The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: holmecrofter on June 22, 2013, 04:20:36 pm

Title: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 22, 2013, 04:20:36 pm
Hi. Just joined the forum after browsing for an age. We live near Wrexham with a large garden of veg, fruit and hens. Try to do the usual stuff (jams, chutneys, sloe gins etc) and would like more land to try more. There has been a few like minds on this forum and others who would like to see a North Wales smallholder group. Why don't we have a go? What do you think?
Would like to hear from you.
Take care all :wave:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: FiB on June 22, 2013, 04:30:53 pm
Yes - we're on it! (and welcome  :wave: )  Just trying to find a good date and time for first meeting and then work out whos' place or local is most central - we had thought about rotating to have a nose at each others set up (always lots to learn that way) and happy to host first... we'll see who's in...  Look forward to meeting you soon, Fi
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 22, 2013, 04:40:25 pm
Hi FiB

Couldn't find any further info than 'is there a North Wales group?' so it's good that you are a step further down the road (lane?). We would be up for joining any such arrangement, small scale as we are :) Please keep us informed........
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Backinwellies on June 22, 2013, 07:35:33 pm
Good luck  .... us down south have had a first meeting and hope to continue
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 22, 2013, 10:25:30 pm
Shropshire is almost in Wales, isn't it? Hi Holmecrofter.  :wave:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 23, 2013, 09:15:53 am
Hi

Shropshire is a lovely part of the world. Thanks for the greeting

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 23, 2013, 09:17:49 am
Hi Backinwellies

Looking forward to meeting likeminds and future friends

 :wave:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: kaz on June 23, 2013, 10:02:46 am
There's the Dyfed smallholders group which seems to cover mainly Carmarthenshire, they have been going for about 20years and are very organised. Nothing as far as I know up in North Ceredigion or further. :(
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 23, 2013, 10:32:22 am
Hi Kaz

Hopefully that's about to change. Might meet you along the way?  :fc:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: kaz on June 23, 2013, 11:39:14 am
Here's hoping. :fc:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Wee Eck on June 23, 2013, 01:10:05 pm
Hi  :wave: and good luck with your group.... :thumbsup:  wish we were within range  :(


                               Eck
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on June 23, 2013, 02:15:45 pm
Thanks Wee Eck

As a whole community we are all closer than we think

 ;D
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on July 02, 2013, 08:00:41 pm
Hi

How close are we to meeting up as a north Wales group? How many out there would like to give it a try?  :thinking:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on August 16, 2013, 11:11:49 am
hello to all fellow North Wales people here

Wondering if the meeting and setting up of a local group mentioned in this thread ever came to something?
I would be very interested to be part of this!

Katerina
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on August 21, 2013, 09:55:04 am
shall we set a date and a place and just go for it?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: in the hills on August 21, 2013, 09:34:14 pm
 :wave:  Hi from Powys.


Not that far from Wrexham .......
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on August 23, 2013, 09:29:08 pm
Setting a date/time and place and going for it sounds like a good idea to me. Are we all up for that? :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Lesley Silvester on August 23, 2013, 10:51:36 pm
Am I allowed to join in? I'm not far from Wales. Pretty please.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on August 26, 2013, 08:07:05 pm
Hi

Don't see why not - the more the merrier. We will have to see where the meeting/gathering will be as it may be quite a trek for you in the end

Does anyone out there know where the most central place to us all is please?

Hope all are enjoying the weather a nd not the red mite.

M
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on August 27, 2013, 02:50:41 pm
Let's go for it, yes please!  :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on August 27, 2013, 03:30:32 pm
just throwing this out there but how about llangollen way??
from what I can see we are from wrexham, telford, llanwrst and bala areas so is that in the middle - ish?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on August 27, 2013, 09:37:26 pm
I'm keen also, Llangollen would be fine from Dolgellau.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: kaz on August 27, 2013, 10:34:53 pm
A bit too far for me 10miles SE from Aberystwyth. :(
 
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on August 28, 2013, 08:14:19 pm
Llangollen would be OK for me too.
Do we have anyone near Llangollen on here?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on August 28, 2013, 08:53:41 pm
Sounds like Llangollen is it. Sorry Kaz  :( but it doesn't stop you being involved. Can we set a date? I suggest in about a months time so that we can all make arrangements to be there. We just need a venue then.

