Woodwork at the farm

The mild winter weather made all of the blooms come out early and they greeted the wonderful families that came out to the farm today. We enjoyed making a special Steiner maths toy to experiment with beautiful geometry. A simple gadget made out of offcuts of wood, all we needed was a simple hammer and nails. Everyone enjoyed creating unique patterns in simple number sequences. An enjoyable hands on approach to maths! The crocuses and irises were out in full bloom and the children enjoyed playing outdoors making pine cone and twig stew and digging with the children's spade. A cosy fire glowed in the Roma Roma caravan and we enjoyed a cup of teas and friendly chat afterwards.

Marmalade Day

It's that time of year when the Seville oranges appear! In a hurry marmalade makers find their muslin squares and get busy squeezing and the room fills with gorgeous citrus aroma. Little hands love the messy squishing and after all the hard work is done, it is a pleasure to see the marmalade simmering aay in a pan on the aga. Out here at the farm, principles are high and we chose soft sweet organic oranges, What a delight to see the final golden product in it's jar. Finally not to waste anything, we made candied peel with the leftovers - yummy!

Candlemas

Candlemas in the Snowdrop Woods Let us all be grateful and glad for the blessings of Spring! It was a joy and a privilege to see folk after the winter hibernation. Everyone was in good spirits and the children were ready for a walk around the snowdrops and aconites in the woods. We had a group of 10 adults and 9 children. Parents brought candles in jam jars and little bells for the children to ring. We stopped intermittently to sing with the children to wake up the bulbs. We sang to the tune of Frere Jacques: Are you sleeping, Are you sleeping, Little bulbs, little bulbs, Spring is coming, Spring is coming, Ding Dang Dong, Ding Dang Dong

Advent Spiral

With the edges of Winter frost on our fingers and toes and a chill in the air, we wrapped up warmly and held our candles in apples (not disimilar to Christingle) and celebrated the beginning of Advent... The children stepped carefully around the Advent Spiral of evergreen branches and placed their candles inside. The walk symbolises a walk into the darkness of Winter and the emergence of Light. We had a talk about St Cuthbert and his gentle life of kindness and prayer. We sang Winter and Christmas carols. It was lovely celebration that brought us together and lightened the Winter months. We held Advent Spiral with Seedlings Woodland Group @ St Cuthbert's church, Brattleby.Thankyou to Rev Adrian Smith and the Springline Parish, my father Pastor Alan Hoare and the Seedlings Woodland Group!

Pumpkin Carving with the Kids

Autumnal Blessings

My favourite time of year, when the leaves turn beautiful oranges and golden. The soil recovering from it's growing season and the opportunity to plant bulbs for an early Springtime appearance. Today we all celebrated with a bonfire and healthy snacks, whilst toasting our toes near to the fire. The children played the afternoon away digging up wiggly worms and running around the Willow Dome structures. Fresh air and rosey cheeks, muddy hands and happy hearts. It was refreshing to chat to the parents about alternative education and bringing the great outdoors into our central learning. Our regular meet ups are now group insured and registered with SWSF (Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship). We are looking forward with anticipation to the next years development on the farm. Working as a Collective is rewarding and soul nourishing. And in the lead up to Christmas, it is a pleasure to work with a group that bring meaning to the seasons - instead of the consumerist consumption overtaking the nation.

Apple Pressing Day 2013