Case Study 4 - Charles Davis, Gorstage Green Farm, Northwich
Charles had the idea of ‘Farmer 4 A Day’ after speaking to a friend about the success of ‘Keeper For A Day’ at Chester Zoo. Charles had arranged all the necessary insurance and devised the daily programme for those attending his experience offer before he contacted the REG team.
With such a unique idea, Charles came to REG for assistance with marketing, and to also look at developing on site facilities for his visitors.
A REG adviser visited the farm and after gaining a greater understanding of what was on offer, identified that Charles could be assisted in a number of ways.
Through the links with Cheshire and Warrington Tourism Board, it was arranged that Granada TV film for a programme which was shown in the New Year.
Charles was also put in touch with the North West Farm Tourism Initiative, who, with Visit Chester & Cheshire arranged an awareness day with the local tourism officers, to increase the profile of the experience on offer.
A Defra Rural Enterprise Scheme grant has been identified as the most suitable grant to convert a building for changing facilities, an ice cream production area, toilets and a classroom. Once planning has been granted, the adviser will assist Charles with his grant application.
Charles was nominated by REG to receive training through a Defra funded initiative. The training was aimed at improving the communication and presentation skills of farmers who are helping to educate both the public and other farmers. Charles has now undertaken this free training programme and is now able to put the skills developed into practice.
Watch this space for developments on this project. We will try to let you know when Charles can be spotted on TV.
If you are interested or know someone who might enjoy this experience, contact Charles through his website www.farmer4aday.co.uk.
Winter 2006/2007 Update
Back in the Autumn of 2006, Charles received 50% funding support from REG to train in the production of butter and ice cream. The 1-2-1 training was delivered by the Food Department at Reaseheath College (www.cove.co.uk) and provided Charles with the skills and knowledge to go immediately into productions.
In
January 2007, Charles made his first batch of butter. Having bought a
small hand churner and some unique wooden boxes to package and promote his
butter, Charles approached a number of local farm shops. Having identified
the huge market potential for butter production in Cheshire, he was soon in
business.
Although still at an early stage, this new enterprise gives Charles the opportunity to further diversify his dairy farm business, and is another production technique that his visitors can experience when they become a 'Farmer4ADay'.
To find out where to buy Charlie's Cheshire Butter, please visit his website at www.farmer4aday.co.uk