MORE than 5,000 people enjoyed a family day out at the River Bourne Community Farm on Sunday.
For many, it was a first chance to see the transformation wrought on the formerly derelict site at Cow Lane, Laverstock, by chairman Ben Parker and his team of volunteers.
They watched demonstrations of traditional countryside occupations ranging from beekeeping and woodcarving to coracle building and hurdle making.
River dipping, tractor and pony rides and archery were big attractions for the children, as were the farm’s pigs, cattle, sheep and chickens. Workshops offered visitors a chance to try tile-making and flower arranging.
“It was fantastic to see that we have so much support from the community,” said the farm’s administrator Jane Wilkinson. “There was a really lovely atmosphere.
“We were also very impressed with our visitors, as there was barely any rubbish left on the fields.
“The Air Cadets took brilliant control of our car park and Laverstock and Ford Women’s Institute kept the cream teas coming despite there being three times more people than we expected.
“We cannot thank our volunteers enough.”
The farm team now hopes to start regular Cream Tea Sundays, with family activities. It has launched a Friends of the Farm scheme and will soon be starting organic food deliveries.
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