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X-WR-CALNAME:The Small Farm Training Group
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Small Farm Training Group
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220703T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220703T170000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100725Z
UID:10000045-1656860400-1656867600@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Meet the members Simon and Rachael Bishop
DESCRIPTION:Simon and Rachael have lived on their 28 acre smallholding near Heathfield for 12 years and joined the SGTG in 2011. They run a business in Tunbridge Wells and the farm is run in their “spare” time. The majority of the ground is permanent pasture that is grazed by their sheep. Other livestock that they keep are Pigs (although currently they are all in the freezer) Geese\, Chickens for eggs and meat\, bantams\, turkeys and a Shetland pony called Bovril. They are keen beekeepers with 5-6 hives currently. 5 years ago they bought an adjoining Victorian walled garden that was completely rundown and overgrown with brambles and trees 6-8 feet high. This is now a productive flower and vegetable garden. Simon and Rachael are about 90% self-sufficient on meat and vegetables.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/meet-the-members-simon-and-rachael-bishop/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220715T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220715T213000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100725Z
UID:10000046-1657913400-1657920600@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:FREE TALK:  Wildlife and Farming - The Next Decade
DESCRIPTION:(This meeting was postponed from February)Our speaker\, Martin Hole\, farms at Montague on the wetlands of the Pevensey Levels in East Sussex. Part family-owned and part rented\, the 300ha (740acres) organic enterprise provides a home to about 150 cattle and nearly 2\,000 head of sheep\, with a small diversification into residential property and a fledgling green tourism business. \nMontague is also home to 216 species of birds and 120 of flies as well as thousands of wild flowers. A long-standing relationship with Natural England has yielded a partially enwilded landscape with many developing habitats. \nA former RSPB UK Lapwing Champion\, Martin remains fascinated by the provision of wilderness whilst trying to keep the farm intact for his three daughters\, this is a fascinating talk detailing how he does and it's throughly enjoyable.  \n \nFriday 18th February at the Goward Hall\, Cade Street\, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions. \nDoors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.\nThe Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks. \nThis is event is FREE and NON-MEMBERS WELCOME. Booking is not essential but it is helpful if you book your place so that we can ensure there are enough refreshments\, and that we can get in touch should the event be cancelled due to speaker illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/free-talk-wildlife-and-farming-the-next-decade-2/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220716T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220716T170000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100725Z
UID:10000047-1657983600-1657990800@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Strawberry Tea - cancelled as the fox has taken all the strawberries!
DESCRIPTION:Last year we visited Tess and Simon Gray and it was so enjoyable that they have invited us again. We started the afternoon eating homegrown strawberries along with strawberry jam and scones (which are Simon's speciality!) It was such fun sitting outside scoffing scones and catching up with everyone after a miserable Covid winter.\nTess and Simon used to grow strawberries for sale at the farm gate and Pick Your Own.  Now they just grow them for family and friends - and of course we are friends! They will tell you how to get started if you want to grow them for profit\, or if it is just for yourself  which varieties to grow and how to care for your plants and protect them from any vermin that also like strawberries! \nAs well as a productive strawberry plot Tess and Simon also grow lots of vegetables\, fruit and flowers.  Tess is a keen flower arranger so come and see which plants make for pretty arrangements\, she usually has beautiful sweet peas\, roses and dahlias.  There is always a bit of a competition between the tomatoes and vegetables grown in Simon's greenhouse and those that Tess grows in the new greenhouse - so come and see who is winning this year. \nAfter walking round the garden we will probably walk through part of the Gray's 90 acre farm and admire their ponds\, hedges and pasture.  We may also see sheep as their land is let to a local shepherd. \nThis Event is Cancelled Because a Fox has Stolen all the Strawberries and there are None Left for SFTG!