Whoppee!  :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: widget on August 30, 2013, 08:51:18 am
Sorry im epicly late to this thread but im in Anglesey- can I gate crash the group too?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: widget on August 30, 2013, 09:18:36 am
ps shall I set up a fb page too? for the small holder group?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on August 30, 2013, 06:43:31 pm
Welcome widget! The more the merrier I say - I think a fb group would be a good idea. Let's set a date.  :excited: Being purely selfish - i do a farmers market on the 1st and 3rd sat of each months from 9-2 so if we could avoid this that would be fab.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on August 30, 2013, 09:06:33 pm
If Wednesday the 25th can be avoided (Cheshire ploughing match just outsde Wrexham this year)  that would be great. Any other potential non starters as dates please?
Does anyone know Llangollen well enough to know a venue?

This is all starting to sound quite jolly  ;D
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Manda Lid on August 30, 2013, 09:37:41 pm
Are we talking pub?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on August 31, 2013, 09:33:34 am
That whole week (23-27) is difficult for me (working in London mostly :( ) but the weekend would be fine (27/28) - that's the 4th Saturday so OK for you Hafod?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on August 31, 2013, 08:30:12 pm
Hi to all

That makes it the Saturday 28th september. A pub might be a good starter and more relaxing to begin with. Do all the pubs in Llangollen get full on a Saturday? Worth looking just outside if anyone knows a decent one?
Morning/afternoon or night time?

All these questions but it would be really nice to get it right from the start.  :fc:

When are we going to get some meaningful rainfall?  :raining:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on August 31, 2013, 08:45:21 pm
I would like to avoid having to drive back late at night if possible (I think we'd all be travelling some distance) so meeting say around lunch time would be best?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on September 01, 2013, 09:11:20 am
I would like to avoid having to drive back late at night if possible (I think we'd all be travelling some distance) so meeting say around lunch time would be best?

Lunchtime or a bit later for me too, I have to get the milking done in the morning so won't get there any earlier.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on September 02, 2013, 05:30:03 pm
Hi all - I've had a bit of a look and found a few places which look like they are easy to get to round llangollen and that have parking - thoughts please:
berwyn arms http://www.berwynarms.co.uk/ (http://www.berwynarms.co.uk/)
whitewaters hotel http://www.whitewatershotel.co.uk/ (http://www.whitewatershotel.co.uk/)
or the wildpheasant http://www.wildpheasanthotel.co.uk/ (http://www.wildpheasanthotel.co.uk/) (looks posh!)
what do you think?
I'm not sure of the etiquette of this kind of gathering - do we tell the venue first or just turn up?
Nice to meet you tonight holmecrofter!
looking forward to the 28th
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on September 02, 2013, 07:53:48 pm
Thanks Hafod for looking those up!
I don't know anything around there but having looked at the websites my gut feeling says either the first or the third on the list.
I guess it depends a bit on numbers whether we should tell them in advance?
Looking forward to the 28th too!
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Tara on September 02, 2013, 09:33:36 pm
 :wave:Hi, I spoke to you today in Farm and Pet in Mold and I am very interested in joining your group.  I live near Kinnerton and have a smallholding.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on September 03, 2013, 09:04:40 pm
Can I vote for the Berwyn Arms ?

 :goat:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 03, 2013, 09:41:02 pm
Hi

Nice to meet you Tara and likewise put a face to a name with Hafod.

Like the look of the Berwyn Arms too (we could meet in the children's play area - looks cool).

I will go and take a closer look over the next week to test the food and drink  :hungry:. Please remember this awful sacrifice I have to make when we meet up. I can have words with the landlord (do we still have these?) and clear the waters for the 28th. Also ask him why 'whale shapes and chips' is not on the adult menu.
I have a colleague looking into a village hall for future meetings if the pub is too crowded/ we have a talk/demonstration.

A quick head count says 12 of us to date without counting partners. This is a great start if we can all make it. Spread the news!!

Can we all have a think about what we might want to achieve in the future and where we want to go.

Hope all goes well  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 05, 2013, 07:39:08 pm
I am hoping to go to the Berwyn arms this Saturday for tea  :hungry:with the missus and daughter. Hoping for 6.30ish. Will let you all know how it goes.


