As if by magic, we have entered the final month of the year. Last month, I invited some family and friends to my annual firework display. I    was very impressed with my set-up this year, but unfortunately the weather put a dampener on things. Just as we were doing our countdown, down came the rain. We managed to enjoy a shorter display, but many fireworks got too wet. They’re now sat in the shed drying out with the hope that we may be able to re-use them next year.

The start of the festive season for me is always when I see the 18ft Norway Spruce tree go up outside the Farm Shop. The maintenance team tell me it’s their favourite job of the year, but after seeing them trying to untangle all the lights, I have a feeling they weren’t being entirely truthful!

Inside the Farm Shop, Christmas really is all around. There are plenty of festive offerings at our Bakery, Sandwich Bar, Deli and Hot Food counters.
It’s not just the food that catches my eye though, I am always astounded by the display of gift hampers the team put together for Christmas gifting. Who doesn’t love a food and drink filled hamper to delve into on Christmas day?

Our Butchery team are still taking orders for Christmas meat, so if you haven’t yet ordered your turkey then there’s still chance to tick it off the list. The turkeys are farmed just 2 miles down the road, so you can’t get more local than that!

In the Restaurant, our team of chefs have put together a festive special’s menu and a Christmas afternoon tea, both of which are proving to be popular. Both menus are available to dine from until 23rd December, find out more here.

As you know, I am ever loving food, so I paid a visit to the Oyster Club in Birmingham. I enjoyed a seafood platter, which was delightful. If you’re a lover of seafood, I’d most definitely recommend a visit here.

At the end of November, the Alvechurch WI invited me to talk about the Beckett family and business. I had a wonderful couple of hours speaking with them and was kindly given some money as a thank you. I have since paid this forward by donating it to Breast Friends Solihull, whom I wish very well.

The business has recently secured the purchase of a neighbouring farm. The great thing is that it is right next door to where I live, so I don’t have to travel far at all. Something I am most appreciative of in this wet weather!

I won’t be writing another instalment of news until 2024 now, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers, friends and team members a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. I hope we can welcome many new and familiar faces during December.