Whats On - Tatton Park?

www.virtual-knutsford.co.uk | July 3, 2009

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	about the park

JAYNE, THE FARM AND OTHER ANIMALS

There is something rather special about The Home Farm in Tatton Park. It’s not just that it has been restored and is still a working farm using many original buildings but the nostalgic atmosphere created by Manager, Jayne Chapman and her dedicated young team. Many hundreds of adults and children are entertained and educated here throughout the season. Walk out into the yard and suddenly you are gently transported to another era. Maybe the time of the second world war when the farm was vital for the self-sufficiency of the estate. Lord Egerton and his family, with their busy aristocratic lifestyle, provided employment for many local people either within the estate and also protection for young evacuees from Manchester

Eve (4), with copper curls and shy smile, was my companion for the day. Visiting just after a hectic Easter the whole farm was alive with new or imminent births and pretty spring flowers decorating the yard. It is such a busy time for Jayne and her staff but she kindly gave us a guided tour around her much loved domain. Though not from a farming background she always wanted to work with animals and, as a youngster, helped on a farm in Pickmere. Agricultural College followed and a job as a farm ranger at Tatton Park. 18 years on and 5 years ago she got her dream job – to be the Farm Manager. For total relaxation she climbs in the Peak District or the Himalayas and has spent time with primates in Texas – but that is another story.

This life clearly suits her. Jayne positively glows with delight as we meet up with all the rare breed animals and Kippy, the farm dog, is never far from her side.
She communicates easily with all age groups and never seems to tire of chatting about her work. The farmyard smells are surprisingly sweet and inoffensive though in the piggery the dear little piglets and their mums produced a slightly more memorable pungency. The farm is now an appointed Centre for Rare Breeds and it is hoped that an Animal Adoption scheme will soon be available. Pregnant Red poll cows, greedy goats, chirpy chickens, dozy donkeys, the titian haired tamworth pigs (my favourites) with gorgeous piglets snuggling and snuffling in their immaculate sties. Out into clearer air and over the cobbled yard to see the giants of the farm – the Shire mare, who will give birth in May, now standing still and statuesque in her stable and allowing us to stroke her swollen belly. Such a magnificent working animal and with Jayne riding her they have taken many prizes at local shows. The visitors are crowding round – this month especially is all about lambs – over 40 had been born in a short time – some only hours old – and one little one, on his wobbly, woolly legs, became the star of the show taking the bottle of milk with great gusto. Kippy kept control. This is what we came to see. In this special place I can see why Jayne couldn’t possibly live anywhere else

Kidding Around at Home Farm!

Home Farm’s goats have been kidding about even more than usual with a brand new three tier alpine structure for them to play on!

Designed and built by Peter Howard, one of the Farm’s dedicated volunteers, the new mountainous masterpiece has provided an exciting new play area for the Farm’s herd of half a dozen goats.

First up was Jasmine, a nimble nanny who gamely scrambled to the top of the ‘mountain range’, much to the bemusement of her peers. Her dexterity has clearly got the goat of the herd’s only male, Lewis, a real character who usually keeps his females in check. But it’s Jasmine who’s now King (or Queen) of the Castle!

Peter and the Farm staff have been pleasantly surprised to see how quickly the goats have taken to the new play area.

Home Farm’s goats are usually creatures of habit – scared-y kids who are not too keen on venturing far from their pen, especially in the recent snowy weather! Elly Edwards, Farm Assistant commented “our goats are real homebodies and need to be treated with kid gloves! From time to time we will turn them out into the field for a play but they stand sentinel at the gate waiting to be let back into their cosy stable.’

The play area is Peter’s latest Farm project. A master craftsman, he has built a number of ingenious structures for the Farm including a hatchery and chicken run. His only difficulty on this project was keeping the over-friendly goats from nibbling the pockets of his jacket!

Elly Edwards, Farm Assistant commented ‘we are delighted to see the goats enjoying their new area. They love the new textures, tiers and colours and this all helps them to develop their muscles and enrich their play’.

