FARM YARNS Spring 2014
farmland
Since 1838
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
Ph: 9681 8121
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House
2013-14 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (V.Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Greg Sparks
Jessica Gillespe
Lily O’Neill (Pres.)
Richard Ginsburg (Treas.)
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Misha Coleman
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1835). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Four panels of exciting Spring activity at the Farm. Bloom and babies. (images Andrew Phillips) Rear Cover photo - Mabeleine the Muscovy duck looking cute as can be at the back of the Barn (image Nick Edwards)
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Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report As we begin the slow change from Winter to
landscape and work with all groups who use it
Spring it reminds me that transitions can take
and come up with a plan that will make the
many forms. Some slow and subtle, and others
Farm sustainable into the future. All members
incredibly fast and dynamic. For our local First
will be notified of consultation meetings set up
Nation people, the Wurundjeri, their innate
for you to have input into this process. It is
sense of the changing weather was reflected in
important to the Farm and us that we all take
them having six seasons instead of our Euro-
this journey together.
centric four. And at the Farm we are currently experiencing the powerful expression of life
Over the Winter months, staff and all our
that is the annual arrival of our Spring lambs
volunteers are always working on projects to
and goat kids. Plus we have a new calf as
improve the Farm. Like pruning and planting
well—everything all at once, so it is a great
trees, sowing grasses and vegetables in the
time to plan a visit.
pigyards
and
poultry
pens.
And
from
repairing and building new fences, to fixing Johnson
the balcony on 16 Saint Heliers Street, all these
Landscapes is the start of a dynamic new era
things have been completed. Thanks must go
in the Farm’s history. His brief is to look at our
to
The
appointment
of
Phillip
our
Community
Heatherwood Below: Recent morning frost sparkling like diamonds in the early sunshine
school
Corrections and
a
groups,
group
of
community volunteers all working with Nick and Anita. Sophia Mundi Year 9-10’s have also been helping around the Farm working on the pigyards with Bridget. One change that all visitors will notice is the slight increase (by $2) in the entry per family fee to the Farm from the 1st September. This small donation has not increased for twelve years and over this time many operational costs have continued to rise for the Farm. In continued support of our social engagement charter, the entry prices have not been increased for concession-card holders (eg Healthcare, Seniors, Student, Carers cards). Time has flown since the Farm’s new Massey Fergusson MF3625 tractor arrived on loan from AGCO—can it really be twelve months?
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Real tractors are coloured red of course, and “Big Red” (as children have nicknamed it) has done sterling service across a wide variety of farm duties since its delivery. There is also a new slasher and aerator which will help with paddock substantial
management. financial
Tractors
investment
are for
a any
farmer, and so on behalf of the Farm I would like to deeply thank AGCO and acknowledge their generous support through loaning us “Big Red” for two years. We have a great working partnership with Bunning’s and in Spring they now set up their statewide day at the Farm for their staff to try out all types of power tools. This important day also allows us to have a go and see what we might need to help at the Farm.
Above: That tractor driver looks like someone I know ...
To all the parents, schools and kindergartens
part in activities set up by us, Melbourne
that visited the Farm throughout Winter, well
Water, Parks Victoria, Edendale Farm and City
done - it was great to see kid’s strolling around
West Water. The day was a great success.
in the wet and stepping in puddles. We also had another Kids Teaching Kids day, where
To our two members of staff attending the
over 450 children visited the Farm and took
European Federation of City Farms (EFCF)
