Well, time rolls on and lots has happened, but we are off again!
September 2001

Mavis prepares Dinah for the long journey while Jonathan with Wrinkles and Rommel call to say a farewell.

All loaded and ready to leave.
Sadly in July 2001 Monarch passed away, so we now have a new addition to the "family" - Chloe is a sometimes grey 16hh mare.

Four and a half hours later after entertaining everyone on the M6 and M5 with Chloe's tail we arrived.

We were greeted by Joe with two new additions on the farm, Tom and Alice closely followed by Astro who we knew of old - still a frisby champion!

Dinah was keen to show Chloe the paddock - she was at home straight away.

Joe & Mavis watch as Dinah shows Chloe the way around.

Chloe is not too sure about the noise coming from the goats!

So, after a long day and a good evening meal, during which England beat Germany 5:1 at football, John (of Church Farm) called in for a chat. A perfect end to the day.

Sunday started with a mix of sun and showers, but Mavis' bacon and eggs were great!

We set off via the road route to Welshbury Wood.

After a long uphill canter to the top we stopped to admire the view.

We returned over Shapridge Common and had a short session on the gallops, after this they both enjoyed a good hose down - cleanest they have been in ages!

Good night Chloe!

Sleep well Dinah!

Keep watch on the stables Astro!

Another good day - Cheers!

Monday morning dawned cool but bright and we decided to venture further afield to Chestnut Enclosure.

We came back via St. Anthony's Well where we just had to take some more pictures. This tranquil spot is so pleasant. Chloe is not an ideal camera mount, she just won't stand still for more than a couple of seconds!

Unless of course I'm not trying to take a picture!

On arriving home we gave them both the customary hosing, and then off to the paddock...

... for Dinah's customary roll!

We had a relax in the granary garden and watched...

...the geese...

...and chickens...

...and the alarm clock (sorry cock) who can't tell the time!

Then back upstairs for lunch with a view of those two in the paddock.

Tuesday dawned cool but with a clear blue sky and we set off with John and Paddy to explore a new area South of Abenhall.

John and Paddy dropping down from Shapridge common.

John in the lead towards Littledean

Mavis and Dinah in the rear!

We rode through Littledean and up to Blaize Bailey woods where we stopped to admire the view of the River Severn and take more pictures.

Here John discovered that Paddy does not rate too highly in the tripod stakes either!

We continued down the woods and eventually turned north for home - Dinah knew and took the lead!

With Dinah setting the pace these two were soon back in their favourite paddock enjoying the lush Gloucestershire grass!

After a spell of sunbathing, Jane offered to take some pictures of us both.

So here we are with the horses!

Here is Jane - John's housekeeper - with Chloe.

... and another of her fine pictures!

Alice and Tom kept us company in the garden.

Meet James - hand reared by John, and a new friend for Mavis!

So with with our story up to date - it's off to bed !

Wednesday dawned overcast but warm, so we set off over the radio mast ride but took no pictures. After a rest, and fish and chips from Cinderford, Chloe and Barry used the gallop track and the cross country fences - Chloe had plenty of energy left!

Thursday, despite the rather poor weather forecast turned out fine and sunny, so we decided on a short ride over the Jubillee road route with John and Paddy.

The track in the woods opposite Church Farm is dark and quiet.

We returned via Shapridge Common, here John and Paddy climb the track through the bracken.

Shapridge Common, with the farm in the background.

On return to Church Farm we needed to visit Mitcheldean for some provisions - after the usual "hair do".

The village has a mix of ancient and modern.

The church was undergoing some renovation to the spire, with ladders attached right to the top!

Could this be the smallest town hall ever?
Built in 1710.

Friday was our last chance for a ride, so we set out to Popes Hill via Chestnut Enclosure

This is Popes Hill with the trees of Chestnut Enclosure in the background. From here the route home is along country lanes.

The lane from Popes Hill commands some great views over the River Severn and Gloucester in the distance...

... and finally drops down to the Flaxley road where we turned left towards the Abbey.

Flaxley Abbey from the road.

Approaching Flaxley Church.

We decided to extend our last ride round Welshbury Wood, past Tib Cross where the gypsies make covered waggons.

A little further and Green Bottom can be seen below.

Back home tired but happy...

... the end our last ride for this visit to Church farm.

Saddle off and into the paddock for a roll.

While Chloe's stable gets a tidy up.

Well Saturday is here and not much left to do but add our comments to the visitors book...

...pack everything into the Landrover...

...prepare these two for the trek home...

...and see if Mavis can be persuaded to leave as well !

Saying good bye.

The Farm and Granery as we remember it - please keep everything just as it is until the next time John !

To contact Church Farm for more information call 01594 541211 or click here to visit their site.