Being self-employed has lots of benefits, but in this economic climate there are highs & lows. I spend six days working in our business, no holidays - that is survival! Don’t feel too sorry, living and working here for the last eight years has lots of plus’s. Tetbury is a beautiful historic Cotswold market town, largely made up of independent businesses. Literally on the doorstep is the most gorgeous countryside imaginable, perfect for walking our bearded collie Hettie. I thought it would be nice to share one of our favourite walks with you.
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| Hettie prepares to leave the house |
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| St Mary's Church Tetbury |
It was a glorious sunny day as we left the house heading down Silver Street over the Wiltshire Bridge towards the old tanyard and on to the fields. Part of the walk takes us across the land of the Prince of Wales Duchy Estate. The fields are organic pasture mixed with a plethora of wild flowers. Hettie loves to roam free chasing deer, pheasants and retrieving sticks. The beauty of this walk is that I rarely see anyone else - great for collecting your thoughts. A favourite destination en route is the Highgrove Estate Close Farm ‘
Veg Shed’ - recently relocated from Cherrington. This purpose built shop/shed is a mecca for those that appreciate the value of organically grown produce. We often buy a selection of vegetables to oven roast for supper. Another must have are the freshly picked salad leaves ready to wash and devour; they really do have more flavour than the ready washed supermarket variety.
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| Horses graze in the adjacent field |
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| 'Bella' The Close Farm Shire Horse |
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| Heading towards the Bath road |
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| Bath Road |
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| Bath Bridge |
Each Thursday Highgrove Close Farm has a large veg cart that is pulled into Tetbury by a Shire horse that also earns her keep working the land. It’s parked by the old market house and is a magnet for locals and tourists. Reading this you will probably think I have painted a picture of rural idle in this beautiful part of the Cotswolds. Idyllic it is, but we have worked hard at our business over the last eight years thinking up new ideas to keep it fresh and one step ahead of competitors so that we can continue living and trading here.
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| Home! |
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| Roasted Vegetables |
