Spring at last

At Last Spring has arrived. This winter seems to have stayed with us longer than usual, although the time has flown by. Its so nice to be able to sit with the office door open and listen to the birds twitter in the original sense. Despite the current recession, Vale Training seems to be as busy as ever. We have delivered nearly 330 course days to around 900 delegates in the past year, June to May, and the courses delivered have been varied and interesting. We have delivered training in subjects as diverse as lambing to food hygiene, sausage making to advanced agronomy and chemical application. So a big thank you to all our customers for your continued support. We are constantly trying to improve the serves we offer so if you have any ideas do please let us know.

The farm has been busy too. There have been lots of new arrivals, over 500 lambs, 6 cows, 12 calves and 3 chickens, as well a new member of staff. Tim, who had worked here with us for over 12 years, decided it was time to return to Scotland with his partner Catriona. I am not sure who was more upset at his leaving him or us, but we wish them both lots of luck in their new life. Ian joined the team at the beginning of May, and seems to be settling in well to life at Marsh Hill Farm.

Grant aid on course continues to be the bane of my life, with over three weeks every month taken up with processing of claims and documents. I suppose it is a necessary evil, but wonder how many of our clients would miss grant if we decided not to continue with RDPE funding after 2011. Comments would be warmly welcomed

Things to look out for in the coming weeks: the new mix 96 adverts which goes to air this week, our new stand at the Waddesdon Country show on 5th June, and some new courses on offer over the summer. Watch this space

So to the end of another blog, I relay must try to do them more often, so that we keep you all up to date with life at the Training Centre, our highs and lows. Have a good Spring.

Kate Mason

PS the sheep is called Tibbles, and the calf Miranda