Below: Bridget hard at work making a crown for one of the lantern cows
2014 Conference in Swansea, Wales, I would like to wish you both a safe and informative trip.
Having
attended
the
2012
EFCF
Conference (at which the CCF was accepted as the first associate EFCF member outside of Europe), I can vouch for the unique experience to network, benchmark and learn from the Conference and fellow EFCF attendees. It is very positive to be a part of a 500+ strong “family” of city farms, even if they are so far away! And for the rest of the farm staff there will be the opportunity to share and learn from what has been discovered when they return.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Above: Nettle giving Biddy a quick smooch on the cheek while she is having breakfast (image Sam Imbrogno)
Recently the City of Yarra re-opened the
Speaking of historical celebrations, it has been
former City of Collingwood town hall after a
a
substantial refurbishment and upgrade. It was
(National
pleasing
“The
Observance Committee) Day at the Farm. This
Orbweavers” (who performed at our 175
year we celebrated 11 years of hosting this
Farming
were
important day for our local Wurundjeri people
commissioned to write a song about the
and all Australian First Nation people. The
history of the building for the event. The Farm
day was celebrated with story, song, craft,
has a strong historical connection to the town
culture and of course, food. I would like to pay
hall, as when we started in 1978 it was still the
my respects to all elders who attended and
City of Collingwood council offices and they
especially those from the Wurundjeri. A big
supported
thanks also goes to the City of Yarra, who have
to
hear
that
the
Celebrations
the
Farm
band
launch)
by
providing
an
Administrative Support Officer who was
significant
anniversary
Aboriginal
and
for
NAIDOC
Islander
Day
supported this event for many years.
based there. Amazing to think there were only two paid (part-time) Farm employees in 1979.
The Farm’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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will occur towards the end of October; formal notification will be sent to all financial members and through public notice. If you would
like
to
consider
standing
for
membership of the Committee of Management please contact me via a.walker@farm.org.au. Accompanying the AGM will be the release of our Annual Report, which can be accessed in both hardcopy and online. One slow transformation regular visitors would notice occurring are the very attractive painted signs that are gradually appearing all around the Farm. All thanks to our volunteer Roger, who is an accomplished sign-writer. One of the nicest ones I’ve spotted so far is the sign for tractor rides on Family Day. The tractor driver does look suspiciously like Roger ... check it out and see what you think! The
Farm
and
Abbotsford
Convent
Foundation have been jointly appealing to the current State Government not to impose a Congestion Tax on the carpark in Saint Heliers Street. We have estimated that the Farm will
Above: Rainy day hairdo, Chinese Silkie style
lose almost $60,000 every year from its
group tours and hosted birthday parties, and
operational budget should the tax go ahead. If
will be removed once plans are finalised for
you would like to lobby your local State
the immediate area. So watch this (or that)
member and request this tax not be imposed,
space in the future.
please feel free to do so. For more detailed information on this matter, you can contact me
The annual Winter Solstice bonfire was again a
on 9417 5806.
huge success; everyone’s support of this fun, family-focused event ensured we once again
Regular visitors will have notice that a
sold every ticket that was available. A big
temporary marquee has been erected around
thanks for all the staff, CoM and volunteers
the remains of the old peppercorn tree
who helped create what was a fantastic
(opposite the pigs). This temporary measure
evening with their hard work and effort. The
has been installed for the comfort of school
bonfire mound was expertly constructed by
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Nick W and the new lanterns (created by Bridget and artist Annie Edney) delighted all the children during the lantern parade and in the ménage area. The Farm is also a member of Victorian Farmers
Federation
(www.vff.org.au),
the
peak lobbying body representing farmers across the State. For those of us who may find the CCF inspiration to perhaps move to the country and start your own farm (eg a “farmchange”), the VFF recently held its inaugural Small Farming Expo at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. This one day event covered motivation, finance and regulatory issues as well as discussion panels lead by successful small farmers. Hopefully this event will be held again next year, and who knows, perhaps we could host it here? The start of Spring sees many of our garden plot
members
reinvigorating
their
plots;
remember you can buy the best compost, worm castings and mulch at the Farm, and all produced onsite. When available, these items can be sourced from Reception during the week and also on market days at the Farm stall. This Spring is a Members drive, so make sure you are financial with updated contact details. And maybe encourage a friend to join!
Above: Big crowds at the recent Kids Teaching Kids day
This edition of “Farm Yarns” also reflects the
consideration. Some of the design elements
return of the standard cover design, as a way
have been retained as a permanent way to
of signalling the closure of 12 months noting
reflect the ongoing importance of this date for
the first local land sales in 1838. Over this time
the local community. For everyone who has
the Farm has ensured that both the negative
supported this year-long event by either
and positive aspects of this moment have been
practical support, engagement or through
respectfully
personal reflection, we say a big thanks.
acknowledged
and
given
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Team Leaders We should call this edition the “Blooms and
free-range, ethically-sourced eggs, don’t forget
Babies” cover! We have seen an explosion of
you can visit our monthly Farmers Market and
Spring babies across the Farm—cute lambs,
purchase them from a variety of stallholders.
bouncy goat kids and a sweet new calf. Over the next few weeks as the sheep and goat
There are a variety of cow moo-vings (yes, we
mums bond with their babies, there will be the
just made that up) on and off the Farm to
opportunity for visitors to gradually be
report. Daphne will return soon as our new
introduced into the paddocks so that the bubs
milking cow, as a replacement for Biddy I
can become used to us humans.
