Friday 21st Dec 07 - East Midlands

PUB SOCIAL - WHITE HORSE (Everybody welcome)

Stocks Hill, Silverstone, Northamptonshire @ 20:30

This will be our last pub social of the tour, so please come down to the White Horse at Silverstone and celebrate with us!

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends.

Any questions, please give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. Otherwise, see you there!

The White Horse
Stocks Hill
Silverstone
Northants
NN12 8US
(01327 858550)

Friday 21st Dec 07 - East Midlands

FARRINGTON OILS LIMITED (Muddy Matches team only)

Bottom Farm, Hargrave, Northamptonshire @ 11:00

Having read about the benefits of rape seed oil and because we grow rape at home, we were interested in how the rape seed crop is made into oil. Therefore we are off to visit Farrington Oils Ltd, to find out about cold pressed oils.

Apparently oil seed rape was first cultivated by the Romans and has been cold pressed and used throughout Europe since the 16th century. It is widely known as canola oil in other parts of the world. Rape oil is now receiving the attention that it has long deserved in the UK because it is low in saturated fat (half that of olive oil) and high in Omega 3 (ten times more than olive oil).

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 20th Dec 07 - East Midlands

OUR FARM CHRISTMAS PARTY! (Muddy Matches team only)

Home! @ 20:00

Sorry guys but this is a Muddy Matches team only party...not that it would be much fun for you anyway! It's Christmas party time of year and we must attend our own farm Christmas party or risk being ostracised by the family!

HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Wednesday 19th Dec 07 - East Midlands

AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGRICULTURAL LIFE OF GREAT BRITAIN (Muddy Matches team only)

Woodland Farm, Kirton, Boston, Lincolnshire @ 11:00

We are spending the day with Leicestershire artist Georgina Barney who has spent 8 months traveling around British farms and land-based projects funded by the Arts Council England and Farming and Countryside Education. Take a look at her website for further information Great British Farming.

With Georgina we are going to visit Woodlands Farm to look at farming from an artist's perspective!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Tuesday 18th Dec 07 - East Midlands

DEPOT VISIT - THE MID UK RECYCLING LTD (Muddy Matches team only)

The MRF, Caythorpe, Linconshire @ 12:30

As an example of a farm diversification project we are going to visit a farm in Caythorpe which is a depot for
Mid UK Recycling Ltd. We are going to find out how it was set up and see what will happen to all our Christmas waste.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Monday 17th Dec 07 - East Midlands

THE THOROLD ARMS - PUB SOCIAL (Everybody welcome)

Marston, Grantham, Lincolnshire @ 20:00

Here's your second to last chance to join in the fun on our Muddy Marathon! We're holding a Pub Social at The Thorold Arms, which is a country pub just outside Grantham that has been recommend by a friend.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. Look out for the motorhome in the carpark and feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283 if you have any questions. See you then!

The Thorold Arms
Main Street
Marston
Grantham
Lincs
NG32 2HH
(01400 250899)

Click here to read a review.

Monday 17th Dec 07 - East Midlands

FLAWBOROUGH EQUINE AND HYDROTHERAPY CENTRE (Muddy Matches team only)

Hall Farm, Flawborough, Nottinghamshire @ 14:30

We're off to Flawborough Equine and Hydrotherapy Centre to find out how horses can be treated.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Monday 17th Dec 07 - East Midlands

ARROW FARM SHOP (Muddy Matches team only)

Arrow Farm, Steetley, Worksop, Nottinghamshire @ 10:00

On the recommendation of Christina we are off to get in the festive spirit at the Arrow Farm Shop, a busy, family run farm shop, which came about as a result of extensive sales of home grown potatoes in the 1990's.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Friday 14th Dec 07 - North

PUB SOCIAL - THE FAUCONBERG ARMS (Everybody Welcome)

Coxwold, Nr York, North Yorkshire @ 20:00

Seeing as some of our friends live in the village and we know this pub to be good fun we thought we would stop by The Fauconberg Arms, a family run 17th Century Inn, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there, feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Fauconberg Arms
Coxwold
Nr York
North Yorkshire
YO61 4AD

Friday 14th Dec 07 - North

MAKING GINGERBREAD MEN AT A YORKSHIRE DELI (Muddy Matches team only)

Malton Relish, Malton, Yorkshire @ 14:00

Sophie Legard opened the doors to her new deli and catering business on 12th December 2007 and we're off to find out how it's going and help her make gingerbread men!