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/strawberry-tea-cancelled-as-the-fox-has-taken-all-the-strawberries/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220720T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220720T203000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100725Z
UID:10000048-1658341800-1658349000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Meet the Member Becky & Pete Jenner
DESCRIPTION:Becky and Pete moved from Brighton to Misty Acres at Lower Horsebridge just over a year ago. Having found the Small Farm Training Group\, both of them have been enjoying some of our workshops and events and are rapidly becoming part of their new countryside community. Becky is showing a real love and passion for flower growing\, and Pete is loving embracing everything else! \n\nThey are throwing open their garden for us to have a little get together over an evening cuppa\, show us the progress they have made so far\, and what plans they have for the future. Maybe some of us can even offer some help and advice?\n\nThis is what Becky has to say:\n"We have about half an acre of garden which was extremely overgrown and neglected for some time. Becky's grand idea was to start a small flower farming business. Pete's grand idea was to have chickens\, bees and grow veg. Tom and Barbara we are not though - with lots of enthusiasm\, hard work and experiential learning  we do now have some flowers and veg to show for our efforts - hurrah! Come and see what we have been up to but don't come expecting to get any tips and advice! Unless you want to know how not to do it! :)"
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/meet-the-member-becky-pete-jenner/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220723T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220723T173000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100725Z
UID:10000049-1658584800-1658597400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Willow Workshop - Making Dragonflies
DESCRIPTION:In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills and make a dragonfly.  This workshop is suitable for children over 12 but they need to be accompanied by an adult. \nRichard Vidal\, is going to be our tutor.  He  has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures\, living willow structures\, ornaments and baskets. \nBefore his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience of working with willow. \nRichard will start the day (indoors if weather inclement) with an introduction to the growing of willow.  You will then create your own dragonfly in stages after relevant demonstrations. You may also have time to make a star or a heart. \nFor this workshop please bring secateurs (though spares are available) and dress appropriately. \nTea and coffee will be provided but bring a snack if you think you will be hungry! \nPlease leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations\, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet. \nRichard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries. \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again. \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/willow-workshop-making-dragonflies/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220730T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T235900
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100726Z
UID:10000050-1659139200-1659311940@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Making Festival -draft - dates either 23/24th July or 30/31 July 2022
DESCRIPTION:The plan is : Saturday - beginners teaching day for setting up and using scythes - so scythes and blades must be available for purchase\nSunday: Hay making.  we need to start early (before the dew evaporates) so there is a possibility of camping overnight. \nCosts and tutors being sorted by Marie. She has promised to come back mid-Feb
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/hay-making-festival-draft-dates-either-23-24th-july-or-30-31-july-2022/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220730T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T235900
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100726Z
UID:10000055-1659139200-1659311940@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Making Festival -draft - dates either 23/24th July or 30/31 July 2022
DESCRIPTION:The plan is : Saturday - beginners teaching day for setting up and using scythes - so scythes and blades must be available for purchase\nSunday: Hay making.  we need to start early (before the dew evaporates) so there is a possibility of camping overnight. \nCosts and tutors being sorted by Marie. She has promised to come back mid-Feb
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/hay-making-festival-draft-dates-either-23-24th-july-or-30-31-july-2022-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220730T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100726Z
UID:10000051-1659171600-1659200400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Making Festival - Saturday - Learn How to Scythe
DESCRIPTION:The SFTG is organising a hay making weekend (30/31st July) using traditional techniques. A scything workshop for beginners will be taught on the Saturday and then on the Sunday beginners and anyone else who would like to come and make hay will start scything (the more the merrier!).  Austrian scythes are great for cutting grass but they are also incredibly good for tidying up areas of nettles\, thistles\, docks etc so even if you don’t have a hay meadow it’s a great technique for all smallholders to learn.  There has also recently been a resurgence in the use of the English scythe. Marie-Angel Chevrier has kindly offered to host the event on her farm at Horsham. We would like to make this quite a large event – we plan to invite Frank Wright to teach how to scythe and you will be able to purchase a scythe on the day if you do not already own one\, but if there is enough demand\, we could also ask more teachers to come and assist.  On the Sunday Marie-Angel will talk about sustainability and diversity\, and we will learn how to use a small hand baler and how to build a hay rick.  Marie-Angel has said we can camp overnight\, if you would like to do so please talk to her ( 07875 628554).  