Life on boats makes you keenly aware of the changing of the seasons. Such small spaces seem to squeeze you into the outside like toothpaste. Some boats are so tiny that you are either on the towpath or you’re in bed – and you can often hear everything that’s happening on the towpath from your bed! On boats there are always chores associated with the turn of the seasons and everything becomes much harder when the weather is challenging. As Mike shuffled brewing vessels around up at Horsenden and moved his new larger kit into place in the brewery, I tested my knees barrowing 100kg loads of coal along a muddy gravel track. A bulk order of firewood will be made when my back (and bank balance) have recovered.
It has been pleasing to see, hear and feel the rain again and I am pretty sure you can almost hear the earth swelling as the trees and the plants droop with the weight of water and the topsoil gets slick and sticky. However, in the garden, produce is slowing down. The final Farm Shop of the year took place on Saturday 31st October, coinciding with our exciting Halloween/Samhain celebrations. The volunteers will miss Saturday mornings and all our lovely customers who have been so loyal and so complementary about the quality of the farm’s veg. Luckily baking and brewing can continue so opportunities to gather and greet one another remain…
October on the farm has been a month of celebration, reflection and preparation for the seasons ahead. On one of the coldest evenings of the year so far, the Friends of Horsenden presented their annual update and hosted a party to thank the volunteers for all their hard work. It was a fantastic opportunity for everybody to come together, celebrate achievements and reflect on just how much our amazing community has accomplished this year. The bowls of stew steamed, the cake hit all the spots it was meant to (and some that we’d all prefer it hadn’t) and there might also have been some dancing as the Rigmarollers played with their usual enthusiasm and professionalism.
On the bar we have been excitedly discussing preparedness and stockpiling, recommending our favourite apocalypse films and TV shows, and comparing our sloe gin recipes. To passers by this might sound like politics, but in fact these discussions are really very traditional Autumn activities and quite in keeping with life on the farm. Lower light, shorter days, and cooler temperatures reduce outdoor activity and turn attention to the things that cushion us from harsher conditions and help us feel cosy and comfortable. While a wind up radio or squeeze charge dynamo torch might not be on my own wish list, I am relishing the opportunity provided by wet weather days to sit with a cup of tea and a new knitting project or even a bag full of yarn to reorganise. In the farm kitchen, volunteers have been busy turning the quinces from our farm trees into delicious quince jelly and Membrillo, which will be perfect for feasting with friends and family.
Two very successful Autumn wreath workshops saw participants overwhelmed by the volume of material gathered from around the farm. Willow branches were even harvested from the moorings! Beth and her team expertly coaxed the artistry out of each and every participant, while mulled apple juice and delicious flower-topped spiced cupcakes helped everyone to slow down, get creative and connect with the changing seasons. These workshops always result in a procession of enviably stunning wreaths. The wreaths are a celebration as well as a reminder of the beautiful colours, textures and abundance of the season. They look stunning on door frames and offer such a welcome to guests but also lift the spirits and share a feeling of warmth and community with anyone passing by. If you fancy having a go, booking is now open for our Christmas wreath making workshop on 11 December.
The Market Garden team are already looking ahead, taking the opportunity of calmer, cooler days to clear and mulch beds with farm made compost, and re-plant with crops that will last through the winter including kale, chard and winter lettuces. Plans are also underway for next year, with the sowing of broad beans and the planting of garlic and onions sets. Reflection on the difficulties of the past season as well as how wonderfully the farm has grown, allows the team to think carefully about how to build greater resilience into their systems. With the possibility of a harsh winter and another hot, dry summer ahead, improving water harvesting, storage and soil health will be key priorities over the coming months.
As the curtain is drawn on October with Halloween and Samhain festivities, we enjoy our final outdoor Open Mic, a spooky Twilight Walk and traditional Halloween activities, including an outdoor film screening in the courtyard. These celebrations form part of our developing Wheel of the Year calendar, bringing people together to connect with nature, local landscapes and the changing seasons through shared traditions.
Away from the farm, the spectacular celebration of light and community and warmth continues on into November with Guy Fawkes and Diwali bringing people together around fires and candlelight for gifting and feasting. However, the lack of light on Horsenden Hill does mean that from November the gates will now be closing at 4.30pm because as magical a place as it is, there are some fearsome beasts prowling about. We wouldn’t want anybody finding themselves alone in the dark with a Gruffalo, a Wyvern, or Billy the farm cat…
Midwinter festivities are speedily approaching. Despite the shortened opening hours Horsenden Farm still has much to offer for those who are preparing for late nights and the party season. The new dark rye bread that the Loaf have been trialling is a pretty big hit in our household because it keeps so well and provides a strong start to the day when toasted and smothered with melted butter. Horsenden Honey is tasting better than ever, and is one item on the preparedness list that is guaranteed not to stay unopened at the back of your cupboard. Perivale Brewery have T-shirts and tote bags, and the beer cans have increased in size. Solas’s therapy rooms are open all week to knead and squeeze the tension out of muscles and soften the tightness out of shoulders and toes. The Christmas Craft Market planning is underway too and we hope to see you up at the farm on December 5th for yet another fantastic Horsenden event!
Coming up in November…
- Milly will be hosting another Tetra Pak printing workshop in November, this time festive designs which can be used for cards, prints, gift tags, festive bunting etc. There will be morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday 14th November, priced £22.50 with all the money raised going to Horsenden. You can book via the Horsenden events page.
- Horsenden Loaf opening hours; Fridays 11-2, Saturday/Sundays 10-4 with pizza available between 12 and 4pm.
- Horsenden Farm Flowers will be available for purchase on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from the flower shack next to the Loaf’s counter.
- Solas is open for therapy sessions all week, the Crystal Shop is open on Saturdays, and Sound Baths are scheduled for Sunday mornings throughout the month.
- Perivale Brewery opening hours; Saturday and Sunday 12-4.30pm.
- Disco is hosting his Extraordinary Quiz on Sunday 8th November from 2pm, the Acoustic Jam will be Saturday 14th November, and Kirk will be hosting a traditional pub games session on Saturday 21st November.
- The Open Mic events will be moving down the road to the warmth of Perivale Library, and the first one there will be November 28th. Perivale beer will of course be available on tap for that event!
- We have a Christmas Craft Market coming up on December 5th, with lots of lovely local craftspeople to buy from. Pop up to get some Christmas shopping done and stay for a mulled wine and the brass band!
- And looking further ahead there are tickets available for our Christmas Wreath making workshop on Friday 11 December
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