Cedar Barn Farm Shop |
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if we need more. We have the pure Angus heifers grazing at Cedar Barn for our customers to view.’
Developing the theatre is how Karl sees part of his role. He understands the dynamics that can add to a customer’ s experience. That’ s why the
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miniature railway is there and before that, the maize maze.
‘ Not everything works. The maize maze didn’ t because it only grew to 4ft by the time the summer school holidays started and the land was a bit sticky. We thought of something else and built the track. I’ m not some kind of massive train enthusiast but I’ d seen a few miniature railways and had this idea of running it to the pick your own. My granddad used to rent this field out for an annual traction engine rally so the idea of maybe having steam back here opened up a different element. Since we opened I’ ve been
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www. raisthorpemanor. com
Raisthorpe Manor, Wharram, Malton North Yorkshire, YO17 9TF
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approached by several groups for them to run miniature steam trains and we hosted a steam weekend at August Bank Holiday.
‘ We built the track in two years and it has worked really well. Pick your own was dying a death but this has revitalised that side of our business and revolutionised the shop. We’ re up nearly 15 cent since we opened. Cromer and White, one of the biggest miniature steam railway companies, loaned me an engine and bogey to move the gravel; they helped us bend the steel and we used 17,500 self tappers to fasten the track on the sleepers. We now have an Asparagus Express, Strawberry Express and all the rest including in the autumn the Pumpkin Express.’
Growing as much seasonal produce as possible has become another part of Karl’ s remit and making a kitchen garden is his next aim.
‘ I’ d like our customers to know that whatever they see they can buy in our farm shop and go on our railway
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to see it all. We’ re looking at a continuous supply of herbs from a new polytunnel and as many different lines as we can grow. I’ m outside more, doing what I like doing. It’ s farming but a bit of a change to what I used to do 10 years ago. Mandy looks after the finances and the café; our general manager looks after all three departments. Niece Holly( Cook) works in the shop and my sister, Mandy too. My mum, Maureen comes along and washes up at the weekend. We now have a team of 30, which will grow as we’ ve now received planning permission to extend the kitchen. We’ re also putting in a function room.’
Cedar Barn is also developing further with its own lines of baking and luxury ready meals. It’ s all a far cry from Karl’ s days when he was on the farm with his dad.
‘ Dad passed away two years before we opened. I think he would have been proud of what Mandy and I have achieved.’
I am sure that is certainly true.
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