Malton Relish
58 Market Place
Malton
YO17 7LW

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 13th Dec 07 - North

HAPPY HOUR AT RAF LEEMING (Girls Welcome!)

Leeming RAF, Northallerton @ 19:00

When one is invited by the boys at RAF Leeming to come and join in with their Happy Hour at the base, who are we to refuse? So that's where we're off to and we're looking for a few more girls to join us!

If any girls would like to join in, please contact christina@muddymatches.co.uk.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here to find out more about the RAF.

Thursday 13th Dec 07 - North

STANDEVEN FENCING (Muddy Matches team only)

Baldersby, North Yorkshire @ 09:00

Having learnt a lot about different livestock on our Muddy Marathon we thought it only appropriate to see what work goes into keeping all the animals fenced in. So we are spending a day with Wilf Standeven of Standeven Fencing to see how to put up a fence!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 12th Dec 07 - North

RICHARD BELL AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING SERVICES (Muddy Matches team only)

Cold Kirby, Thirsk @ 14:00

As we heard Richard Bell was going to be in the pub with the Helmsley YFC, we have arranged to spend some time with him finding out what it's like being an agricultural contractor.

Since June 2001 Richard Bell's Agricultural Contracting Services has provided services to the rural communities of Hambleton and Ryedale. From single applications such as baling and hay making to complete year round arable land management.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 12th Dec 07 - North

AMPLE BOSOM (Muddy Matches team only)

Old Byland, Helmsley @ 10:00

Having very kindly been invited to stay at Valley View Farm Cottages by Stuart and Sally Robinson and to go stock juding with Stuart and the Helmesly YFC, we were intrigued by what else goes on, down on the farm.

By way of a change to the usual farming sidelines we are going to find out how Sally set up Ample Bosom, which supplies quality underwear and swimwear in a large range of sizes and styles.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Tuesday 11th Dec 07 - North

SLOE MOTION (Muddy Matches team only)

Barton-Le-Willows, York @ 14:00

Some of you may remember that at this year's CLA Game Fair this year we were going to be teaming up with Jonathon from Sloe Motion to bring you Sloe Gin Cocktails at our Muddy AfFair dating show and drinks party. As we never got to meet him because the Game Fair was rained off, we thought it only right we go and see him while we are in Yorkshire.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Tuesday 11th Dec 07 - North

RAYGILL FISHING LAKES (Muddy Matches team only)

Lothersdale, North Yorkshire @ 09:00

Having dabbled a bit with fly fishing ourselves we were keen on our Muddy Marathon to learn about coarse fishing. So we are off to Raygill Fishing Lakes in Lothersdale, a small family run business which offers trout, coarse and pike fishing. The lakes are also part of Raygill Clothing.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Monday 10th Dec 07 - North

PUB GRUB - THE TEMPEST ARMS (Everybody welcome)

Elslack, Near Pendle Hill, North Yorkshire @ 19:00

As suggested by Catherine Hopkins of Raygill Clothing we are going to The Tempest Arms on the A56 off the A59, close to Skipton for supper.

The Tempest Arms is close to Elslack, a unique hamlet of stone built houses and cottages. Apparently the region is very much unchanged since Saxon times.

