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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Small Farm Training Group
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230204T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230204T160000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T100745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100745Z
UID:10000077-1675506600-1675526400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Willow Workshop
DESCRIPTION:In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills.  You will cut your own willow stems and make a willow obelisk or peony frame and other smaller objects. \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. This introductory workshop will cover the growing\, harvesting\, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility. \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. \nRichard will start the day (indoors if weather inclement) with an introduction to the growing of willow and how to create colourful practical artistic objects. You will then harvest a mixture of red\, yellow\, green and maroon varieties of willow and create your own garden obelisk\, frame or smaller structure. Some people may want to make garden structures outside whilst others may prefer being under cover or inside if cold. \nFor this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential.  Please bring secateurs (though spares are available).  If you have a large car or roof rack this will be useful for transporting larger creations.  If you can't fit an obelisk in your car we will endeavour to find someone nearby who can deliver it in due course. \nBring a packed lunch.  Tea and coffee will be provided. \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. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/willow-workshop-2/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230206T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230206T210000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T102118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102118Z
UID:10000123-1675711800-1675717200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free talk on solar panels and battery storage
DESCRIPTION:Sadly our original speakers have had to pull out BUT I am thrilled that Nick Rouse has agreed to talk instead. He is the technical director of Ovesco\, a not-for-profit organisation based in Lewes.  They have  installed solar panels on 15 sites using community raised finance. They give independent advice on energy matters and Nick has built up a collection of hands-on equipment to demonstrate aspects of renewable energy which he takes around to schools and appropriate events. He has a degree in electronic engineering and in 2013 gained a MSc. in renewable energy from the Centre for Renewable Energy in Machynlleth Wales. The title of the talk is the same: solar panels and battery storage and he’s going to gear it to the SFTG. Should be a good one! \nIt’s at Burwash  Common Pavillion on 2nd June.   The Pavilion opens at 730 with the talk starting around 750.    This is completely free to SFTG members but we are making a nominal charge of £3.00 per person for non members to cover the cost of tea/coffee and snacks as well as the speaker and hire of the hall.    Please bring cash or a card though if you’d like to take advantage of the full bar.  Please do book so we can get the food and chairs right! \nFor those who need directions:    Coming from the Heathfield direction on the A265 towards Etchingham.   There are three  Burwash…Burwash Common\, Burwash Weald and Burwash itself.  you need Burwash Common.  Coming into the village\, you’ll see the village sign and the Old Orchard cafe and village store on the left\,  take the left immediately after signposted  to St Philips church and Stonegate Station.   There is a large house on the corner in need of some serious repair and just after that is the Pavilion on the right.     Parking is a bit further down the hill\, also on the right. \nfrom Etchingham\, turn right at the signpost to St Philips and Stonegate Station ….and from Stonegate  station continue up the hill until almost at the t junction and you’ll find the Pavilion on your left (don’t forget parking is before the Pavilion if you’re coming up the hill) \nif anyone gets lost ring me (Cat Bush) on 0748483000 \nNo talk in July  or August but Ive organised two tours instead.    Monday 3rd July tour round High Weald Dairy and Sunday 16th July walking tour round Lewes.  full details on the Website. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/free-talk-on-solar-panels-and-battery-storage/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230208T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230208T190000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T102100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102100Z
UID:10000112-1675877400-1675882800@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Family Farm Evening - Wed 2nd August
DESCRIPTION:Family farm evening.\nHave a walk around Debbie's farm\, a glorious 20 acre working smallholding at Pick Hill. \nMeet the sheep\, pigs\, turkeys\, and chickens\, see how to care for them\, and give them their evening dinner. See the polytunnel and vegetable garden. \nThere will be craft activities to enjoy\, and sausages and marshmallow toasting. \nPlease be aware that this is a working farm\, so please use common sense around hazards and animals.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/family-farm-evening-wed-2nd-august/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses,Social Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230209T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230209T160000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T102044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102044Z
UID:10000108-1675951200-1675958400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Meet the Member - Lee's Vegetable Patch & Polytunnel
DESCRIPTION:Lee has invited us to her garden where she is going to tell us all about her vegetable patch and polytunnel.  It should be an informative and fun afternoon.\n \n\nLee is an enthusiastic but very much an amateur gardener who is learning as she goes\nShe has a massive polytunnel and vegetable patch so come and find out what has been successful for her.\nShe will tell you how difficult it was to erect the polytunnel and give you tips if you decide to have one.\nDiscover how to extend the season with a polytunnel.\nLee grows lots of vegetables and she will tell you what she does with excess produce.\n\n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/meet-the-member-lees-vegetable-patch-polytunnel/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230217T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230217T213000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T100745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100745Z
