Free talk on solar panels and battery storage
2023-02-06 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | East Sussex
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!
It’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!
For 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.
from 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)
if anyone gets lost ring me (Cat Bush) on 0748483000
No 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.

Family Farm Evening - Wed 2nd August
2023-02-08 17:30 - 19:00 | East Sussex
Family farm evening.
Have a walk around Debbie's farm, a glorious 20 acre working smallholding at Pick Hill.
Meet the sheep, pigs, turkeys, and chickens, see how to care for them, and give them their evening dinner. See the polytunnel and vegetable garden.
There will be craft activities to enjoy, and sausages and marshmallow toasting.
Please be aware that this is a working farm, so please use common sense around hazards and animals.

Meet the Member - Lee's Vegetable Patch & Polytunnel
2023-02-09 14:00 - 16:00 | East Sussex
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.

Lee is an enthusiastic but very much an amateur gardener who is learning as she goes
She has a massive polytunnel and vegetable patch so come and find out what has been successful for her.
She will tell you how difficult it was to erect the polytunnel and give you tips if you decide to have one.
Discover how to extend the season with a polytunnel.
Lee grows lots of vegetables and she will tell you what she does with excess produce.

FREE FILM FEBRUARY 17th PLEASE NOTE CHANGED DETAILS
2023-02-17 19:30 - 21:30 | East Sussex
Please note change of details!!!!!
the 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.
Friday 17th February at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 7.45 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks.
This 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.

Goldstone Rum - Distillery Private Tour
2023-02-18 10:00 - 11:00 | East Sussex
Fancy a Tour Around "Goldstone Rum" Distillery ? With delicious tastings at the end?
On 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.
Finally, you’ll be led through a tasting where you’ll learn the flavour profile and characteristics, and which rum works best in which cocktail.
Covid 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
They 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.
Booking Essential - Open to members and non members.

Rearing Meat Rabbits for Smallholders & Urban Homesteaders
2023-02-25 10:30 - 12:30 | East Sussex
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!
This 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.
We 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.
You 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.
This 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.
We also have live meat rabbits available to order or buy - feel free to get in contact if you wish to do this.
* 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.
Can'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.

Small Scale Grain Growing - For Bread & Feed
2023-02-25 12:00 - 15:00 | East Sussex
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?
Paul 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 :¬)
The 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.
Please dress for the weather, and for being outdoors.

Raising Meat Chickens for Eating
2023-03-05 10:30 - 12:30 | East Sussex
Learn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens that you know have been truly free ranging, with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there. This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks, to 10 weeks of age.
Raising your own meat chickens can give you food security and food independence, and are a good option for those just starting out in livestock production, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat.
We will look at the different type of meat birds to raise, where to source day old chicks, pricing, as well as the most suitable housing, how to maximise production for meat, which are the best feeders and waterers to use to minimise waste, and how to make feeders and waterers, as well as any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth".
You will have the opportunity to look at meat chickens 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 despatch methods for those who want to stay at the end.
This 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.
Live chicks and chick crumb will probably be available to order or take away on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks.
* 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.
Can'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.

Biodynamics & Shamanism
2023-03-06 10:00 - 14:00 | East Sussex
Learn from fellow Member Dr Joanna Gore & learn how she and husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamics and Shamanism – Applying a biodynamic Prep (Horn manure 500) with dynamizing and sacred intention
Biodynamic farming is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields, forests, plants, animals, soils, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land. These are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two.

This workshop will introduce the making of one biodynamic preparation, Horn Manure 500 and then the practical application of it including the ceremonial dynamizing/stirring and intentional application to the land.
You will be asked to bring an edible herb with you that you have mindfully picked yourself for a community tea, this will connect you energetically with the land before the application.
Please wear wellies and warm clothing, bring drums or rattles, if you have them.
There will be an overview talk on Biodynamics in the third week of March, you may wish to attend before the workshop.
10-2pm – Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided.
Last minute contact: Joanna 07745899462 or joannagore@hotmail.com
Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.
Dr Joanna Gore is Biodynamic and Organic inspector for the Biodynamic Association and has been setting up/running her Biodynamic smallholding for two years.