Search by postcode BD23 3AY

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Grub night is to get some like-minded, muddy people together to grab a bite to eat in a nice country pub. A very relaxed affair, with each person paying for their own food and drink, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people in your area. Feel free to bring friends along but please ring Lucy on 07901 865283 a day or two before to say if you're coming so we have a rough idea of numbers. If you're feeling sociable but skint, why not pop along for just a drink later?

Monday 10th Dec 07 - North

CAPRA PRODUCTS (Muddy Matches team only)

Whittingham, Preston @ 08:00

As we have learnt about sheep, cows and pigs somewhere along our journey, we felt we should learn a bit about goats. Capra Products is where we are off to, to do just that as it is a goat farm which offers a complete range of goat products.

The team at Capra have been breeding and rearing goats on the farm for the last 20 years. It started as a hobby and they now have a herd of over 100 goats.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Saturday 8th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

TRAINING DAY WITH THE SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG ASSOCIATION (Muddy Matches team only)

Lake District @ 09:00

We're going to spend a day with the Search and Rescue Dog Association in the Lake District to see how they train their dogs and their handlers. The focus for the day will be on the training and assessment processes of the dogs and handlers for a real search and rescue.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 6th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

FLORA OF THE FELLS PROJECT (Muddy Matches team only)

Kendal, Cumbria @ 09:00

We're off to the Flora of the Fells Project to learn how this two-year project intends to raise awareness of the special nature of Cumbria’s mountain landscapes. Part of the project is to get people thinking about the future and how the flora of the fells can be enhanced.

The project is funded by Friends of the Lake District, English Nature and the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund and is run like a partnership.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 5th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

PUB SOCIAL AT THE STRICKLAND ARMS (Everybody welcome)

Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria @ 20:00

On the recommendation of a friend, we're heading to The Strickland Arms, situated by the gates of the medieval castle of Sizergh, for a Pub Social.

This neglected National Trust property has been recently renovated and now hosts four hand pumps for real ale with beers from Thwaites, Hesket Newmarket and Coniston breweries.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Strickland Arms
Sizergh,
Kendal,
Cumbria
LA8 8DZ

Click here to read a review.

Wednesday 5th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT (Muddy Matches team only)

River Deep Mountain High, Haverthwaite, Cumbria @ 13:00

We're off to the beautiful Lake District to meet Johan and Emma Hoving, who set up outdoor activities company, River Deep Mountain High, back in 2002.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about River Deep Mountain High.

Tuesday 4th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

PUB SOCIAL AT KNITSLEY MILL COUNTRY PARK (Everybody welcome)

Consett, County Durham @ 20:00

On the recommendation of a friend, we're heading to The Knitsley Mill Country Park for a few drinks in the Old Mill Bar.

Knitsley Mill is a medieval converted Mill House situated between Lanchester and Consett.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Knitsley Mill Country Park
The Lodge
Knitsley Mill
Consett
County Durham DH8 9EL

Tuesday 4th Dec 07 - Northernmost North

A DAY AT AN EVENT RIDER'S STABLES (Muddy Matches team only)

Langley Park, County Durham @ 11:00

Jamie Atkinson is an international event rider and we are going to spend the day with his groom, Kirsty, to find out what happens behind the scenes.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

To find out more about British Eventing and to get involved click here.

Monday 3rd Dec 07 - Northernmost North

IN THE FIELD WITH JAMES BURTON (Muddy Matches team only)

Hexham, Northumberland @ 09:00

Having been contacted by James Burton about spending the day with him duck flighting and stalking, how could we refuse?

James Burton is available, it seems, for almost anything game related - just take a look at his website here.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Sunday 2nd Dec 07 - Northernmost North

PUB SOCIAL AT THE CARTS BOG INN (Everybody welcome)

Langley, Near Hexham, Northumberland @ 20:00

On the recommendation of James Burton, who we are spending the following day with, we're heading to The Carts Bog Inn for a few drinks.

The Carts Bog Inn dates back to 1775 and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has an exceptional range of ales and an open fire - what more could you want in early December?

