Monthly Meeting - You Need More than One Carousel - for When the Music Stops’
Tuesday 9 February
On a snowy February night we might usually be making a very short report of a cancelled meeting due to weather … however by the power of Zoom we were still able to get together from near and far, cosy and safe in our homes! Anne Artis kicked off the meeting wishing members and friends a warm welcome before a brief treasurers report and confirmation that there were not many events to report on other than possible fundraising days which we are waiting to hear if they are confirmed.
Anne then introduced Rebecca McEwan of Arnprior Farm which is primarily a sheep farm but expanded into beef and through becoming the Forth Valley monitor farm the family reviewed their approach and began to diversify starting with pumpkins (Duncan’s choice over Rebecca’s preference for lavender!) The first year saw challenges from wind, weather and deer but delivered a good crop from 300 seeds which was advertised on social media, allowing people to buy pumpkins along with starting to create opportunities for people to enjoy the rural environment. Rebecca’s background in design has been a strong influence in creating the Arnprior brand and experience and now the pumpkin patch plants 20,000 seeds each year! Pumpkins were closely followed by a lambing experience in 2015 before construction started on part of a barley field – now hosting a swimming heated by biomass on the farm (which dries grain, warms homes and also heats the swimming pool to 32 degrees!) and glamping pods equipped with all mod cons – much better than camping in a tent! Each pod has a distinct personality, privacy and hot tub!
Rebecca wrapped up reminding us of the Ps of Arnprior – Pumpkins, Pool And Pods – but also the sheep and a hobbit hut with firepit to enjoy with your friends! Bookings can all be made online and at the moment open up 4 weeks in advance. https://arnpriorfarm.com/ An opportunity to make memories with family, friends and children!
The meeting closed with the group reminiscing of the fun they had had visiting Arnprior and recognising the hard work and effort required to run such a successful business and thanking Rebecca for joining the meeting and telling us about the asset we have on our doorstep.