The Farm is open weekends from 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm) until Saturday 28th March when it will be open for High Season (until 4th October) Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-5pm (last entry 4pm). Visitors will be able to pet and feed the goats during open time and see our other new recent arrivals, including Lottie’s lovely litter of 5 piglets, born on New Year’s Eve!

2009
	JANUARY 2009 Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February Wedding Show The North of England's premier Bridal exhibition of 2009 will be held in a luxurious marquee within the magnificent grounds of Tatton park. There will be over 160 Regional and National wedding and bridal exhibitors on hand to provide you with all the expert advice and help you will need in planning your perfect day 10am - 5pm Visit www.TheWeddingShow.co.uk or call 01625 610004 FEBRUARY 2009 Tuesday 17th to Sunday 22nd Scarecrow Festival Stone the Crows - Tatton's scarecrow festival returns to the gardens for half term! Hunt for the fabulous scarecrows in the gardens. Bring and Dress a Scarecrow Day games and activities Feb 21st Normal Entry times and prices apply Sunday 22nd Tatton Garden Society Lecture "Sex amongst the Flowers" by Dr Steve Furness, Alpine Plant Centre, Calver, Derbyshire 2.30pm. Free to TGS Members. Please call 01477 537698 or email tattongardensociety@hotmailcom for more details. MARCH 2009 Sunday 15th Tatton Garden Society Luncheon & Lecture "Location, Location, Location" by Jacqueline Iddon, Hardy Plants, Bretherton. Lunch 12pm. Lecture 2.30pm. Free to TGS Members. Please call 01477 537698 or email tattongardensociety@hotmail.com for more details Sunday 22nd Mothering Sunday Treat Mum to a special day out at Tatton! Full details available January. Please check later Saturday 28th March to Sunday 17th May The Black Dog of Tatton and Other Stories - Photographic Exhibition. Details to be confirmed APRIL 2009 Saturday 11th to Monday 13th Teddy Bear Easter Festival Bring your teddy along to a special Teddy Bear Easter weekend! Get teddy ready for the hunt in the Gardens and join in the fun in the Farm, Mansion and Stableyard. *Gardens* (10am-6pm, last entry 5pm) On your marks, get teddy, go! Join in the hunt for the Teddy Bear’s party. Follow the paw-prints to Tatton Teddy and make up your own sticker picnic. *Mansion* (1pm-5pm, last entry 4pm) Some very special guests have arrived for Easter. Tatton’s teddies have opened the Mansion doors for a teddy-tastic Easter Weekend! *Home Farm* (12pm-5pm, last entry 4pm) Meet the Farm’s very own sleepy Eeyore! At the end of Hundred Acre Wood, our Farm becomes a new home to Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and friends. Follow Teddington's Marmalade Trail and see Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Aunt Mary's Cottage copyright Walt Disney *Stableyard* Join in the fun in the Stableyard. Have teddy's temperature checked at the Teddy Bear Hospital and watch the marvellous magic show! Enjoy the fabulous shops and Restaurant in the Stableyard. *Old Hall* (12pm-5pm, last entry 4pm) Escape to Tatton’s Old Hall in its delightful rural setting. Take a journey through time and trace the fascinating history of the original Tatton manor house. Open for guided tours. Normal Park and Attraction charges and opening times apply. Saturday 11th to Monday 13th Easter Crafts and Country Shopping Fair Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a special Bank Holiday event. Packed with home decorated furnishing ideas, arts and crafts and gifts for the family. 10.30am to 5pm Free entry to the Fair (normal park charges apply) Tuesday 14th Tatton Garden Society Annual General Meeting & Lecture Gladiolus" by Terry Morris, Terrysgladiolus, Oldham. This lecture will include demonstrations of bulb preparation. AGM 7.15pm, Lecture 8.00pm. Free for TGS members. Contact Tatton Garden Society 01477 537 698 or email e mail: tattongardensociety@hotmail.com Saturday 18th to Friday 24th Lambing Week at the Farm Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see our Lambs being born, Informative talks throughout the week and live viewing via our webcam. Sheepy quiz and collage. Closed Mon Normal Farm opening times and prices apply Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th St George's weekend at the Old Hall A fabulous weekend of family fun for knights and damsels of all ages. Follow the dastardly dragon trail to the Tudor Old Hall. See St George and an archery display. Enjoy traditional country activities: Punch and Judy, Morris Dancing. Also face painting, have a go armour and archery (small charge). 