(who will then go back to her dairy near Shepparton). Nettle, our new baby Australian of
Dairy Shorthorn calf, is a fit and healthy bub
wheelbarrows for a wide variety of tasks. So
and will spend time growing up with us until
you can never have enough of them, especially
she is ready to join a working dairy herd. And
for the large volunteer groups. If one or two
our Biddy II has gone to the country near
(or three) break down it can have quite an
Bendigo for a bit of romance and will
impact on trying to get work done. So a big
hopefully return here to give birth.
Across
the
Farm
we
use
plenty
thanks to our volunteer Jimmy, who has taken the time and effort to go through our
Below: New farm dog Yardley enjoying a scratch and cuddle
wheelbarrow fleet and make any necessary repairs. All are now running smoothly. Nick W has now returned back to work after having a bit of medical attention to his knee. Nick’s poultry, construction and maintenance skills were missed while he was away. Welcome back! And speaking of going away, Bridget is heading off overseas to participate in the EFCF 2014 Conference. Along with Julia, they will be based in Swansea, Wales, visiting a variety of city farms and also taking time to visit others in England, Sweden and Finland. For those visitors who enjoy purchasing the chicken and duck eggs from Reception, we are about to start putting them aside so our annual incubation season can commence. So there won’t be any for sale until January, sorry! If you would like to continue enjoying yummy
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Our Berkshire pigs have done an amazing job of turning Aleisha’s Paddock over (see Farm Yarns Autumn 2014 for the full story). The weeds have been well and truly disrupted and the paddock aerated and manured. As part of the Farm’s Integrated Paddock Management Program (IPMP), we will now see how Aleisha’s Paddock recovers after having been re-seeded and aerated using the tractor. The horses are all having a great holiday off the Farm (apart from those who stayed to do birthday party duties), however the good news is that they will all be returning before the end of School Term three. Tyson the chestnut pony will be coming back a bit earlier as he has been enjoying the good life a bit too much! This of course also means that pony/horse rides will be returning to Family Day in October. The one baby animal we don’t have any of at the moment are piglets! We have estimated
Above: Goats a-go-go in the Barn Paddock!
our next litter will be due in around two months time. Meanwhile Typhoon and Moira
handsome and clever pooch, fitting in very
have been reunited with Greta and Maybell at
well to his new home.
the pigstys. Most of the pigyards have been planted with a variety of greens to give them
A bit of construction has occurred at a few
tasty treats and physical activity once grown.
places around the Farm. The temporary chipboard decking next to the old Reception
Nala the Golden Labrador has gone off on a
has been replaced with attractive Mirboo.
new placement with a host family. We are sad
Along with the new railing, this area now
to see her happy and lively energy gone from
looks much better and is being enjoyed by café
the Farm but delighted she will provide
patrons
excellent companionship and fun for her host
Workshop (now Staff Office) has had a revamp
family. A new pup will join us at the Farm
that extended the lunchroom and provided
soon. Bridget has already started hosting a
extra administrative space. All the staff
replacement dog for Ivy; visitors can now
appreciate not having to eat their lunch elbow-
enjoy patting Yardley, a Smooth Collie. He is a
to-elbow anymore!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
and
farm
visitors.
The
former
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3 5
4
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PHOTOS Boss cat looking way too cute Being a good goat mum I’ve got legs and ears—weeeeeee! The maestro focuses on the canvas The master’s work, safety first! (image 1 Andrea Dudley-Owen, images 4-5 Sam Imbrogno)
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Garden News
Toni Phillips
The annual pruning at the Farm is a huge,
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labour-intensive job and involves a big “hands on� effort by most of the Farm community. Farm staff Nick K and Nick W co-ordinated the process of enlisting and training volunteers both Farm and corporate. Together with the two Nicks they pruned hundreds of branches which have been used for goat browsing as well as being chipped and left to weather (hopefully to break down a bit and become useful mulch for when the soil
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has heated up).
