Took Aimee to see the “Baaa-baa’s” and “Moo-moo’s” at Heeley City Farm today. I’d never been before, and the south of the city is largely a big grey area in the road atlas in my head, so we relied on a Navigo to get us there – and it did, which was nice.
The farm is certainly what it says on the tin – a city farm. It’s literally right in the middle of some rows of pre-war workers terraces. It almost looks like the land the farm is sited on previously contained housing, which has been demolished to make way for the farm. Certainly, it’s quite odd to see 3 residential streets bisect the farm itself.
Once you step off the streets, and into the farm, it’s like being on a real farm – complete with the sights and smells(!). I think it’s great – some city kids won’t get to see a farm, and having this on their doorstep is excellent.
All of the staff are volunteers, and I must make a special mention to the young girl who showed us round the ‘small animals’ section, who described the animals in intimate detail and even encouraged Aimee to stroke and touch the animals themselves. Really, really encouraging to see this lass, who must’ve been about 12-13 really taking an interest in the welfare of the animals and not hanging around outside the local shops.
It is, unfortunately, a little run-down. The feeling is that the farm survives and ‘makes do’ as best it can – but some of the structures are looking pretty old and weathered. Probably nothing that a lick of paint wouldn’t fix, I guess. Presently there is no admission charge at all, and visitors are free to wander around the farm as they wish – which is exceptionally trusting in this day and age.
Of course – none of this matters a jot to Aimee, who is solely interested in the animals, who keep her entertained and awed. She’s so very curious – always wanting to see the next ‘thing’ and learn from it. Anyhow, if you’ve a young child, I recommend it.
Unaccustomed as I am to BBC3′s programming, I happened upon the aforementioned programme quite by accident tonight. Why haven’t I watched this before? It’s ‘lush’, it is.
Some of the acting is as wooden as the props, but the writing is, at times, hilarious. The little scene last night involving the overweight couple falling into a lusty romp over Kentucky Fried Chicken had me in stitches! Never before has a KFC corn-cob been used as a sexual metaphor on television!
It’s excellent romantic comedy with a witty twist – give it a go. I’ll have to track down the first series now and give up some more of my Sunday night to a TV show!
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One Comment
… is genius. You simply *must* watch the first series before you dare watch any more of series 2.
It’s funnier, if anything.
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[...] far cry from the likes of Cannon Hall (£4 entry) and even Heeley City Farm (FREE!, but please do make a donation!) in Sheffield – both of which had many, many more [...]