Rain, Rain and Rain
It is a long time since I have updated my blogs, for which I apologise, but quite a lot has been going on! Clive wasn’t well and ended up having a major operation which spurred us on to the idea of downsizing. Having lived on our smallholding in Oxfordshire for nearly 30 years, the whole process of moving was a little daunting to say the least. However in July 2019 we did it. We have bought a property with a reasonable sized garden, so I have been able to bring the majority of my birds with me, but have had to cut down on cockerels, as we are now in a village, which is certainly a change from living in the middle of nowhere. We now have two pubs and a shop within walking distance, and (this is a real bonus) the shop sells my jewellery!! Come and visit Weston Pantry at Weston on the Green. It’s a fabulous little shop. I am glad we are not living anywhere that has suffered with the devastating floods. I have friends who have lost entire flocks of poultry in some parts of the country, which must be unbelievably distressing. Hopefully, the end of this soggy weather is in sight. The daffodils are flowering and there is blossom on the trees. Spring must be on its way!
The Brahmas enjoying Countryfile Live 2019 with admirers and Adam Henson 
In the run up to Christmas I attended many Christmas Fairs as usual, but the main events were the National Poultry Show and the Federation Poultry Show, where the chicken jewellery always goes down a storm. This year I am already booked to take a display of live poultry and Peck and Feather to Countryfile Live, which is moving in 2020 to Windsor Great Park. What a fabulous venue this will be, and I hope to see many of you there. The dates are 20th-23rd August. I will then be at The National Poultry Show at The International Centre, Telford on 5/6 December and The Federation, at Stafford Agricultural Centre on 19/20 December. There will be many other events coming up and they will be listed under Events on my website. A new venture has been to sponsor a dressage class for my local Crown Riding Club. I compete myself on my pony Cookie, who is now kept at livery at the wonderful Queenz Equestrian at Heathfield, five minutes away. What a luxury!!
First chicks of spring!
I still have my Scots Dumpy chickens, but am concentrating on the bantams as they take up less space. I have a selection of other breeds, so that I can still do the displays. The real stars of the show are my Dark Brahmas, who are a huge hit with the public. The Painted Silkies are also popular along with the little Seramas always loved by the children. The hens have all started to lay and the first chicks of the season have hatched. I hope to breed a few this year as hens with chicks are always so popular.
Some new designs of jewellery will be appearing on my website soon, and I take a large stock of bird related gifts when I go out and about. I will update very soon, as the new events come up and are confirmed, and when the new stock is ready to be added.
Toddy