UID:10000078-1676662200-1676669400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:FREE FILM FEBRUARY 17th PLEASE NOTE CHANGED DETAILS
DESCRIPTION:Please note change of details!!!!!\nthe proposed speaker for this evening has now left the company and no one else is available to talk  to us\, so we are now showing a film…..the last horsemen  …a year in the life of a remarkable family who farm using Clydesdales….the only horse powered farm in Britain. \nFriday 17th 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 7.45 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.   Please 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-film-february-17th-please-note-changed-details/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230218T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230218T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T100745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100745Z
UID:10000079-1676714400-1676718000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Goldstone Rum - Distillery Private Tour
DESCRIPTION:Fancy a Tour Around "Goldstone Rum" Distillery ? With delicious tastings at the end? \nOn a walking tour of the distillery\, you will learn how they take the raw ingredients through fermentation\, distillation in their impressive 500 litre still. The team will give you the story behind Goldstone Rum® and a better understanding of the history of rum and how it varies around the world. \nFinally\, you’ll be led through a tasting where you’ll learn the flavour profile and characteristics\, and which rum works best in which cocktail. \nCovid  brought a lot of changes to us all\, but an unexpected bonus was the birth of a rum distillery in Henfield.   John and Georgina wanted to be more creative and immerse themselves in something new.   John is a classically trained chef and his wife was brought up in a pub and Goldstone Rum is the result\,To the best of their knowledge they are the only UK producer making rum with fresh sugar cane juice in the UK.  Their unique take is to blend four types of jaggery\, panela with molasses and fresh sugar cane juice to produce a truly delicious UK rum \nThey opened at the end of last year\, and Cat Bush our Social Events Manager has snagged us a lovely walking  t our around their distillery on 18th February 2023  Starting at 10.00 the tour takes about an hour and finishes with a tasting session!  Cat is happy to arrange car sharing\, or even a mini bus……just let her know ….Cat 0784 830000 by text or calling. \nBooking Essential - Open to members and non members. \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/goldstone-rum-distillery-private-tour/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T123000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T100745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100745Z
UID:10000080-1677321000-1677328200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Rearing Meat Rabbits for Smallholders & Urban Homesteaders
DESCRIPTION:Learn the basics of rearing rabbits for truly sustainable meat. You will visit our small rabbitry where we raise enough meat to feed our family in sustainable\, high protein\, ethically raised\, rabbit meat. Rabbits truly are the the perfect livestock no matter what size space you have\, so long as you have some outdoors space - it doesn't have to be huge! \nThis workshops covers the reasons why you may wish to rear rabbits\, what breeds are suitable\, what the different housing methods are the pros and cons of the different options. We will also look at colony rearing v's cage rearing\, how to breed your rabbits\, what are the costs involved\, what to feed (and not) feed your rabbits\, as well as how to care for the rabbits in general. \nWe also cover how to care and rear your baby rabbits\, (kits) and produce a successful\, healthy\, and above all\, ethically and morally responsible rabbitry for the smallholder. \nYou will be able to see our rabbits currently being reared\, and ask lots of questions about what works\, and what doesn't\, as well as see our whole set up. There will be the opportunity to look at human despatch methods for those who want to stay at the end. \nThis workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series\, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land\, we also give real life facts and figures on costings\, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application. \nWe also have live meat rabbits available to order or buy - feel free to get in contact if you wish to do this. \n* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and 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? We will be running this course several times in 2023\, 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/rearing-meat-rabbits-for-smallholders-urban-homesteaders/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T150000
DTSTAMP:20260410T195545
CREATED:20231026T100748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100748Z
UID:10000081-1677326400-1677337200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Small Scale Grain Growing - For Bread & Feed
DESCRIPTION:2022 has seen a huge surge in prices\, with ever increasing grain costs\, both for home kitchen use in bread\, and on the smallholding in animal feed. So maybe you have thoughat about growing your own wheat or barley? \nPaul has been growing organic grain (wheat\, barley and oats) for 15 years and whilst he would still call himself an amateur he has some tips which you may find useful. (We do know that he is due to feature on BBC 2 - where he teaches celebrity chef Marcus Wareing how to grow his own bread and thresh the wheat - Paul will happily sign autographs :¬)  \nThe afternoon workshop will take place at his smallholding near Hellingly where he will show you this year’s wheat and barley crops and describe the various stages\, tools and pitfalls involved. You can even see the Taj Mahal- his Indian-made stationary threshing machine which is the only one in the UK. Instead of the great British Bake-off you could find yourself involved in the Grow-off after this course. \nPlease dress for the weather\, and for being outdoors. \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/small-scale-grain-growing-for-bread-feed/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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