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“As usual I acted as greeter for our guests We had some 500 split about 50/50 adults and children . Our guests are basically in two groups parents or grandparents with children . The children are often associated with our schools work and are showing their parents where they come . The second category are older persons some from the village and often wanting to buy from the farmers market stalls and eat home made tea and cakes . It is interesting one still has to explain pond dipping to some youngsters but all want to do it when they understand . All our guests said thank you and can they come again when leaving , not one little moan . These open events certainly allow us to explain our close relationship with the landscape and its biodiversity and that we protect it and its inhabitants both big and small . Learning about food seems also to capture the interest and the value of food rather than just its price as a commodity . Pity we can not do a few million.”
Graham Ward OBE
“The open day went very well with plenty of people who had not been to STC before and were amazed at the facilities. Over 100 people went on the glasshouse tour and heard about growing crops for supermarkets, home production vs imports and our trials programme. Many were keen gardeners wanting to know the best compost to use and our secret for growing such good quality plants. There was a lively discussion about composting and also getting good tasting produce.The staff did a superb job as always at a very busy time of the year. Only negative comment was from a man who went on the farm tour and had hoped to hear more about growing crops and not just about conservation and wildlife. Perhaps promote it as a farm wildlife walk rather than farm tour?”
Julian Davies
“Both children and adults, enjoyed the microscope displays of insect pests and beneficials found in UK glasshouse crops.”
Pat Croft
“I thought the day seemed well organised – everyone had a role and were happy and enthusiastic. Good numbers of visitors that seemed interested in what we were doing at STC. I ran 2 lab tours which each had around 25 participants.”
Cathryn Lambourne
“In the Children’s Craft Corner they enjoyed colouring pictures and making “Shaun the Sheep ” masks. The children also decorated Butterfly Folders which they then filled with sheets of puzzles and ideas for nature activities.”
Carole Rockliff
Hi
Just a line to say how much we enjoyed taking our 3 grandchildren around on Sunday.They loved the pond dipping/making a badge and planting up their own lettuce, the activities in the refreshments room were well used by them and every body helping out and on the stalls and information were genuinely nice and helpful.I look forward to the next one.
Open Day visitor