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School Holidays at Gill's Farm

Date:16th July 2015| Category:General
Gill’s programmes are definitely starting to be noticed and over the 2015 2nd Term school holidays we ran an introductory day for children. A small group of 7 children found their way to the farm. Melone was there to do his ritual greeting, barking excitedly as his tail wagged vigorously in rapid circles. He’s a funny boy.

Once we introduced ourselves, and quietened Melone, we headed for the activity room. The doors were opened and in we all went, the sound of enthusiastic voices could be heard from afar. The calves were waiting patiently, well perhaps not as patiently as one might hope for, as breakfast was running late and little Rosie, the Welsh mountain pony, was suggesting we get a move on as breakfast is always a focal point in her day. Later a couple of the girls gave her a big hug and kiss-giving a horse a kiss was a new experience. Lots of laughter and happy faces were heard and seen.

Herby and Thomas, the angora goats, love the attention while Mary, Lucy, Betty, Lu Lu and Iris, some of our dear sheep, know these days mean spoiling is on the menu. The children asked many questions, being absolutely interested in the answers. It is great to see children stop and listen, then follow through with a safe and responsible action-this is part of learning about being on a farm. The children also learn how to let the sheep and goats out of their pens safely, making sure both the children and animals have a stress free experience.

Once outside we walked over to the hen house, most children want to pick up a hen. Here again they are taught the safe and correct way to pick up our now placid Isa girls. There is a feeling of accomplishment when you have a soft, plump, hen snuggled in your arms, gently chatting to you. It was beautiful to see one of the older boys show a four year old girl how to pat a hen. Children gain confidence quickly.

Trips across the paddocks to feed the distant horses carrots, feeding the alpacas lucerne hay and simply being outside in the winter freshness is all part of a day at Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge farm.

Again Nessie did her job, warming our hands and giving us a feeling of cosiness as we came inside out of the cold. We formed a circle around Judy, who is never far away from Nessie, as she showed the children some of her homespun wool, some of which came from our very own sheep, how to spin on her brand new spinning wheel and gave the children a white, soft, luscious scarf made of spun dog hair. Several of the children and one of the mums had a go on my old faithful wheel. I was amazed how quickly they learned this sometimes difficult skill.

In amongst all of this we managed to demolish Lynn’s delicious scones and Val is always looking after us with fresh fruit and cups of tea- they are both absolute spoilers and we love them for it.

On a slightly sad note one of the children was unable to come to this morning venture then after chatting about the farm and all the animals I could hear great disappointment when the mother phoned me. I suggested her daughter visit one afternoon in the first week of the holidays and help me with the animals. The mother asked many questions. Again I could hear her profound interest so I suggested we hold a mother- daughter afternoon. What a pleasure it was for me, let alone them, as I saw the deep interest these animal lovers have for the wellbeing of our precious animals. It was absolutely beautiful to see and to chat with them about their passion and dedication. When you see the sparkle in a young girls eyes as she talks about her latest animal magazine and how she is going to get the back copies as soon as she has some extra money, then you feel you have found a future ambassador for the welfare of animals. We were on the same wave length. I do hope they come again and spend more time at Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge farm.

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• P:  (03) 5962 5995
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