The week leading up to our Christmas Craft Sales Day was beset with bad weather, including several inches of snow, which left some people unable to reach the farm. However we prayed earnestly for a good day, and Saturday dawned crisp and sunny! The Lord blessed us with a clear blue sky until the late afternoon, and we had an excellent turnout of visitors. Several folk arrived for the first time, having seen our notice on the main road. They assured us they would be back again to visit the Granary and shop.

In the polytunnels all sorts of goods were available, many kindly donated by supporters: hand-made Christmassy decorations and stocking fillers, gorgeous sparkly table linen, knitted hats, scarves and baby clothes, hyacinths in very up-market terracotta bowls, planters and bird feeders, and bric a brac that was definitely Nearly New. ( and much, much more! )

The Granary became a focal point for friends to meet up and was very busy throughout the day; the shop was also busy selling our meat and eggs, seasonal jams and jellies, calendars and cards. Beef burgers were very popular, as the lovely smell of roasting beef drifted down the yard. Holly, one of the Dales ponies was at work being driven in the new green delivery van with Reuben at the reins; soon she will be out and about round Cookridge.

For those who found their way to the Centre, there was some delicious homemade soup, hot turkey sandwiches, plus a huge array of homemade cakes to enjoy.

But I think the highlight of the day was the folk from the drama project who gave a delightful performance of a nativity play. The story was told from the angels' point of view, and took place around the courtyard. Everyone joined in with the carols as we were reminded again of the wonder of God's love for us in sending Jesus. “Give thanks to the Lord , sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things!”

Debbie.

The Polytunnels were full of Christmas Goodies!


Holly pulls the new cart.


The Nativity was a great success.