Staffordshire Smallholders' Association aims to improve the knowledge and skills of those interested in small scale farming and the countryside.
The committee continue to work behind the scenes to plan a programme and we've got a interesting selection of talks, visits and practical sessions in the pipeline ready for when we can resume out activities..
We hope too to be able to get out and about over the summer months with our new promotional materials and hope to welcome some new members as a result. We also met some potential speakers and got ideas for visits and activities too.
The list below shows some of the events that we had planned, some of which were able to take place before lockdown was imposed, to give you a flavour of our activities. Those that could not take place we hope to reorganise asap.
2019:
AGM and Wine making at the Rodbaston Campus, Penkridge
Bird Ringing and Catching - Colin McShane Venue at Belvide Reserve, Brewood
Christmas Social - join us at Rodbaston to make Christmas sweets and for festive games, food and drink.
Join in with the RBST at their annual quiz and show off your knowledge in one of the Smallholders' teams.
Using bacteria instead of antibiotics - Kim Summers
Wild flowers to attract insects
Spoon carving practical with Mike Taylor
Visit to a local Pet Hotel (it even provides accommodation for chickens!) with Kate.
Countryside Show at Stafford Castle
Visit to Heavy Horse Centre
BBQ. A joint session with members of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at Alan & Jackie Stevens' farm near Rugeley.
Visit to Hilton Green CIC with practical session
AGM and Any Questions with a local vet.
All ideas for future topics or speakers are very welcome. Contact Peter Hannant - details on Contacts page.
MEET THE TEAM
Alan Markwell
Chairman
Alan has taken over the role of Chairman on a temporary basis until our next AGM.
We are grateful to Alan for volunteering to take on this job after Brian's many years as our Chariman.
Peter Hannant
Secretary
Peter excels in the role of Secretary - organising meetings, speakers and keeping everyone informed.
If you have a query about the Association, Peter is your first point of contact; his details can be found on the Contacts page.
Helen Hannant
Treasurer
Helen's keeps a tight control of our finances whichmeans that we can offer a wide variety of talks and trips for just £20 pa for a family membership.
Helen also organises a raffle at Rodbaston meetings to boost the funds. Donations of suitable items for the raffle are much appreciated.