1
2 1 2
3 4
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
PRUNING PHOTOS Nick W and the volunteer team Nick E (left) and Phillip (right) working hard with a corporate volunteer (centre) Pruning high in the canopy Gangu, David and Yongling using our new chipper to turn branches into useful mulch (images Toni Phillips)
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Above, inset: Biddy chose a bed of nettles to birth her calf Nettle into (images Toni Phillips)
Nettles, don’t be afraid Urtica urens is commonly known as Stinging
It’s a fact of botanical medicine is that a plant
Nettle. This plant is considered so problematic
is often both the cause and cure of the same
by some that the word “nettlesome” means not
complaint. Nettle ointment is one of the best
only irritating but troublesome, disturbing and
remedies for itches and stings. Being stung by
even irksome. This is quite sad as nettles are
Nettles or taking it internally relieves arthritis
very valuable to many aspects of life.
and rheumatism.
Nettles are a wonderful thing to eat, being
The suffering sting from nettles comes from
tasty and rich in chlorophyll, Vitamins A/C/D,
the tiny amount of formic acid (which is the
iron and phosphorous. Whilst Kelp (seaweed)
same as in ants) in the many small “hairs”
is the highest source of organic iron, Nettles
along the stem and leaves. Nettle is also used
contain the highest of all land plants. They are
to make soothing ointments for ant stings and
also very important in herbal medicine.
skin irritations. One plant, many uses!
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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calms a nettle sting - an old Irish saying goes like this: “Neantóg a dhóigh mé agus cupóg a leigheas mé (A nettle stung me and a dock leaf cured me). Or for those of us not fluent in Gaelic, there is an old English saying, ”Nettle in Dock out, Dock rub Nettle out !”. For culinary purposes, young shoots are best. After harvesting, wash and cook like spinach without adding any extra water for a few Above: Frosty fringing for nettles on a cold Winter’s morning (image Toni Phillips)
minutes only. Leave covered in the pot to wilt for a few minutes before chopping, blending or using in any recipe like spinach.
Stinging nettles and Dock (genus Rumex) leaves are a famous poison-and-antidote combination, often found growing side by side (they thrive in a similar habitat). Dock leaves contain a small amount of antihistamine which soothes the sting. The nettle-neutralizing power of a dock leaf is common British farm knowledge passed down from generation to generation; who know rubbing a dock leaf Below: Formic acid “hairs” on both leaf and stem of Stinging Nettle (image Toni Phillips)
Above, inset: The cause (nettles) and the cure (dock), often growing side by side (image Toni Phillips)
Nettles are a good fodder plant for animals if wilted or dried. They are also important in organic gardening as a compost activator and fertilizer. In fact the famous Purin D’ortie that we make at the Farm is a popular French liquid-nettle fertiliser. Nettles were historically used like flax to make cloth and thread, and also as a dye.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Community Gardens
Toni Phillips
Above: Barbara and Neil Campbell, seven years of amazing patience finally paying off (image Toni Phillips)
Meet the plotters Barbara and Neil Campbell were bursting with
fenced garden plot demonstrates a very nifty
energy whilst on the waiting list for seven(!)
way to make brilliant use of the space, and
years to get a plot at the Farm, and so during
harder for slugs and snails to climb over.
that waiting time helped out their friend Malcolm with his plot. So when they finally
Community spirit in action
got their own recently, in no time they had it
Mig and John have been showing great
weeded,
community spirit by helping out in a plot
cultivated,
landscaped,
fenced,
planted and mulched.
whose
gardener
has
been
sick.
