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We don’t often blow our own trumpet but we had a really good report after our annual inspection by Visit England.

Here are just a few snippets from what the inspector said.

“…. ….the Proprietors are very much to be commended on the continued investment and maintaining of these standards helping ensure that the properties retain the Four Star Self Catering rating…..It isalso a pleasure to re confirm the Gold Award for Orchard House cottage for another year, reflectingthe care and attention afforded by the Proprietors…….Special mention should once again be made ofthe high standards of cleanliness seen on the day, a real credit to the Bywaters and for which they are to be congratulated.”

So you can rest assured that we are keeping up the standards you want to see when you come and stay here at Hicks Farm.

One of our loveable black cats Tizer’s health went downhill after the sudden death of Kim and sadly we said goodbye to him in September.

Tizer is missed by us all including his brother Tango who is finally accepting the loss of both Kim and Tizer.

But it hasn’t just been the cat and the dog to whom we said farewell……… after much thought we have decided to have a break from keeping cattle on the farm.

It will be strange without them but we have decided to make some changes and see how we and the farm cope!

So, the lorry arrived and the cattle were loaded and we said “goodbye” to our cows too!

Sadly our much loved Sheepdog Kim died suddenly last week. She will be missed by not only our family but many more people who she met over her 12 years with us.

Kim came to us in July 2006. A multicoloured bundle of fluff.

From an early age she showed great ball catching skills – but was a reluctant sheep dog. Tizer and Tango, the cats, who were already in residence tolerated this lively creature and Kim soon learnt when, and when not, to bother them!

As time went on Kim had puppies – three litters of gorgeous puppies. She was a very proud Mum and always looked after her puppies. Only abandoning them on one occasion when going for a long walk into Brampton Bryan with the guests seemd like a good idea – little did she know that the new park keeper would spot her off a lead and tie her to a gate post in the park! Which is exactly where we eventually found her, patiently waiting – she knew we’d come and rescue her!

Over the year’s Kim has been the most mentioned in the visitor’s books. Kim was always there to greet everyone and would rock up at every BBQ invited or not!

She loved company, especially children. Saying that anyone who would play ball was perfect in Kim’s eyes – she had her own unique way of holding onto the ball, many of your know all about that! Playing cricket was always a challenge with Kim around.

She was a loveable rogue & will be terribly missed – the Christmas card will not quite be the same without our Kim. 

That sounds rather like an Enid Blyton story book. This little door has puzzled us for some time!

Quite a while ago the little pink door appeared at the bottom of the old cherry tree opposite the house.

No one has ever said anything about it and we have never opened/moved it! We do not know who put it there.

Maybe it was part of a treasure hunt at a Hen Party or a little girl’s wooden door from a toy she brought on holiday – we haven’t a clue!

It will remain a mystery to us unless someone comes forward with the reason it was put there.

But we rather like the little pink door under the cherry tree!