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Carts Bog Inn
Langley
Nr Hexham
Northumberland NE47 5NW

Friday 30th Nov 07 - Scotland

PUB SOCIAL AT THE BORDER HOTEL (Everybody welcome)

Kirk Yetholm, Kelso, Roxburghshire @ 19:30

On the recommendation of a friend of ours we are going to check out the small family run coaching Inn, situated on the village green in the historic village of Kirk Yetholm. Apparently it is a true local bar, oozing character and charm with log fires and a range of local Scottish hand pulled real ales.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there, feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Border Hotel
Kirk Yetholm
Kelso
Roxburghshire TD5 8PQ

Friday 30th Nov 07 - Scotland

HUNTER BOOTS (Muddy Matches team only)

Heathall, Dumfries @ 12:00

Having got a number of freebies from Hunter Boots for charity events we have put on, we thought we would go and say hi to our friends while we're in Scotland! We'll also be finding out how their disinctive welly boots are made.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 29th Nov 07 - Scotland

SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE CHRISTMAS DRINKS PARTY (See you there?)

Bonhams, George Street, Edinburgh @ 18:00

Christmas is fast approaching and the Scottish Countryside Alliance are hosting a Christmas Drinks Party and silent auction. We're going along to get in the festive spirit.

For more information contact the SCA office on 0131 335 0200 or email info@scottishcountrysidealliance.org

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 29th Nov 07 - Scotland

GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY (Muddy Matches team only)

Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian @ 11:00

We are going to the home of 'The Edinburgh Malt' - Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery - on the rolling farmland of East Lothian to learn about the distilling process of a classic single malt.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 28th Nov 07 - Scotland

PUB SOCIAL AT THE TYNESIDE TAVERN (Everybody welcome)

Haddington, East Lothian @ 19:30

On the recommendation of one of our members, and after reading some fantastic reviews, we're heading to this warm and friendly eatery and ale house, for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there, feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Tyneside Tavern
10 Poldrate
Haddington
East Lothian EH41 4DA

Tuesday 27th Nov 07 - Scotland

PUB SOCIAL AT THE MUDHOOK RESTAURANT AND VILLAGE INN (Everybody welcome)

Fairlie, Ayrshire @ 19:30

On the recommendation of Dave at The Graffiti Project, we're heading to The Mudhook Restaurant and Village Inn, located in the centre of the pretty sea side village of Fairlie, for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Mudhook Restaurant and Village Inn
46 Bay Street
Fairlie
Ayrshire KA29 0AL

Tuesday 27th Nov 07 - Scotland

THE GRAFFITI PROJECT (Muddy Matches team only)

Kelburn Castle, Ayrshire @ 11:00

The Graffiti Project has brought four of Brazil's leading graffiti artists over to Scotland to create a unique burst of colour, embracing the walls and turrets of the south side of Kelburn Castle. We're off to find out what it is all about.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Monday 26th Nov 07 - Scotland

HAGGIS MAKING (Muddy Matches team only)

Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway @ 11:00

We are spending the day Haggis making with the award winning organic butchers T H Carson. The only registered organic butchers in Dumfries & Galloway.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here to find out more about the Scottish Haggis.

Saturday 24th Nov 07 - West Midlands

GUNDOG TRAINING (Muddy Matches team only)

Gundog Training Centre, Worcestershire @ 10:45

We'll be spending the day with Pip Kendrick from Sporting Saint, supplier and manufacturer of specialist gundog training equipment and country sports accessories.

Pip has kindly agreed to talk to us about what she does and to take us to meet Will Clulee and Jeremy Sharp, who run a gundog training centre for most gundog breeds based on a nearby 250-acre farm. Will and Jeremy are both professional trainers and have both won many awards in Field Trial competitions (the highlight being Will winning the Cocker Spaniel championship in 1999) and we are delighted that they have agreed to show us a thing or two.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Friday 23rd Nov 07 - West Midlands

WINTER WONDER BALL (Everyone welcome)

Severn Hall, Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire @ 21:00

The Worcestershire Young Farmers are putting on a Winter Wonder Ball and we are joining in the fun by organising a chill-out lounge for people to rest their dancing feet.