Beginners Pressure & Water Bath Canning Workshop
2023-03-06 10:30 - 14:30 | East Sussex
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).
Are you wondering whether to get into pressure canning but want to experience it before you buy your own equipment? In this workshop you will be able to see and experience a pressure canner in action and see for yourself before you commit!
The Course will introduce how to safely use the equipment with a strong emphasis on food safety, and we'll adhere to the standards set by the American department of agriculture (USDA).
The course shows the preparatory work, set up of the canner plus storage of canned goods. We will can examples from start to finish! You will get a handout with the most important pieces of information and you will be able to ask a lot of questions.
This 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.
The course includes a light lunch and teas/coffees and biscuits.
Can'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.

High Weald dairy
2023-03-07 18:00 - 20:00 | East Sussex
This is a belter of a tour, rave accolades abound. I’ve booked a private tour for SFTG folk at 6pm on Monday 3 July.High Weald are a family owned dairy making georgeous cheese from the same basic ingredient, milk, (cows, sheep and goat) but all tasting very different….I’m sure most of us will have tried their Duddleswell or Slipcote but they make lots and we get to try them too. The entire process … from pasteurisation to packaging takes place on the dairy ..they’ve even got an on site smokery.

Faecal Egg Count with Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
2023-03-11 10:00 - 14:00 | East Sussex
Faecal Egg Count 11th March 10-2pm

With Medical herbalist and farmer Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

A day looking at FEC’s and how to carry out yourself on the farm. Everyone will get a chance to have a go , members are welcome to bring their own samples. Egg id charts and info sheets will be provided to take home. Information on the McMaster slides and kit , and on sourcing a suitable microscope. Advice about the importance of knowing when to use anthelmintics and the effect overuse has on resistance and soil mocrobia.

If you have your own microscope you are welcome to bring it, plus a sample of poo, but just a tablespoon full!! please bring a packed lunch.

Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.

Willow Workshop - Fruit Bowls/Basic Baskets
2023-03-11 10:30 - 16:00 | East Sussex
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills. and make a basic willow basket/fruit bowl.
Richard 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.
Before 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.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available).
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please 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.
Richard’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.

Free Talk - Biodynamic Farming + Land Healing with Homeopathy
2023-03-24 19:30 - 21:30 | East Sussex
Always wanted to know more about Biodynamic practices and what it involves? How does it even work? Come and meet long time fellow member Dr Joanna Gore and learn how her and her carpenter husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamic Farming. Joanna will be running a workshop for us later in the year teaching us all in depth, so this Free Friday night talk is a good introduction to see if this could be the right approach for you.
Biodynamic is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields, forests, plants, animals, soils, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land.
These are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two.
Our social events co-ordinator Cat Bush and her team are delighted to be offering free tea and coffee at this events, as well as a light snack buffet. There will be time at the end for questions, and of course a good catch up with other members.
There is a fully staffed bar at this event - so bring cash or a card to pay for your drinks.
As with all of our SFTG events for 2023, we do require you to book a ticket online. (If anyone is having hardship with booking online due to a rural wifi or similar, please do call Cat and she will book your ticket to ensure to cater enough food for you.)
Cat Bush can be contacted on: 07484 830000

An Introduction to Smallholding
2023-03-25 12:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-22 12:00 - 16:00 | East Sussex
Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you, then our "Introduction to Smallholding" workshop is just the thing for you.
Come and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share, including:

How to get started - we know it's all a bit overwhelming at first
What's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects, as well as the finances
A basic overview of keeping poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs
Growing veg
Making hay and growing small-scale cereals

Please note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing, bearing in mind that this is England - it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny, boiling and dry, windy and snowing... you get the picture).
Can'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.

Getting The Most From Your Polytunnel
2023-04-02 10:30 - 12:30 | East Sussex
Join fellow member Denise in her polytunnel on her smallholding in Chiddingly as she explains how she puts her polytunnel to the best use. This is a beginners workshop aimed at helping you get the most from your polytunnel. Whether you have a large or small polytunnel they are an unbelievably valuable resource in your garden/smallholding and can allow you to grow fruit and veg for most of the year.