11am-5pm (last entry 4pm). MAY 2009 Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th The Design Weekend Home and garden exhibition in association with design et al magazine. Gain ideas for everything from flooring to furniture and garden design to gazebos! The event also features Design Talks, Free Consultations, Seminars and Workshops. For more information call 01244 346347 or visit www.thedesignweekend.co.uk 10am - 5pm (last entry 4pm) Normal Park Entry times and prices apply Monday 4th Adopt An Animal Day at the Farm Come along to the Farm and meet the animals which are up for adoption - choose from Rosie the Red Poll, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse and Tallulah the Tamworth Pig. 12pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm). Normal Park Entry times and prices apply Wednesday 6th RHS Lecture - Restoration of the Kitchen Garden A look at the work, planting and care involved in the restoration of the impressive Kitchen Garden at Tatton Park followed by a guided tour with Sam Youd, Head of Gardens. 2pm to 4pm. Tickets through RHS Booking Line on 08456 121 253 RHS members £7.95. Non members £9.95 Wednesday 13th Tatton Park Lunchtime Lecture Part of a programme of pre-lunch lectures in the beautiful Entrance Hall of Tatton’s mansion followed by an informative tour of the gardens. 2 course lunch with glass of wine optional. SIMON TETLOW: Garden Supervisor, Tatton Park. 'The Men Who Made Our Gardens: Plant-hunters of the 19th & 20th centuries'. Lecture 11am, Tour 12pm, Optional Lunch 1pm Lecture and Tour only £9: Lecture, Tour and lunch £22 Price includes car entry. Call 01625 374428 to book Sunday 17th NW Air Ambulance Day For further details call 0151 547 7830 or www.northwestairambulance.com Monday 25th Sheep Shearing at the Farm Come along from 1pm to see all our sheep shedding their fleecy winter coats ready for the start of Spring. Our resident sheep shearer will be on hand to demonstrate and answer all your questions. Normal Entry times and prices apply Saturday 30th to Sunday 3lst Classic & Performance Car Spectacular with Giant Cheshire Auto-Jumble The 23rd year for one of Britain's best and most popular classic car events. Over 2000 classic, vintage and performance cars are on show. Over 80 of Britain's top club displays including Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes Benz and and a special feature by TVR car club. Massive 2-day autojumble with classic car-mart. General trade stands, children's rides and refreshments. 9am to 5pm each day. Adults £6.00, Children under 12yrs free of charge. Normal Park Entry charge applies Contact 01565 723863 or visit www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk JUNE 2009 Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th Cancer Research UK Race for Life Race for Life is a 5km walk, run or jog for women of all ages to raise money for Cancer Research UK. AL the money raised by our participants helps fund the crucial work of this leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research. Start 11am. For more details or to register contact www.raceforlife.org Sunday 7th Farm Open Day Meet at the boathouse on Tatton Mere for a free tractor and trailer round a local arable farmer's land. Learn about crop management and get an insight into the full day of a modern farmer. NB - Tatton Farm is open as usual this day, but is not part of the Free Open Day scheme. Wednesday 10th National Garden Society Open Day All garden entries and donations will be given to the National Garden Scheme which helps charities such as The Queen's Nursing Institute. Normal Park Entry times and prices apply Wednesday 17th Tatton Park Lunchtime Lecture Part of a programme of pre-lunch lectures in the beautiful Entrance Hall of Tatton’s mansion followed by an informative tour of the mansion. 2 course lunch with glass of wine optional. Title to be confirmed in January 2009 Lecture 11am, Tour 12pm, Optional Lunch 1pm Lecture and Tour only £9: Lecture, Tour and lunch £22 Price includes car entry. Call 01625 374428 to book Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st Medieval Fayre at the Old Hall To celebrate the 11th Medieval Fayre at Tatton in association with Plantagenet Events, there will be an even bigger and better battle each day. Men at arms, archers, gunners and a ragtag army exciting and atmospheric event. Much to do and see, hear and smell, drink and eat. over forty authentic merchants and skilled artisans complete a bustling travelling fair. Nothing you need to buy from Medieval Times? You will be surprised. 11am - 5pm (last entry 4pm). Adult £5.50, Child £3, Family £15. Normal Park Entry charge applies. Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th 1940's Weekend at the Old Hall Tatton's role in WWII was an important one and here we celebrate the 194o's not only with battle re-enactment but also the home front. Try your hand at make-do-and-mend. dig for victory, wartime cooking, washday and attend an evacuees school. Dance and sing with entertainers. 11am - 5pm (last entry 4pm). Adult £4.50, Children £2.50, Family £11.50. Normal Park Entry charge applies JULY 2009 Friday 3rd Theatre Set Up - Cymbeline A wicked stepmother, the queen of King Cymbeline whose sons have long ago been abducted and whose daughter, Imogen, has secretly married Posthumous, a man he disapproves of; a Roman tricking his way into Imogen's bedroom to win an improper bet; plots to kill Imogen; a brutish Roman army on the threshold; visionary dreams and voices from Heaven, all these make an exciting story whose happy outcome brings many joyous surprises. Written in the magical Celtic tradition, this action-packed romantic comedy thrills and draws us into the lives of ancient Britons and Romans and the legends surrounding them. Rarely performed because seldom understood, this production is informed by research which lightens and clarifies this wonderful play thus giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy this rich gem of Shakespeare's late career. Performance starts 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00. To book please call 01625 374400 Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th The 15th Cheshire Summer Fine Art & Antiques Fair Quality fine art & antiques event featuring nationwide exhibitors specialising in jewellery, contemporary art, furniture, silver, traditional paintings, sculpture, glass, lighting, clocks and much more Opening Times: Friday 12pm to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Adults £5.00, Children under 16 yrs free. Normal Park Entry Charge applies Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th The 21st Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show The North West's premier event for lovers of all things American! Huge Fins 'n' Chrome cars from the 1950's & 1960's. Corvettes, Mustangs, Cadillacs, Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Pick-up Trucks, Day Vans, U.S. Motorhomes including the famous Wall of Death! Main 9am - 5pm each day. Adults £6.00, Children under 12yrs free. Normal Park entry charge applies Contact 01565 723863 or visit www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk Saturday 18th Illyria - Outdoor Theatre: The Mowgli Stories The best-loved collection of stories from Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" - but with the author's own title, so as to avoid any confusion with the Disney film. Mowgli is found as a tiny baby crawling through the jungle by a family of wolves and adopted as one of the pack. It soon becomes clear that although the "little frog" has less fur than the wolf, less speed than the panther and less agility than the monkey his courage and wit mark him out as the future King of the Jungle. How then will he cope if he should ever encounter his own kind again? Kipling's classic is thoughtful, funny and very exciting. Performance is outside at the old Hall Performance commences 6.30pm - Price to be confirmed Call 01625 374400 for more information or to book Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm We are now a Rare Breed approved conservation centre, so why not come along and meet Gertie the Gloucester Old Spot and all her piggy friends and help promote and raise awareness of these endangered breeds. 12noon - 5pm (last entry 4pm). Normal Park Entry times and prices apply Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park Experience summer in all its glory at RHS Show Tatton Park. Come along and see the latest innovative creations from up and coming garden designers. Let your imagination be fired through incredible floral displays and nonstop gardening inspiration. There's plenty to see and even more to take home with an abundance of stylish gardening accessories, seasonal plants and a rich crop of ideas to make your garden grow. 10am - 6.30pm (show closes at 5pm on 26th July). RHS members £19, Public £22. On the day £24. For information call 01625 374400 or visit the rhs website Tickets are now bookable on line Tuesday 28th July to Friday 28th August Summer Activities at the Farm Donkey Grooming, make a scarecrow, farmyard collage, paint a picture and fun quiz. Meet newly born chicks and ducklings. 12noon - 5pm (last entry 4pm) CLOSED MONDAYS. Normal Park Entry times and prices apply Please note that the majority of Tatton Park events are subject to the Park entry charge of £4.50 per car While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Events may also be subject to change.

