http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/index.htmlHot News!enjohn@fried-eggs.comCopyright 2008 John Ball2008-08-15T09:14:40+01:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:51:04 +0100john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-08-15T09:14:40+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/bb41e598dfb57b709bbcc7621b688313-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/bb41e598dfb57b709bbcc7621b688313-12.html#unique-entry-id-12
Its been a bit mixed on the weather front, but it has not dampened the sprits of us farm folk...
We keep having a few rays of sunshine and the Roves Farm team have even put there shorts on once or twice. Luckily come rain or shine people still turn up to see us.

We had a lovely start to the summer when the African Children's choir came to sing for us. They were amazing and even though I was in my paddock I could hear every word. I knew these ears would come in useful, and Katie tells me they even used my feed bucket as a drum!

The summer is such fun at Roves even if i do say so myself. Everyone is enjoying (deep breath) heading out on the themed tractor rides, sticking and gluing in craft, cheering on a winner in the animal races, feeding the lambs, holding the chicks, whizzing down the wavy slide, exploring the bale stack, bouncing on the bouncy castle, getting lost in the willow maze, loving the many farm trails, seeing me and my farmyard friends and new for this summer enjoying the 'Farmer's Den'.


Farmer Rupert spent weeks banging and crashing in the outdoor play-area. No-one was quite sure what was going on or what it was going to be. After the finishing touches were made it soon became clear, and with all the hard work Farmer Rupert put into it, we all decided that it should be called 'The Farmers Den'. Featuring a wavy slides, ropes and a climbing wall the children were bound to love it, and they sure do.

Well done Farmer Rupert and the Conservation Club dads for their help.

With all the children to entertain the Roves team really need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed just like me, so luckily for us 'Pat's Patch' has been producing some lovely vegetables to keep us all fit and healthy. The carrots are so Yummy! But with 2 ponies, 1 racehorse, 4 donkeys, 3 guinea pigs, 1 rabbit and 10 workers we have to share them out. Although between you and me Pippa pops up to the paddock most evenings and never comes empty handed.

I know that its still the summer and we are all enjoying the sunshine and holidays but just to let you know that after the success of last year we have decided on the dates for our Bonfire Party. It will be held on Tuesday 4th November. I really enjoyed it last year as all the fireworks are selected so there are no loud bangs, excellent for little children and donkeys alike.
Check the seasonal activities page for more details.

Well that's all for now must get back to my carrots before Toby and Sam eat them all!

Have a fantastic summer!

Hope to see you all down on the farm soon.




P.S
Remember we are open everyday during the Summer Holidays 10.30-5pm.




]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-07-10T14:15:26+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/cf039e0425d7965e364fb9d1923b8bc1-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/cf039e0425d7965e364fb9d1923b8bc1-11.html#unique-entry-id-11I have so many exciting things to tell you this month I don't know where to start.

We have had a few new arrivals this month.
Marjoram the sow gave birth to 8 piglets which are really spotty They are very popular with the visitors and Marjoram is doing a fantastic job looking after the little ones.
I do love piglets but I hope that I don't get asked to pig sit anytime soon.






In my May Diary I told you about Ebony and Ivory the Rheas building a nest and Ivory sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. Well after 40 days sitting on the nest in wind and rain finally the chicks hatched but sadly only 2 survived and because of the bad weather we have been having, they are now being looked after by the Roves Team. They are settling in well and enjoy eating all the yummy lettuce from Pat's patch.... I wonder if those carrots are ready yet?





We also had the lovely ladies from the North Wilts Guild of Spinners and Weavers join us for the day spinning some lovely coloured wool. I am not a very well travelled donkey but i have never seen a green sheep before!




Bobby is growing up fast and is becoming quite a handful. Everyone keeps saying 'He's just like Jimmy' I was never that cheeky was I?

We have had such a busy month with lots of Schools, Play-groups and Birthday Parties. In fact Katie did the 50th Birthday party of the year, which means that over 50 children have celebrated their birthday with us inviting over 1000 guests. If only that was to mean 50 pieces of birthday cake for me!


With the summer holidays apon us the team are really busy getting everything ready for the arrival of Toad and friends from Wind In The Willows and Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
With a different theme throughout the holidays there is loads for everyone to do. Check out the seasonal activities page for more information.

Well i think that is everything for now.
Hope to see you during the summer...





P.s
Come and hear the singing children of Africa.
They will be here at the farm on the 26th July between 2-4pm. For more infomation on the children and the charity visit www.singingchildrenofafrica.org.uk]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-06-05T12:55:32+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/e478b46bf7c0b6dbdf49b9de662dbda3-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/e478b46bf7c0b6dbdf49b9de662dbda3-10.html#unique-entry-id-10
What an exciting week we all had over the May half term. With all the scarecrows that were made there wasn't a blackbird or crow in sight. The miniature scarecrows were very popular with all the children taking them home to put in their gardens. Farmer Rupert also needed some life-size scarecrows to look after his crops so set a competion for those who wanted more of a challenge. The judging proved very tricky but there was a clear winner in the end. Issac and his mum made a lovely scarecrow which they called 'Granny', she now has a very important job to do keeping the birds away in Pats vegetable patch.



