Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Poultry problems....

Now that the snow has finally decided to leave us (fingers crossed!) everything is starting to bloom.... Martin & I walked Basil at Haughmond Hill this morning and noticed how green everything was becoming, compared to only last week!  About time at the beginning of May I guess!
We have had a visit from a phantom bird snatcher this month.  Our poor bantams (of which there were 5) all disappeared, unfortunaly leaving some tell tale signs of lots of tufts of feathers .... but we also lost 4 ducks!  I think it must be something which has come in from above (Buzzard or Owl) and taken them ...the ducks left no trace, not a feather left which is what makes me question whether the culprit was a fox or not!?
Any comments welcome on this one!!.....

When we got over the emotional loss of our lovely bantams, we decided that we would rescue some egg laying farm chickens, so last weekend picked up 6 sorrowful looking birds from Shawbury.  Megan and Rosie felt very sorry for these 6 birds and suggested that we make them a coat or jumper.  Low and behold on the internet we found a knitting pattern for a 'chicken sweater'!  So we and our friends have been making chicken sweaters!  Here is 'Jade' sporting her new jumper which Megan helped with!!!

She looks mighty fine doesn't she!?  If anyone fancies knitting one too email me on mel@churchfarm-shropshire.co.uk and I can send you the pattern.


Our beautiful Magnolia is in full bloom this week and this is the view from Rooms 1 and 2 at Church Farm.

Basils restaurant is fully booked until the middle of June, although I have just recieved a rare cancellation for 17th May, so again please email me or call 01952251927 if you would like dinner at Basils on that Friday.
Speak soon
Mel x


3 of our latest trip advisor reviews...
5 of 5 starsReviewed 1 April 2013
Was this review helpful?Yes
We have just returned from a 3 night stay at Church Farm. We were celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary with our family. Nine of us stayed and 3 more joined us for a meal at Basil's restaurant on Friday evening. Mel made us feel extremely welcome. Nothing was too much trouble and we felt very welcome in Mel and Martin's home. The rooms were all very clean and comfortable. The food was absolutely superb. We were spoiled for choice at breakfast time and between us tried everything on offer! Mel provided tea and hot cross buns on our return from a day out on Saturday. Basil, the very friendly Staffy was always at our feet and enjoyed joining us on a long walk on Haughmond Hill on Easter Sunday. I cannot recommend Church Farm and Basil's highly enough. It really is a home from home. We will definitely return in the near future. Many thanks Mel and Martin.

5 of 5 starsReviewed 27 April 2013
Was this review helpful?Yes1
Following my mother-in-law’s funeral at Wrockwardine Church opposite and my husband’s parents lifelong links with the Church, Church Farm Guest House was the obvious choice for her wake. We could not have made a better choice, nothing was too much trouble and Mel took the ever changing numbers of who might attend with a ‘no problem don’t worry we can cope’ attitude. The food was excellent, plentiful and reasonable, the welcome warm and friendly. Following our experience I am sure whether for a special evening meal, a long weekend or a wedding reception you could not go wrong with choosing Church Farm Guest House.

5 of 5 starsReviewed 29 March 2013
Was this review helpful?Yes
Fantastic service, fantastic food, very welcoming ....... We were celebrating our 10th Anniversary and were looking for somewhere special that had character was charming and child friendly and not just a large hotel. From the moment we met Mel, martin and their children we knew we had found that special place. Mel and her family could not have done anything more to make our day wonderful, the personal friendly service added to our wonderful day, we could not have found a more perfect home from home. The rooms have character are extremely clean and very comfortable. I would definitely recommend Church Farm Guest House for that special time away. This has to to be the most welcoming and accommodating Guest House we have ever stopped in. Thank you Mel and Martin for making our day so wonderful x

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Spring 2013... finally!

Finally! Finally.... Spring looks like it may be here! Shropshire has seen some fantastic snowy pictures over the last few months, and experienced one of the coldest Easters that I can remember!  Little video clips of Rosie and Megan in their swimwear with friends in the garden, being sprayed with a hose pipe seemed like a bit of a joke this year when the 2013 alternative was ski wear and boots!
I have just been out into the garden and have photographic evidence that buds are starting to burst!
First Camilia!

Basil at Church Farm
Magnolias Just starting to burst!



St Peters and our popping Magnolia!





The guest house (despite the weather has been extremely busy over the last 3 weeks and bookings are looking good into the summer. Basils restaurant has maintained its AA Rosette into another year 2103/14 and we have also stayed in the short listings with the Good Hotel Guide 2013 which we are really pleased about. Our AA listing for accommodation has been upgraded and we are now 4 star GOLD so come to Shropshire and visit us!


We have some last minute 'deals' available at the moment... just call 01952 251927 and ask for April Deals. Basils bookings are extremely busy... we have 2 tables left for Friday 7th June at the moment... so get them whilst they're free.
Martin & I have lots of exciting plans for 2013 so we'll keep you all posted.
Farewell for now.
Mel x

Monday, 4 February 2013

2013 Shropshires Year!

Now that the major events of 2012 are in the history books, 2013 is the year to see the UK and Shropshire in particular!   Shropshire is expecting a good visitor influx this Spring / Summer with our major tourist attraction receiving so much publicity over the last month or so.  

Yes! Ironbridge Gorge Museums has beaten off stiff competition to be the 2012 most highly recommended UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK according to the TripAdvisor® traveller community.  It also takes second place in the world behind the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa, China and ahead of the Egyptian Pyramids and India’s Taj Mahal.


As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution 300 years ago, the Ironbridge Gorge is still amazing visitors today. Here you will find the world’s first cast iron bridge built over the River Severn in 1779 and ten museums spread along its banks together with restaurants, shops, guest accommodation and a host of attractions.

There are many events over the February Half Term and Easter holidays... 


Luckily for Church Farm Guests, a mere 9 miles will take you to Ironbridge.  We have money off vouchers for our guests for annual passports, which makes a fun filled weekend very economical.  

Other attractions nearby are Wroxeter Roman Village & Vineyard, Attingham Park, David Austin Roses, RAF Cosford, Powis Castle and many more.... Now that the worst of the winter weather is behind us, look forward to a chilled out trip to Shropshire and a cosy stay at Church Farm. Cant wait to meet you!Mel x
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