Prices, times of opening and other details may be changed without prior notice.
All details correct at time of press.
If a telephone number is not listed above, or if you wish to obtain charges, opening times and details, telephone the Tatton Infoline on 01625 534435 no more than 14 days prior to a particular event. The above information was correct at the time of printing, but changes may be introduced without notice.

TATTON INFOLINE :

01625 534435
01625 534400

Tatton Park,
Knutsford,
Cheshire,
WA16 6QN.

OR SEE

www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tatton Park is delighted to announce that its historic gardens have been voted the 2008
‘Number 1’ garden in Central England by readers of Gardeners’ World Magazine.

This prestigious Readers’ Choice award was voted for by thousands of visitors taking part in the magazine’s ‘2 for 1’ gardens visit offer. Tatton shares this accolade with other much-loved gardens in Great Britain, including winners the Eden Project (South West England) and the Royal Botanic Garden (Edinburgh)

Receiving over 140,000 visitors a year Tatton’s extensive historic gardens feature Europe’s finest Japanese Garden, newly restored Kitchen Gardens and a remarkable nineteenth century glass house, the Fernery, designed by Joseph Paxton (of Crystal Palace fame). The Parkland also hosts the north’s only RHS Flower Show. This prestigious event is now in its 11th year at Tatton.

Brendan Flanagan, Tatton Park and Visitor Economy Manager commented
“It is wonderful to be voted for by our discerning garden visitors, who have clearly recognised the quality and variety that Tatton’s gardens of distinction have to offer. The gardens are really looking good as the spring displays come into their own, so we are looking forward to many more visitors coming to enjoy Tatton as a result of this accolade.”

Tatton is one of Cheshire’s leading ‘Gardens of Distinction’ and played a pivotal role in the phenomenal success of Cheshire’s Year of Gardens ’08.

Launched during Liverpool’s hosting of the European Capital of Culture, the programme aimed to raise the national and international profile of the county as the ‘home of England’s finest gardens’.

Nurture your Gardening Talents with Tatton Park’s Horticultural Courses

Gardeners responsible for the Internationally renowned gardens at Tatton Park are to help enthusiasts acquire that green-fingered touch.

Throughout the autumn this beautiful historic estate is offering a series of introductory horticultural courses between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Wednesdays.

From September to December, courses will cover traditional horticultural skills such as health and safety in the garden, soil cultivation, the use of manures and fertilisers and the measuring and marking out of gardens.

For those who wish to learn about garden maintenance, courses will be available on pruning, how to control pests, diseases and weeds in the garden, natural vegetative propagation and protective cultivation.

Visitor Operations Manager, Graham Hicks, believes the courses will be a huge success. “At this year’s RHS we offered taster sessions to see what courses people would like to attend and they were all very well received. People seem very excited at the prospect of being able to learn about gardening in the inspirational surroundings of Tatton Park.”

These courses are part of Tatton’s commitment to lifelong learning and it is hoped that a wider variety of courses will be on offer at Tatton within the next 12 months.

For further information or a timetable of our autumn courses, call 01625 534428 It is advisable to book early as places are limited.

Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire County Council on behalf of the National Trust.


While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Events may also be subject to change.