Please
remember that your working bee obligation They both have a love of gardening: the
can also be signed off by working on the Farm
exercise benefits, sense of community and
Stall at the Farmers Market or by arrangement,
naturally, having fresh food to eat. Their
attending to communal areas.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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2 1
4 3 HAVE YOU NOTICED? Mig and John at work during plots working bee 2 Someone’s dad has access exotic manure, what is Elephant perhaps? 3-4 Are both of these scaring birds away? 5 Plotter Bill using the new gate (images Toni Phillips) 1
the to it? the
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Mulled wine recipe At the recent Winter Solstice Bonfire there were once again many positive compliments about the mulled wine, and requests for the recipe. The good thing is that it’s a very simple one. Made at the Farm especially for the Bonfire, I suppose the best compliment is the fact that once again, even after making more than last year, we again ran out. Sorry if you
Andrew Phillips
didn’t get a cup! So for all who asked, please find below the recipe for mulled wine that we use every year. Have fun making your own to enjoy with friends, and please remember to always consume the results responsibly. If you would like an emailed copy, please contact reception@farm.org.au.
MULLED WINE RECIPE 4 litres of inexpensive (but not awful) red wine 3-6 oranges, sliced (leaving rind on) 2-3 large handfuls of sultanas 1-2 Star Anise 1-2 Nutmeg (whole) 4-6 Cardamon pods 15 Cloves 2-3 Cinnamon sticks 4-5 Pimento (All Spice) balls 4-5 Peppercorns 3 cups apple juice 4-6 tablespoons honey (added when wine is warm) Prepare two separate cheesecloth (or pudding) bags, one for the spices and one for the sultanas. Tie a loose knot at the top of each bag. Pour wine into large saucepan, add half the sliced oranges, and place spice and sultana bags (peg with wooden peg to side of saucepan, watch it doesn’t burn them) and slowly bring the wine to just below boiling point. Keep at this temperature for 45-60 minutes, regularly (and carefully) plunging the spice and sultana bags (like teabags). Add the honey and stir gently until dissolved. If consuming immediately, take off heat and allow to cool before serving at a slightly warmed temperature. Remove spice bag and dispose of. Remove sultana bag and pour contents into mulled wine. Add the remaining sliced oranges. Add more honey if sweeter taste required. If consuming later, take off heat and allow to cool. Remove spice bag and dispose of. Remove sultana bag and carefully squeeze to release the juice before pouring squeezed sultanas into the mulled wine. Strain out cooked orange segments and squeeze to release the juice from the flesh. Dispose of remaining rinds. Mulled wine can now be chilled for serving later. When ready to consume, re-heat to moderate temperature to serve. Add freshly sliced oranges, and more honey if a sweeter taste is required.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARMLAND SINCE 1838 FARM
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PHOTOS Being a good sheep mum Boss cat looking way too cute Part II The Pascal lamb maybe? Had too much fun, can’t keep eyes open, getting sleepy ... zzzzzzzzzz (image 2 Andrea Dudley-Owen)
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Andrew Phillips
Our international family With the opportunity that being part of an
one of our Young Farmers recently visited a
international organisation brings (such as the
couple of city farms in Berlin. There are also
Farm’s associate membership of the European
two other Young Farmers about to embark on
Federation of City Farms (EFCF)), is the
student exchanges in Belgium and France. We
potential to be inspired and energised by
have been able to find city farms close to
others and how they utilise agriculture to
where they will be staying, so hopefully they
create a more inclusive and fair society for
can continue with some sort of farm-based
those experiencing disadvantage.
learning programs.
And so for the two Farm staff attending the
Speaking of new places to visit, recently I had
2014 EFCF Conference (in Swansea, Wales),
the good luck to meet the managers of an
not only is there the opportunity to visit a
English “project” farm—with a difference.
variety of “projects” (as they call city farms in
Tanya
Europe) as part of the conference proper, but a
Paddington Farm in Glastonbury, England, for
chance to extend this learning by visiting other
over seven years. For those with a knowledge
City Farms in England and mainland Europe.
of international music festivals, Paddington
It will be very exciting for all staff to learn
Farm is located a few kilometres west of the
from
site of the Glastonbury Festival. The farm itself
the
sharing
of
new
ideas
and
observations brought back.
and
Michael
have
been
running
sits just north of the famous Glastonbury Tor (reputedly one of the locations of a sleeping
For those staff not able to attend the EFCF
King Arthur). A very beautiful rural location,
Conference (somebody has to keep running
please check out the photo on page 19 opposite
the Farm!), there can of course be the potential
and you’ll be amazed.
for international staff exchanges in the future. This
is
a
truly
exciting
development
They are also members of the Federation of
opportunity for our staff, the Farm and
City
Farms
and
Community
suitable overseas candidates to benefit from.
