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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GIFT IDEAS
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PRESERVES
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Proud suppliers to Cedar Barn Farm Shop
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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