We will look at planning month by month to allow maximum use of your beds, companion planting, ideas for using every area in your polytunnel, the ethics of permaculture in our polytunnel and how to apply it together with sharing of ideas.
You will also have a tour of Denise's polytunnels, and her vegetable gardens where she aims to grow all of her own produce that she then uses for preserves and chutneys.

Small Small Farmers meet the Lambs
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | East Sussex
Come and join Debbie and meet the lambs on her farm in Horam.
This is an ideal event for our younger farmers and children to see that lambs up really close, and maybe even bottle feed a few of them. The Lambs are expected from early March onwards. there will be at newly born lambs to hold, feed and watch. She will be able to answer any lambing related questions our small, small farmers have too.
This is a working smallholding, so please dress in old clothes, and wear wellies. Free range sheepdog to pet too.
A small small farmers event for children ages 5 and over and their adults. Children must be accompanied please. NB. Debbie has many years experience working in education with young children and is DBS checked.

An Introduction to Bee-Keeping
2023-04-15 10:00 - 15:00 | East Sussex
Have you always fancied keeping bees? Would you like to find out more about bee keeping, but you're unsure where to start? If that sounds like you, then this course is the perfect place to start your journey, and fellow members Ben & Maggi are here to help you.

Today, more and more people are aware of the vital role bees play in our eco-system, perhaps you're interested in keeping bees to do your but to help support them and the environment more broadly. But keeping bees isn't just about giving nature a helping hand. Beekeeping can be a hugely stimulating and rewarding hobby - not to mention the possibility of gathering and enjoying your own honey to enjoy!
Guidance from real experts - Ben and Maggi - known as The Bee People - are widely regarded for their expertise in beekeeping and have been doing so for over 35 years. Ben is a former Chairman and President of the Sussex Beekeepers Association, and his wife Maggi, is a former Chairman of the Eastbourne Beekeepers. Their website - www.thebee-people.co.uk is a great resource for all things bee-related.
A full day - both theory and hands-on - Ben and Maggi will spend the morning taking you through the life in a beehive, also looking at the practicalities of starting out in beekeeping.
Following a lunch (you'll need to bring your own, tea and coffee will be supplied), in the afternoon, you'll get kitted up with the requisite protective gear and go and have a look at the hives. We'll supply all the equipment you need, and we'll provide guidance on what to wear on the day, but please come prepared by wearing wellington boots and stout clothing.
PLEASE NOTE NO BANANAS TO BE BROUGHT ON SITE AND PLEASE DO NOT WEAR AFTERSHAVE OR PERFUME.
Please note: the visit to the hives in the afternoon is, to some extent, weather dependent. If it is too cold or wet, this may not be possible.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take your first steps toward the wonderful world of bees. Tickets are strictly limited, and at just £35 for members, represent really great value for money. And, if you're not a member, why not join now - you'll save the cost of membership on this one course!

Willow Workshop - Spheres/Willow Objects
2023-04-15 10:30 - 16:00 | East Sussex
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills.
Richard 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.
Before 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.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available).
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please 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.
Richard’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.

SFTG Quiz Night - CANCELLED!!!!!
2023-04-17 18:15 - 21:00 | East Sussex
sadly lambing and Easter holidays meant we didn’t get enough interest to run the quiz in April, but it will be bigger and better in October. Watch this space for the new date !
A free quiz with prizes!!!!!
You Thank you to the Lakedown brewery and taproom for hosting this private event for us, Cat has arranged a super fun quiz night hosted by professional quiz master Terry. Taking place on Monday April 17th, you can have teams of 2/3/4 people, or simply join a team when you get there.
Lakedown tap room will be supplying beer and wine from 6.30 onwards, and the quiz will start at 7pm. This is a really fun quiz, (anyone who is part of the Framfield and Blackboys allotment society will know what a great quizmaster Terry is), and the questions are very much geared towards the life of a smallholder, the SFTG as well as some general knowledge.
Lakedown Tap Room is a gorgeous venue, a beautiful place which we are lucky enough to have exclusive use of for the night. The Tap Room are very kindly donating a mini keg (about 7pints) of a beer of their choice to the winner, …..and SFTG is giving a bottle of wine (or another mini keg). So, lots of reasons to come. The quiz night is free to book - and we promise you’ll laugh! There will be some food available on the night provided for free from SFTG funds, and if you would like to book something extra to eat, you can email helen@lakedownbrewing.com who will be providing sharing platters for you to purchase. This is a new event for us, and one we would love to make an annual social event, so please come and support it if you can.
Lakedown Trout Fishery, Swife Ln, Burwash, Mayfield, Heathfield TN21 8UX