Details:

Three Counties Showground
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR13 6NW

9.00pm - 2.00am
Pre-paid tickets: YFC Members = £15; Non-Members = £20
Tickets on door: YFC Members = £20; Non-Members = £25
Advanced tickets must be purchased by 12th November.

For Tickets, Please Contact:

WFYFC County Office
Shires Farm
Hawford
Worcestershire
WR3 7SG
01905 621616

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Thursday 22nd Nov 07 - West Midlands

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Carpenters Arms, Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire @ 20:00

OK - so Northamptonshire isn't officially in the West Midlands but this pub has been highly recommended by the guy we are spending the day with...and it's practically in Warwickshire! Don't let minor details worry you and just come and enjoy the night!

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Carpenters Arms
Lower Boddington
Northamptonshire
NN11 6YB
01327 260451
Website

Thursday 22nd Nov 07 - West Midlands

DAY ON A MIXED FARM (Muddy Matches team only)

Hill Farm, Priors Hardwick, Warwickshire @ 07:00

We're spending the day helping out on this mixed family farm in Warwickshire. The family also run a B&B.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 21st Nov 07 - West Midlands

ICE CREAM MAKING (Muddy Matches team only)

Red Lion Farm, Haughton, Staffordshire @ 11:00

We're popping into this family-run dairy farm in the heart of rural Staffordshire to find out how they make their delicious Red Lion Ice Cream.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Red Lion Ice Cream.

Tuesday 20th Nov 07 - West Midlands

SPEED DATING AT HARPER ADAMS (Harper students only)

Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire @ 19:30

As Muddy Matches team member, Christina, went to Harper, we're off to her old stomping ground for a bit of a party and are putting on speed dating for current Harper students.

More information will follow shortly. Any Harper students reading this who are interested in coming, get in touch with Christina at christina@muddymatches.co.uk, or on 01933 311500.

Harper Adams University College
Newport
Shropshire
TF10 8NB
01952 820280
Website

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Tuesday 20th Nov 07 - West Midlands

FORDHALL COMMUNITY FARM (Muddy Matches team only)

Fordhall Farm, Market Drayton, Shropshire @ 13:00

We're off to Fordhall Farm, on the oustkirts of Market Drayton, to visit Ben and Charlotte Hollins, who set up this community farm when they finished studying. They currently tenant Fordhall after it was secured in July 2006 by over 8000 people from across the country, and they now have a 100-year lease. As they say on their website, that's one farmer and 8,000 landlords!

What's more, they have just won the Young Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award so congratulations to them!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Fordhall Farm.

Monday 19th Nov 07 - West Midlands

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone Welcome)

The Royal Hill, Edgerley, Shropshire @ 20:00

On the recommendation of one Christina's friends, we have decided to host our first Pub Social night in the West Midlands in this 18th Century pub bordering the River Severn.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Royal Hill
Edgerley
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY10 8ES
01743 741242
Read a review

Saturday 17th Nov 07 - Wales

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

Plough Inn, St Asaph, North Wales @ 20:30

Apparently this pub is a farmer's hotspot so we're heading there for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

Plough Inn
The Roe
St Asaph
North Wales
LL17 0LU
01745 585080

Saturday 17th Nov 07 - Wales

GREEN SHOOTS - SHOOTING FOR CONSERVATION (Muddy Matches team only)

Abergele, North Wales @ 09:30

We're spending the day with Alex Hatton from the BASC initiative, Green Shoots North Wales, to find out what is being done to ensure that the value of shooting for conservation is recognised by politicians, the media and the general public. Green Shoots was set up to prove that the argument that shooting is good for conservation is the key to its defence.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Green Shoots.

