October brings the beginning of Autumn, a busy time here at Gullivers & Sturts Farm. As we move into the cooler months, we begin to harvest new foods and work develops on crops for the spring and summer next year. Our animals still need caring for despite the chilly weather and our Farm Shop is continuing to adapt to guidelines as the COVID 19 pandemic continues.
Undoubtedly, 2020 has been challenging for us, but we’re an optimistic bunch and have looked for the positives where we can find them. Lockdown has actually been great for many of those within our community who have learning difficulties- precise daily routines and lots of outdoor activities with friends has been really beneficial! We have also loved taking time to slow down a little and appreciate our families and friends.
As we move into the Autumn months, our harvest begins to change. If you’re after ideas of what to eat now, here’s a list of what we’re harvesting over the coming months:
Squash, Pumpkins, Potatoes, Carrots, Kohl Rabi, Apples, Swede, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbages, Kale, Leeks, Herbs, Cavolo Nero & Swiss Chard.
You can also find seasonal recipes over on the ‘Recipe’ section of our website- this month we’ve made the most of our Farm’s delicious Autumnal veg with a warming Pumpkin Risotto, made using our own Organic & Biodynamic Pumpkins and Squash, Onions, Cavolo Nero & fresh Sage and Rosemary. Don’t forget to tag us in any pictures of your own seasonal creations on Facebook & Instagram!
Open Air Cinema Nights
In early September, we hosted our first ever Open Air Cinema nights here at Gullivers- and what an incredible response we’ve had! The Greatest Showman on the Saturday evening completely sold out within a week of tickets being on sale and there were only a couple of seats left for our showing of Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Sunday. We’d like to thank everyone for who came along for such positive feedback- we’d love to do some more of these events when government guidelines allow!
A special thank you goes to Jamie Gaskins and Matrix Events for supplying the screen and cinema set up to us- we’re unbelievably thankful!
In Conversation with…
Simon Burger, Gullivers Farm Shop Manager.
Q: How are you?
Simon: Hi everyone, I’m very well. I’ve lost a stone during lockdown so my trousers are very loose now but I have missed everyone at Gulliver’s and will be back as soon as I can though it’s possible that this may be early in 2021 now.
Q: What have you been up to during lockdown? Have you been having a nice time?
Simon: During lockdown, apart from losing weight (big smile) I have been studying about customer service. Also, during lockdown I have potted and sold plants to raise money for the local foodbank, I’ve been swimming in the sea (when it’s been hot) and I have helped to make lots of meals for dinner.
Q: What have you missed the most about being off work?
Simon: I miss everyone at Gullivers so much because there are not many people around at the moment to talk to except my sisters and my family. I also miss the café coffee machine because I am ‘the best’ coffee maker!
Q: How much are you looking forward to trying out our new Coffee? (You’ll have to taste test it!)
Simon: Lots. I am looking forward to using my knowledge to see how good it is and hopefully pass some more exams with help from my co-workers.
Q: How well do you think the team have been looking after things whilst you’ve been away?
Simon: I don’t know really but I think Zoe, Lee and Beth are there all the time so they will have been doing a good support job.
You can catch a video of our interview with Simon over on our Instagram- @gulliversfarmshop