Jo Mcgrath © |
Jo Mcgrath © |
|||
|
one of the most famous visitors to have stayed at the farm was Emma Thompson, who was writing‘ The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit’, one of the characters in the book, William the turkey, was inspired by a real life turkey on the farm, whom she met whilst visiting the farm. Other well-known celebrity chefs to have visited the farm include Levi Roots and Anthony Worrall Thompson.
One of the most memorable and interesting moments whilst Jon has been at the farm was when it was used as the location for Hilltop Farm in the film Miss. Potter, who was played by the Hollywood actress, Rene Zellweger. The film had a huge impact on the farm, as the crew spent between 5 to 6 weeks prior to filming dressing the set. As part of the set dressing the film crew built a dry-stone wall and landscaped a vegetable garden in front of the house, all of which had to be removed at the end of filming. The only downside for John was the fact that occurred during his busiest time of the year, lambing and calving. In his own words, I wasn’ t very good to live with during this period because
|
of the disruption, which lasted for three months.
Yew Tree Farm is fortunate to have an artist in residence, Jon’ s fiancé Jo Mcgrath is a well-known artist and illustrator specialising in animal portraits,
Jo Mcgrath © capturing the character of both domestic and wild Cumbrian animals. Living at Yew Tree Farm surrounded by Herdwick sheep and Galloway Cattle has heavily influenced her work, especially the Herdwicks. She has an uncanny ability to be able to capture the interesting characteristics of the sheep in her artwork. Her artwork encapsulates her love of the countryside and the animals she illustrates. When she’ s not painting, she’ s helping Jon with managing the sheep and cattle on the farm.
Recently Jon and Jo have ventured into business with Gemma Metcalfe and her chef husband, Spencer, who opened the Herdwick Café and Bistro in Coniston. They supply Gemma and Spencer with meat
|
from the farm, and the café displays a changing selection Jo’ s artwork. The café has received several rave reviews from satisfied customers, including Kate Humble, who said‘ the Herdwick burgers were the best she’ s ever tasted!’. One of the cafe’ s attractions, apart from the great food, is it’ s dog friendly. Described as serving light lunches, and hearty meals Herdwicks has the best views in the village.
This year saw the couple venture into using the farm as a wedding venue, they’ ve just recently been given permission and have received their license. So with luck the first wedding to be held at the farm won’ t be too far away.
|
SALES:
Mitchells Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth, CA13OQQ
Telephone 01900 822016 Sat. 6th Oct. 2018- Tups Fri. 5th Oct. 2018- Draft Ewes
Harris & Hetherington Station Road, Broughton- in- Furness, LA206HQ
Tue. 2nd Oct. 2018- Tups Tue. 9th Oct. 2018- Draft Ewes
|
Est 1916
For more information about the breed contact us on:
Tel. 07702 751 477 amanda @ herdwicks. org. uk www. herdwick-sheep. com
|