Regards
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on September 06, 2013, 09:33:03 am

Hope you have a fab meal - can't wait to hear (and to meet you all!)
 :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 07, 2013, 08:42:02 pm
 :wave: Hi

Well......it's a nice place with some superb views of glorious Welsh farmland. Food is ok (didn't quite go for the raspberry and apple sponge with custard), nice pint of Thwaites and a decent sized car park.
There is a separate room that would accomodate 15 to 20 people easily and the lady there said we could use that room if I ring a few days before to confirm that it hasn't been taken by anyone else.
There is a bar menu and full restaraunt menu with food served 12 till 3 and 5 till 9 so we need a starting time if folks want a nibble as well as a coffee etc.
It would be nice to give her an approximate number of people so can you please voice your attendance and prefered start time. This goes for anyone of the 700 or so readers of the thread who haven't posted comments but would still like to come and join in.

Let's hope it all comes together  :fc:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Lesley Silvester on September 07, 2013, 09:26:25 pm
28th is good for me as well and Llangollen is do-able. It's just over an hour's drive for me.
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: Lesley Silvester on September 08, 2013, 10:12:11 pm
Should have checked my diary. I can't do the 28th as I am at a meeting until 2pm.  :(
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on September 16, 2013, 08:37:11 pm
Thanks for checking it out holmecrofter - it must have been tough!! I can definitely make the 28th-looking forward to it! :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on September 22, 2013, 07:55:08 pm
Have we set a time for this?
I'll be there - looking forward!
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 22, 2013, 09:55:53 pm
 :wave: I am hoping to be there just before one on Saturday. Looking forward to meeting you Lady K. That makes 3 to date (I'm not counting my one year old daughter who'll be with me).

See you Saturday
 :fc:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on September 27, 2013, 11:40:16 am
I hope to be there also. Probably around 1 pm. Do we need to wear red carnations/ top hats/ etc ?

Cheers

Alan
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 27, 2013, 08:32:14 pm
Look for the beard, bodywarmer and baby buggy!!. Weather permitting we might be outside enjoying the wonderful views.

Looking forward to meeting you all :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on September 28, 2013, 04:29:32 pm
Hi

Just back from a very friendly, interesting and productive first meeting of like minded people from North Wales. We managed to cover everything from vertical take off goats through to innovative uses for sheep fleece via cabbage white butterfly control and shepherds huts.

We are planning another meeting on Sunday 3rd November, again at 1pm at the Berwyn Arms and anyone is welcome. This will be posted on the events section as well.

Thank you to all who attended and it was great to see you. Looking forward to future meetings.

Take care

Mark  ;D
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on September 28, 2013, 08:26:43 pm
Thanks for organizing this, Marc. It was very useful and a nice time - the two hours just flew by.

Cheers

Alan
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on September 28, 2013, 08:45:13 pm
Lovely to meet you all and ask you lots of questions - I got loads out of it! Looking forward to next time already!
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on September 29, 2013, 09:59:47 am
Great to meet you all - very much looking forward to the next meet!

Katerina
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on October 22, 2013, 07:32:17 pm
Don't forget - 3rd November 1pm Berwyn Arms.................. :excited:
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: gerpsych on November 03, 2013, 11:04:51 am
Lisa and I will have to tender our apologies the winds last night have left us with too much to do this morning
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on November 03, 2013, 11:31:19 am
Hi Alun & Lisa,
I hope the winds didn't cause too much damage - hope to see you again next time.
Helen
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on November 03, 2013, 10:02:48 pm
Sorry to hear of the weather disruption. Hope all ok and you are back on track  :fc:
Take care
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on November 09, 2013, 06:19:31 pm
hello all
really sorry I 'disappeared' without trace or explanation - I was suddently called to tend to a family crisis back in Greece and have been off line all week. Everything is more or less back to normal now, and I'm back home catching up on everything... I hope the meeting was a good one!
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on December 03, 2013, 11:55:29 am
Hello all - are we planning to meet this Sunday - if so who is planning on coming?
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: holmecrofter on December 05, 2013, 08:23:15 pm
Hi

The 8th was planned. It will be touch and go if I can make it though, many things are standing in the way at the moment and only devious manouvering will set me free   :(.
If I don't it would be lovely to hear how it went and what you got into conversation about.

Take care

M X
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: ladyK on December 06, 2013, 07:03:53 pm
I'm afaid it will be quite difficult for me too to attend this Sunday. Bummer!

Katerina
Title: Re: Hi from North Wales - lets start a smallholding group
Post by: hafod on December 06, 2013, 08:25:46 pm
I think we should probably wait until the new year. Everyone is so busy