We will be offering £5 discounts and to couples but as our website struggles with this - it will be a cash refund on the day. \nThere is a separate website booking page for Sunday. \nThis is the programme for Saturday 30th July. Learning to Scythe & pasture management principles with the Scythe \n9 am Introduction to the scythe and it’s handling\, Austrian vs English\, Assembly\, Honing\, Handling technique\, Peening\, Maintenance.  \n1 pm Lunch (SFTG will provide a ploughman's lunch and cold drinks) \n2 pm Pasture management with the scythe talk by Marie-Angel Chevrier \n3 to 5 pm  Practice \nIf you are a member and want to borrow or buy a scythe please book the appropriate ticket and you will be contacted.  Marie-Angel can advise on what you need. Scythes seem expensive (approximately £140-£180) but are incredibly useful for tidying up areas such as nettles\, dock\, thistles and other weeds.  We will be buying them from Simon Fairlie.  He has promised to give us a discount and we will pass some of this on to you.  Look at his website http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk/index.html  We need to put our order in by the beginning of July so you need to book your place early if you want to borrow or buy a scythe. \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/hay-making-festival-saturday-learn-how-to-scythe/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T070000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T160000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100726Z
UID:10000052-1659250800-1659283200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Making Festival - Sunday - Making Hay While the Sun Shines
DESCRIPTION:The SFTG is organising a hay making weekend (30/31st July) using traditional techniques. A scything workshop for beginners will be taught on the Saturday and then on the Sunday beginners and anyone else who would like to come and make hay will start scything (the more the merrier!).  Austrian scythes are great for cutting grass but they are also incredibly good for tidying up areas of nettles\, thistles\, docks etc so even if you don’t have a hay meadow it’s a great technique for all smallholders to learn.  There has also recently been a resurgence in the use of the English scythe. Marie-Angel Chevrier has kindly offered to host the event on her farm at Horsham. We would like to make this quite a large event – we plan to invite Frank Wright to teach how to scythe and you will be able to purchase a scythe on the day if you do not already own one\, but if there is enough demand\, we could also ask more teachers to come and assist.  On the Sunday Marie-Angel will talk about sustainability and diversity\, and we will learn how to use a small hand baler and how to build a hay rick.  Marie-Angel has said we can camp overnight\, if you would like to do so please talk to her ( 07875 628554).  We will be offering a discounts of £5 to couples but as our website struggles with this - it will be a cash refund on the day. \nThere is a separate website booking page for Saturday. \nDay 2 Sunday 31st July  \nLearning to make hay while the sun shines!  \n7 am Hay mowing and demonstration of the English scythe to make hay by Terry Standen (if you can't make it this early\, come as early as you can as hay making is best when the grass is still dewy) \n10 am Tea break (cold drinks will be provided) \n10 15 am Raking the hay \n11 am Lunch (SFTG will provide cold drinks and a ploughman's lunch) \n12 pm Talk and demonstration on hay making by hand by Marie-Angel Chevrier \n3 to 4pm Demonstration and practice of raking\, protecting from rain\, A frame usage for drying\, Rick building principles and of our hand hay baler by Frank Wright who built it. \nIf you are a member and want to borrow or buy a scythe please book the appropriate ticket and you will be contacted.  Marie-Angel can advise on what you need. Scythes seem expensive (approximately £140-£180) but are incredibly useful for tidying up areas such as nettles\, dock\, thistles and other weeds.  We will be buying them from Simon Fairlie.  He has promised to give us a discount and we will pass some of this on to you.  Look at his website http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk/index.html  We need to put our order in by the beginning of July so you need to book your place early if you want to borrow or buy a scythe. \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/hay-making-festival-sunday-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220731T120000
DTSTAMP:20260412T013245
CREATED:20231026T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100726Z
UID:10000053-1659261600-1659268800@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Beginners Pressure & Water Bath Canning Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow member and knowledgeable pressure Canner Karen\, in a kitchen setting and learn the basics of both water bath canning\, and the process of "Pressure Canning" - (which is not to be confused with pressure cooking that we have here in the UK). \nThis is an ideal workshop for those who want to learn how to preserve their produce without the need to refrigerate\, or freeze. The techniques you learn will give you shelf stable foods for a minimum of one year\, without the need to use expensive electricity. Pressure canning is little used in the UK\, but this process does enable you to preserve and store your precious produce for a minimum of one year in a pantry or cupboard environment. We will be using the "All American" pressure canner\, although this course will also cover the Presto Pressure Canner. \nDuring the workshop you will learn when to use the water bath canner\, when to use a pressure canner\, the basics of water bath\, and pressure canning\, how to raw pack\, and how to hot pack. You will look at the types of jars and lids to use when water bath\, and pressure canning\, as well as the best foods to pressure can. You will learn how to can a variety of foods including fresh vegetable and raw meat\, as well as meals in jars. (cans) This workshop focuses on safely canning\, as well as top tips for the Do's and Don'ts of Canning. \nThis workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series\, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. \nYou will be given the chance to sample pressure canned\, shelf stable foods during the workshop if you wish to. \n* This workshop is set in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies. \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/beginners-pressure-water-bath-canning-workshop/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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