The Willertons didn't escape! As predicted, they arrived in blazing sunshine on Friday, and we made hay on Sunday and Monday. Many thanks to Richard and Anna Willerton for their help. Thanks also to James Holtom, Jack and Harry Chapman-Walker, Sam Smyth, Richard Leworthy and Sarah (Eveleigh) for their hard work. We now have a full hay barn. Richard Leworthy won the prize for making the most beautiful load of hay (pictured above)

Anne was very useful on her Tramper - relaying messages like, "More ice cream! Quick!".

Trampers are incredible machines; they give people with mobility problems access to all sorts of places off the beaten track.

Summer is marked by various major farm tasks. Haymaking is one and shearing is another. This year James Holtom, Sam Smyth and Sarah helped. James used his mountaineering skills to climb the wall and take this photo:

We are really enjoying doing our "Heavy Horse Experience Afternoons". Some very interesting (and interested) people have visited us. With just a few people, life is easier for the horses and our guests can get much more hands-on experience if they want it. In general, the first couple of hours are spent getting the horses ready and taking them for a drive on the moor, followed by tea and then a tour of West Ilkerton Farm in the Landrover to see the sheep, cattle, Exmoor ponies and (usually) wild red deer. See www.westilkerton.co.uk for further details. Martin and Sue Bastone came on a Heavy Horse experience afternoon and sent us this picture of the horses enjoying a well-earned rest in the evening sunlight.