Friday 16th Nov 07 - Wales

SHEEPDOG TRAINING (Muddy Matches team only)

Ty-Nant, Corwen, Denbighshire @ 10:00

We're heading to Denbighshire, North Wales to watch master sheepdog handler, Aled Owen, in action.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Aled Owen.

Wednesday 14th Nov 07 - Wales

THE ANGLESEY SEA SALT COMPANY (Muddy Matches team only)

Halen Môn , Brynsiencyn, Isle of Anglesey @ 15:00

We're off to Halen Môn - The Anglesey Sea Salt Company - to find out how they have grown from making salt in a saucepan on the Aga to supplying some of the world's finest restaurants.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Halen Môn.

Tuesday 13th Nov 07 - Wales

ORGANIC FARM (Muddy Matches team only)

Welsh Farm Organics, Mochdre, Powys @ 13:00

We're meeting Jonathan and Sally Rees to find out what went into setting up Welsh Farm Organics, an organic farm based in Mochdre providing beef, lamb and pork via mail-order.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Welsh Farm Organics.

Monday 12th Nov 07 - Wales

PUB QUIZ (Everyone welcome)

The Picton Inn, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire @ 19:30

How well do you know your countryside?

Come and put your countryside knowledge to the test and taste some game! To tie in with the BASC Taste of Game Week landlord, Gordon Miller, is putting on a number of game dishes to try for free.

As well as being a chance to use your brain, it will also be a great opportunity to meet the Muddy Matches team and get to know some other muddy people in your area.

Bring your own team or just turn up and come and find Emma or Lucy (look for the Muddy Matches shirt) and we'll squeeze you in somewhere.

Quiz starts at 8.30pm
Teams of 5 (come early if you want us to slot you in to another team)
£5.00 per team

Clarbeston Road
Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire SA63 4UN
01437 731615

Monday 12th Nov 07 - Wales

FRIZBEE GOLF (Muddy Matches team only)

Clerkenhill Adventure Farm, Slebech, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire @ 13:00

We're off to Clerkenhill Adventure Farm in Pembrokeshire to find out what Frizbee Golf is all about. There's even a British Disc Golf Association - check it out!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Clerkenhill Frizbee Golf.

Saturday 10th Nov 07 - South West

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney, Gloucestershire @ 20:30

Several people have recommended this pub just outside Cirencester, so we are heading there for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Bathurst Arms
North Cerney
Nr Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 7BZ
01285 831281
Website

Saturday 10th Nov 07 - South West

'MUDDY WELLIES' BEER AT THE RAC (Muddy Matches team only)

The Royal Agricultural College. Cirencester, Gloucestershire @ 14:00

We're popping into the RAC to meet some of the students who have created the first student-branded beer. Produced locally by a micro brewery, and branded by the students for the students, the beer is called ‘Muddy Wellies'. With a name like that, how could we not pay them a visit and have a taste?

Click here for more information about the Royal Agricultural College.

Friday 9th Nov 07 - South West

CIDER MAKING (Muddy Matches team only)

Landsend Farm, Mudgley, Somerset @ 10:30

We're spending the day making tradional farmhouse cider with Roger Wilkins at his farm near Wedmore in Somerset.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about cider making.

Thursday 8th Nov 07 - South West

PUB GRUB (Everyone welcome)

The Royal Oak, Winsford, Somerset @ 19:00

We loved the sound of this country pub in the Exmoor National Park and thought it would be a great place to have a Pub Grub night.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Grub night is to get some like-minded, muddy people together to grab a bite to eat in a nice country pub. A very relaxed affair, with each person paying for their own food and drink, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people in your area. Feel free to bring friends along but please ring Lucy on 07901 865283 a day or two before to say if you're coming so we have a rough idea of numbers. If you're feeling sociable but skint, why not pop along for just a drink later?

