lemons per gallon. after 36 hours strain onto 1 1/2 lbs sugar and tablespoon cider vinegar. bottle in screw top bottles...DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM!!! Chill and drink within 3 months,enjoy....

JUNE AT ROSE COTTAGE FARM

2009-06-10T22:35:00.002+01:00

Well here are at last in the beautiful June sunshine.

We have been getting out and about carriage driving with the horses. The photo here shows Jeannie our norwegian fjord pony and bramble my little speed machine of a welsh!!I think they are whispering about the camera man!!

The lambs are growing fast now and starting to change colour from the all black wool to a lighter shade, slightly brown, and the faces are whitening all the time. The ram lambs are developing horns, and attitude to match!!
Our holiday cottages are getting booked up, and from visitors from overseas. We are meeting some really interesting people as the year progresses.

We have had a lot of other births on the farm, ducklings, chicks and kittens...Scarlet the chestnut mare is due to foal at the beginning of July so watch this space!!

March

2009-03-04T22:58:00.007Z

Well, here it is March and lambing time. All the ewes are in the field shelter tonight and just as well. Snow has fallen yet again and the temperature has dropped dramatically. We spent the day forking new straw into place and manhandling a huge round bale into the shelter for them. No big tractors here just Jim, me and a lot of questionable language!!

This last weekend I was away at the Coventry and Leicester cat show judging, what a busy day that was, with 58 different cats to judge. It will be a week or so before all the reports are done.

We have had the first of the ducklings and chicks arrive, they are in our kitchen in an incubator chirping away. My 14 year old birman girl is babysiting them (well it is warm on top of the incubator!!)

I will be back blogging as the first of the lambs arrive....

Audrey

February at Rose cottage farm

2009-02-02T15:32:00.006Z

Well, February certainly came in with a blast from the past... the snow is falling thick and fast and reminds me of the proper winters we used to have when I was a child. That's right, chilblains, frozen hands and home made soups!! Today on the AGA I have a brocolli and stilton soup simmering from the last of my organic vegetables, there's home made bread in the oven and proper butter on a dish!

The sheep were not amused by the start to the day, the 12 herdwick ewes are just 5 weeks off lambing and the 6 gimmer lambs are constantly hungry in the snow covered fields. Snowdrop (the bottle fed lamb) thinks it's time to come back into the house and the AGA and tried so hard to help me with the sheep nuts that most were spilled liberally all over the floor.

We have the first of the runner duck eggs which are now warming in the incubator, they should hatch before March hopefully. The fjord ponies are more than happy to roll in the snow but our other carriage ponies are less impressed. Scarlet the Welsh section C is due to foal in June so watch this space>>>

Recipe for Brocolli and Stilton soup

1 large head of brocolli
1 large onion
2 oz of stilton (or any cheese that needs using up)
1 organic stock cube
pinch black pepper
pinch of mixed herbs.

Rough chop the veg and place in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 45 mins. Remove from the heat. When a little cooler, blend the ingredients, I use a hand blender. Add the cheese by crumbling or grating. gently heat stirring all the time until the cheese melts, serve immediately with warm crusty bread.

Norwegian Residents

2009-01-29T19:14:00.007Z

This is the first post from Rose Cottage Farm. Here's one of our Norwegian Fjord horses. This is Jeannie on the far right, and nosy Scarlet (the Welsh Section C just had to have a picture too!)

The Norwegian Fjord an unusual looking horse is believed to date back to prehistoric times and closely resembles the Asiatic wild horse seen in prehistoric cave paintings. Its history in a rugged, mountainous area of extreme weather conditions means it is exceptionally sure-footed and hardy.