(www.farmgarden.org.uk),
So regular Farm visitors, keep an ear out for
representative body; which in turn is a full
new accents and faces in the future!
member
organisation
of
Gardens
England’s the
peak
European
Federation of City Farms (EFCF). And for all our Members, it you are visiting Europe and wish to keep connected with the
The primary focus of Paddington Farm is
sort of positive activity and environment you
young adults experiencing learning challenges
experience here at the Farm, don’t forget there
and who are at risk of leaving secondary
is a network of over 500+ city farms to
schooling entirely. Interestingly, Paddington
potentially see! Just drop me an email at
Farm
staff@farm.org.au and I will check out what is
accommodation to be an excellent way of
near your destination(s) to enjoy. For example,
securing their financial stability to support
has
found
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
offering
overnight
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Above: Situated just below Glastonbury Tor, Paddington Farm enjoys an unparalleled location in which to do its important work for those experiencing disadvantage (image www.paddingtonfarm.co.uk)
their social engagement programs. And with something as cool as their selection of yurts and a heritage barn to stay in, who wouldn’t want to miss that opportunity! As unexpected (and sadly brief, they only found out about the CCF on their last day) first time visitors, Tanya and Michael (who were just visiting their son who is studying here), both have promised to come back and share the story of Paddington Farm and how they operate to create successful outcomes. Another positive example of how being part of an international family can bring benefits through shared learning at a local level. See you soon!
Above, inset: Paddington Farm utilises yurts to raise operational funds (images www.paddingtonfarm.co.uk and www.olympicsart.com )
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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175 Celebrations Story Competition One of the final events connected with our 175 Years of Farming celebrations was the recent awarding of two prizes to local primary school children for writing a story that connected with their experiences visiting the Farm. Interestingly, both children came from the same school! Out of the many entries that were entered, the two chosen were “Daisy cow goes to the Farm” by Raghav Prasad, and “My first visit to the Collingwood Children’s Farm” by Aditya Krishna. In front of their classmates and school representatives, Raghav and Aditya were presented with an award certificate and a copy of their story in booklet form. For
everyone’s
enjoyment,
we
have
reproduced the winning stories below.
One day I went to the Collingwood Children’s Farm for my friend Grace’s birthday party. Lots of my friends were there. Grace had planned lots of activities for us. We went on a tractor and got to pet sheep, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. We also saw some pigs playing about in the dirt. The best part of my visit to the Children’s Farm was milking the cow. It was something I had never done before and I love milk—it is my favourite drink. I had a good time. I loved my visit to the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Aditya Krishna My first visit to the Collingwood Children’s Farm
One fine Spring Day, I was cycling in my street, when I met a cow. She was lost and when I asked her name, she said her name was Daisy. Daisy said, “I am lost. Do you know where we are?”. I told her that we are in Rose Street, Ivanhoe. She then said, “I don’t have any friends. Do you know where I can meet some friends?”. I said, “sure I do know. We can go to the Collingwood Children’s Farm”. Daisy was surprised and she was amazed, “Oh, it’s a farm, but I can’t go by a car, or a bus or a tram”. I said, “but you can go in a train”. So she said “okay”. Then I asked my dad if we can go in the train and he said that we could. While we were going in the train, Daisy asked me if are there any animals in the farm. I answered that there were many other animals. I saw pigs, hens, roosters, sheep, goats, peacocks and many cows. I said “I did milk a cow, when I went there the second time on my excursion”. Daisy was very happy to hear this. When we got to the Collingwood train station, we got off the train and walked to the Farm. I left Daisy with the other cows and said “good bye”. She was happy. She shouted, “moo moo”, meaning thank you so much and please come back to visit me at the Collingwood farm. I said that I will come back next year, when I go to Grade One. Raghav Prasad Daisy cow goes to the Farm
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Summer
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family Fun Day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $18 Family $9 Adult $5 Child
The concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, both in class groups