Well done guys!

With the start of summer - yes I cant believe it either, seems like only yesterday I was singing Christmas carols in the nativity play's - Farmer Rupert started to shear the sheep.



One by one they came in for their short back and sides. I am glad that donkeys don't need to be sheared but I did here a rumour that George the llama is due a shave.

Bobby and Mum have moved paddocks and now live next door to Annie the highland cow and George the llama.



There is plenty of fresh grass down there for them and they are closer to the visitors centre as everyone is always looking for Baby Bobby. In all the excitement of moving homes Bobby said his first words EEEAAACCHHHEEEOOOOEE! It's not quite eeyore but he has to start somewhere…

Tractor rides are proving as popular as ever, and as they drive past I always give them a big smile and sometimes the children wave back.

But the best way to explore the farm is on 2 feet - or in my case 4. The wildlife on the farm is slightly shyer than me and my farmyard friends so on foot is the best way to spot them, without the noise of the tractor. The flower meadows are full of long grasses and colourful flowers which means that there are plenty of insects to be found, perfect for bug hunts.

Well I think that is all for now.

Remember that we are now open 7 days a week untill the 7th September.

Check out the seasonal activities page to see what we have planned.



]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-05-21T10:43:55+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/3d80b4554e0e47e13db0a08310e22538-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/3d80b4554e0e47e13db0a08310e22538-9.html#unique-entry-id-9
As the sun started shining and all the puddles dried up it was finally time to leave the barn and hay behind, and head out into the fields and munch on the delicious fresh grass… As mum has her hooves full looking after young Bobby, I am living with the boys, ex-race horse Toby and Sam the stallion Donkey out in the paddock but mum is not to far away just over the fence in fact!



Bobby is doing really well and loves all the attention, although he is getting a bit cheeky. He even tried sneaking into Pats vegetable patch, but as she's always busy digging and weeding she soon told him off and sent him on his way.



We also have some new arrivals in the animal barn as Thyme gave birth to 10 spotty piglets which are all doing really well. We are also hoping to have some ducklings wandering the yard soon as lots of our Muscovy Ducks are sitting all around the farmyard. Another more exotic bird that is sitting on eggs is Ivory the Rhea. Ebony has been laying her eggs for the last few weeks and Ivory has now decided it's time and gathered the large eggs into his nest so he can keep them nice and warm. So fingers crossed…



Katie and Ricky are still busy making scarecrows ready for Scarecrow Week which starts on the 24th May until the 1st June.



Come and spot the scarecrows on the tractor rides, make miniature scarecrows in craft, bring some clothes to make a big one (we will provide the straw) Rupert has said that he will give a daily prize for the best 'BIG' scarecrow if he can use it to scare the birds off his crops. There will also be a grand final on Sunday 1st June where the overall winner will win a day pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children at Christmas if you have time after all of that you can also feed a lamb or two and cheer on our sheep and goats in animal racing... So much to do make sure you find time to come and see me.

Look forward to seeing you soon.








]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-04-23T16:26:49+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/199dd5e82563c6ff7fa867591f4399f3-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/199dd5e82563c6ff7fa867591f4399f3-8.html#unique-entry-id-8At last I have the news we have all been waiting for. At 10.15pm on Saturday 19th April I finally became a big brother as my mum Hetty gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. He is so cute and looks just like me, so a good looking fella.

After days of thinking we all finally agreed that he should be called Bobby.



Bobby is already becoming a bit of a star and getting all the attention, he'll soon get used to it just like I did.
He is not the only one stealing the limelight we also have three orphan lambs called Oscar, Emily and Benji who are being bottle fed with a little help from the visitors and are always looking for cuddles.

The Easter Bunny has now left the farm for another year, but before he hopped off he told us that he had so much fun he will definitely be returning next year.

Rupert has been complaining about all the birds on his crops so Katie and Ricky have started to make some very scary scarecrows. Why not come and visit them and us during scarecrow week throughout the May half term and have a go at making your very own.

Now the Easter Holidays are over its time to sit back and relax, but not to much as there will be plenty of schools, playschools, birthday partys and lots of little ones for teddy bears picnic on Fridays to keep me company.



That's all for now as I must get back to teaching young Bobby all about the way of life down on the farm.