Meet the Member 22nd April 2023
2023-04-22 13:30 - 15:30 | East Sussex
Come and meet Gwen and Tony, they have been very busy setting up their small holding and diversifying into different areas, they are currently busy setting up their shop which offers Lamb, Pork and seasonal vegetables, Gwen also makes preserves, soups and crumbles.
They have poultry and eggs for sale including rare breeds and Gwen makes her own liquid organic plant food.
Gwen and Tony will show you around and you can find out about their market garden, not just the polytunnel and growing, but the companion planting, what they feed to the pigs and what goes into the wormeries, why they have built the raised beds, common issues and how they resolve them, what works well and what is challenging on heavy clay. Followed by tea and cake.
Gwen and Tony are both interested to run workshops in the future so please let them know if you feel that you would like to know more about specific areas.
"Coldharbour Farm, Three Leg Cross, Ticehurst, TN5 7HN – follow the road down Cross Lane, past the Bull Pub, straight on, over the little tight hummock, past all the cottages on the left, last one being Sanctuary Cottage, then the next farm gate on the left is Coldharbour Farm. where you will find parking, please remember your wellies and dress accordingly with the weather"

How To Make Marmalade
2023-04-23 10:00 - 14:00 | East Sussex
Have you ever wondered how to make Seville orange marmalade?
Jay Kendall is happy to teach you all you need to know, ingredients & jars etc will all be included and best of all you get to take your marmalade home at the end of the day.
The workshop will take around 3.5 - 4 hours so please bring a packed lunch with you but tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please bring an apron.
There is plenty of parking available.

Free talk medical detection dogs 28th April
2023-04-28 19:30 - 21:00 | East Sussex
What a Medical detection dog can achieve with their sense of smell is incredible and they really do change, and save, lives. I’m just thrilled they are coming to talk to us about their work on Friday 28th April at Burwash Common Pavillion.The charity trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease with the aim of developing faster, more efficient and less invasive diagnostics leading to better patient outcomes but that’s not all ….medical alert assistance dogs help with diabetes, PoTS and severe allergies to name but a few. Theyre also working to train dogs for bio detection work identifying for example the early signs of an urinary tract infection in someone who has had a spinal injury. This is particularly vital as such infections can rapidly become life threatening for those with this type of injury.
Do come along for this free talk and prepare to be fascinated. Snacks, tea and coffee provided free of charge. Bring cash or a card if you’d like to take advantage of the full bar. Please book so we can get food right!

Honey Extraction Course
2023-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | East Sussex
A good introduction to honey extraction and the other products of the hive. A stand alone course which is suitable for anyone interested in keeping bees; demonstration and hands on, you will be using Ben and Maggi's honey room and will be getting sticky!! (It is advisable to bring an apron).

EXTRA tour round High Weald Dairy
2023-06-08 15:00 - 17:00 | East Sussex
The last tour was a huge success with lots of cheese tastings, cheesy jokes and fun round the factory. There was a waiting list so please book now before it gets full again…….
3pm on Sunday 6th August
Steves enthusiasm for the cheese was infectious. We started with a large tasting of the most scrummy cheese and then donned our protective clothing (which was provided) and were led round the whole process which was fascinating. The tour took around two hours. Comes very highly recommended

Harvest Bring & Share Picnic at Sanctuary Farm
2023-09-10 12:30 - 16:00 | East Sussex
The committee look forward to welcoming all members and their guests to celebrate the end of the "summer of abundance" with our "Bring Your Own Booze - Harvest Bring & Share Picnic".
This year our Vice Chair Debbie Gordon is hosting us at Santuary Farm in Pick Hill - This is always a lovely afternoon where members are invited to bring a savoury, salad, or sweet dish or two to share at the Harvest table. There is always a huge array of different foods, many of which members have grown, reared, or made themselves - so it really is a celebration of our achievements over the year, whether you want to bring a lovely fresh salad, cheese and biscuits, salami, or a lovely sweet treat, all foods are welcome, and we can't wait to see what delights we can share.
Attendance at this event is completely free, but we do ask that you book a ticket to let us know if you are bringing either a sweet or savoury dish, or a salad type dish. (Just so we can make sure we have equal amounts of each). If your choosen food option says "Sold Out" please choose a different food ticket type.
We will provide basic soft drinks, cutlery, plates and bowls and glasses / cups for the event, please do feel free to free to "Bring a Bottle" - whether this is something alcoholic, or a special soft drink or cordial. Also a chair or blanket for sitting on if you want to eat in comfort.

Beginners Salami & Chorizo Making Workshop
2023-10-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Yaffingale House, Whitesmith, East Sussex, BN8 6JD, United Kingdom
Learn the basics of making a simple salami and chorizo, from the stuffing, to the fermentation process, the curing, and ultimately turn your excess minced meat into a delicious shelf stable product that doesn't need refrigeration. Part of our food security and food independence series of workshops, this introduction to salami making will enable you to preserve excess pork and beef mince. into a delicious product at less than 30% of the price.
We will look at the different types of casing for the salami and chorizo, different ways and equipment used to stuff your casings, as well as what flavourings you can use to flavour your meat. We will then look at how to start the fermentation effectively, and how to cure your product at home without it going mouldy or the skin drying out. Using 500grams of Free Range Yaffingale Pork from Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, you will then make a 250g chorizo, and a 250g salami for you to take home, ferment and cure at home, and you will be eating this product within just 4 weeks. This workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to make much more at home.
During the duration of the workshop, you will have the opportunity to taste home made salami and chorizo*, made from the same mince you will be using from the rare breed Oxford Sandy & Black free range pigs reared here. Price includes 500grams of free range pork mince, as well as casings, flavourings, and everything you need to make and take home your own produce.
* This workshop is set in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - Some salami's also contain nuts. Please inform the host of any allergies and do not put yourself at risk.

FREE talk on wine, with a sneaky taste too!
2023-10-20 19:30 - 21:00 | TBC, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Who else has discovered The Secret Vineyard? It’s at Lime Cross and is wonderful, besides lakeside views and yoga/Pilates retreats they make the most delicious wine. What’s not to like about that? You’ll get a sneaky little taste with the opportunity to buy…..but there’s also the full bar plus local cheeses and free tea and coffee.
Helen and Vicky, the owners, are kindly coming to Burwash Pavilion to talk about how they set the vineyard up using as few mechanical aids as possible and regen principles. Time for questions plus time for wine!
As it will be dark by the time we finish up, please do bring a decent torch to wend your way back to the car park!
Burwash Common Pavilion October 20th. The Pavilion will be open from 730 with the talk starting around 745. All this is free for SFTG members and a small £4.00 charge for non members. Please book, maximum of 40 people….so don’t leave it too long
Any questions please email catrionabush@gmail.com

Free fun quiz for Halloween
2023-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Lakedown Brewery Taproom, Lakedown Trout Fishery, Swife Ln, Burwash, East Sussex, TN21 8UX, United Kingdom
On Halloween eve , 30th October, don’t be scared of coming to our first ever SFTG fun quiz.
Lakedown taproom in Swife Lane, Burwash are opening just for us. There will be a fun quiz (with the emphasis on fun) with a professional quiz master, lots of beer, ( which is brewed on site) local wine and non alcoholic drinks to buy and SFTG are providing some snacks with the opportunity to buy more.
We’re going to pass a bucket round for anyone who’d like to contribute to the Teenage Cancer Trust but entry and participation for members in the quiz is completely free. All we ask is to please please book on the SFTG website don’t just turn up. It’s teams of up to six, but don’t worry if you don’t have a team just email catrionabush@gmail.com and I’ll put you in a team. There will be prizes at this event!!!!!!! Non members are very welcome but you MUST book a spot for everyone who wants to come so I can organise tables, quiz papers etc. It’s not an enormous venue so don’t leave it too late to book. For non members it’s a small charge …£3.00 each…members Free!
The taproom will open at 6pm with the quiz starting 6.45 and we have to be off off and away by 9pm. It’s on Monday 30th October. Please book !!
Any questions just email me and I’ll help
Cat x