You can come and see me, Bobby and all of my farmyard friends Wednsday - Sunday 10.30am - 5.00pm

We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-04-11T16:19:22+01:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/d92505cdd0e241f6e39cf459a920ad74-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/d92505cdd0e241f6e39cf459a920ad74-7.html#unique-entry-id-7I hope that you all had an enjoyable Easter weekend and didn't eat to much chocolate…
We had a very busy time down on the farm and the children all had great fun chasing the Easter Bunny. Not even the snow put people off, everyone including the Easter Bunny kept warm by popping into the tearoom for some delicious carrot soup.
We all enjoyed it so much that we are doing it all over again throughout the Easter School Holidays.



As well as the Easter Bunny making appearances on the tractor rides we have a new student called Emily who is very friendly and will always be around to help you handle the animals in pets corner. I am also pleased to announce that we have new born lambs and piglets which are stealing the limelight from me but they are very cute.



Hetty still has not had her foal, she is so big that I think she might pop. Pippa and Rupert have been very good, coming down to check on her in the evenings and early morning, which is kind but they keep waking me up and a donkey needs its beauty sleep. I will of course let you know as soon as I have any news.
As well as all the Easter antics I also celebrated my 1st birthday. Ricky brought me a lovely juicy apple that was very tasty. I feel all grown up now I am a whole year old and soon to be big brother.

Well Until next time



Remember you can come and see me and all my farmyard friends throughout the Easter school holidays, and who knows even meet our brand new baby donkey.
Keep checking the Roves Farm Website for breaking news.
]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-03-14T13:16:08+00:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/1315dba2fdb92fce6f0f5055e51699e5-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/1315dba2fdb92fce6f0f5055e51699e5-6.html#unique-entry-id-6I am very happy Easter is early this year as that means lots of people come to see me ... as well as my other farmyard friends.
Easter at Roves will be full of fluffy chicks to hold and springing lambs to feed.
Margaret has come up with some great Easter things for you to make during the crafty time, and by popular demand the Easter Bunny will be appearing again over the Easter period from Good Friday until the 20th April so you'll have plenty of chances to catch him, although I am told he runs very fast.
Someone told me that the Easter Bunny has big ears and jumps around the farm... sounds a bit like me don't you think.



'Jurassic Kingdom' will also be opening for Easter where you can become palaeontologists and take part in a series of workshops including a chance to unearth a T-Rex skull. Sound's like fun!

Easter also means a welcome return to Ricky who will be working at the farm for the season, him and Katie both have some great ideas for 2008.

The goats have been training hard, ready for the new season of Animal Racing. Pippa has been putting them through their paces and it was very entertaining to watch, especially as the goats were so busy nibbling Pippa's jacket they forgot to run.

Have an eggcellent Easter




All at Roves would like to thank John for out brilliant new web-site.]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-02-27T15:59:58+00:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/fd6e008631b9fb9d10f43819e985e29b-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/fd6e008631b9fb9d10f43819e985e29b-5.html#unique-entry-id-5

Hi Everyone!
It's the start of a brand new season down on the farm and I am loving it!
Children keep running up to say hello, and all the mums and dads keep telling me how much I have grown.
I am still spending the nights tucked up in the barn as it's still far too cold, but really enjoy having a run around the paddock during the sunny days, although I keep getting told off for eating all the yummy yellow flowers!
There is a lot of banging and crashing going on in the barn at the moment and i am told that we are having some dinosaurs to stay at Easter… I hope they are friendly.
Also some very exciting news is that I am going to be a big brother soon as Mum is having a baby, her tummy is getting bigger and bigger.
I will let you know as soon as it's born.
Until next time



PS. Come and see our brand new indoor adventure play area.]]>john@fried-eggs.comHome2008-01-28T11:31:22+00:00http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/34bc6e3f4213e48097fa004af53624b6-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.rovesfarm.co.uk/jimmy/jimmy/files/34bc6e3f4213e48097fa004af53624b6-4.html#unique-entry-id-4Welcome to my very first diary!



It's been very strange at Roves now that we don't have any visitors, especially after such a busy Christmas.

My very first Christmas was Amazing... I even had a staring role in the nativity play, but the children upstaged me every time!

For those of you who didn't come at Christmas we have a new friend in the farmyard. I was unsure of what it was to start with but farmer Rupert said that it was a Llama and his name was George. He has settled in really well and is very friendly but he sings all the time and likes to spend his time with the sheep.
Margaret is due to return from her very long holiday, I've missed Margaret but not as much as I have missed her little treats... Polo's were the best. I'm not sure where she has been but I did overhear Katie and Pat talking about her seeing Kangaroos and Koalas whatever they are? I'm sure she will tell me all about it when she gets back!

I think I would enjoy a holiday. I hear the children sometimes talking about seeing donkeys on the beach when they go away, I think that I would fit in well there. I'll have to talk to mum about that one...

Well next time I write we will be open again YEH!! So I will have lots and lots to tell you.

Until next time.



P.S. We are open on the 16th February, I will look forward to seeing you all then.]]>