Ed & Kirsty
The Royal Oak
Winsford
Exmoor National Park
Somerset
TA24 7JE
Tel: 01643 851455
Fax: 01643 851009
enquiries@royaloakexmoor.co.uk
The Royal Oak

To give a rough idea of prices, a 3-course evening meal is around £25.00 and a bottle of house wine is about £12.00.

Wednesday 7th Nov 07 - South West

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Culm Valley Inn, Cullompton, Devon @ 20:00

Val Grainger (of The Woolly Shepherd) highly recommends this pub so she is taking us down there for a few drinks after spending the day with her making wool. We're a friendly bunch though so thought we should turn it into a Pub Social night.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Culm Valley Inn
Cullompton
Devon
EX15 3JJ
01884 840354
Read a review

Wednesday 7th Nov 07 - South West

WOOL MAKING (Muddy Matches team only)

The Woolly Shepherd, Blagdon Hill, Somerset @ 10:30

We're spending the day with Val Grainger, the Woolly Shepherd, who started selling knitting wool because she found that it was almost impossible to buy locally produced woollen garments or art work made of wool that had been grown in the locality. This is despite the fact that the Blackdown Hills area in which she lives on the Devon/Somerset border was once a centre of the West Country woollen industry.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about The Woolly Shepherd.

Tuesday 6th Nov 07 - South West

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone Welcome)

The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset @ 20:30

We're off to the Square and Compass, on Dorset's Isle of Purbeck for a Pub Social with a difference.

When we discovered that Andy Baggs (who we will have spent the day with) is the Hayward of Wareham Common, this triggered a number of questions. What exactly is a hayward? Apparently, it's related to the Wareham Court Leet ("a present day survival of an ancient local court, which existed long before the current parallel systems of local and central government") and he is "appointed by the Lord as responsible for 'enclosures and fences'; that is the so-called 'common land'" But what's a Court Leet? Exactly. And that's what we're going to find out.

The Bailiff of the Wareham Court Leet has kindly offered to meet us to explain a little bit about what they do and, if we're going to be stepping back in time a bit, where better to do it than the picturesque Square and Compass. He sounds like a really interesting man, and we're hoping to get a few other locals along as well, so if you'd like to join us, you are very welcome. Contact Lucy on 07901 865283 if you have any questions about the Wareham Court Leet.

The Square and Compass
Worth Matravers
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 3LF
01929 439229
More details
Read a Telegraph review

Tuesday 6th Nov 07 - South West

DAIRY FARMING (Muddy Matches team only)

Westmill Farm, Dorset @ 08:00

Dorset dairy farmer, Andy Baggs, has agreed to let us come and help him on the farm for the day to see what it's all about.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Sunday 4th Nov 07 - South West

MALMESBURY YFC BONFIRE (See you there?)

Lordswood Farm, Sherston, Wiltshire @ 18:30

The Malmesbury Young Farmers have kindly invited us to their bonfire night on a farm in Sherston, Wiltshire.

For more information about the Malmesbury YFC click here.

Saturday 3rd Nov 07 - South East

PALMER MARLBOROUGH BEAGLES BONFIRE, BBQ & QUIZ (See you there?)

Vernham Dean, Andover, Hampshire @ 17:00

We're off to the Palmer Marlborough Beagles Bonfire and BBQ, and are putting on a countryside quiz while we're there. The beagles will be in the paddock from 5pm and then the bonfire and food will get going some time after 6pm.

Tickets cost £5.00 in advance.

Contact palmerrmarlborough@hotmail.co.uk, or call 01980 629584 / 07770 737367.

Ankers Farm
Vernham Dean
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 0JU

Saturday 3rd Nov 07 - South East

BEAGLE KENNELS (Muddy Matches team only)

Vernham Dean, Andover, Hampshire @ 10:00

We're off to spend the day with the Palmer Marlborough Beagles' kennel-huntsman to find out what's involved in looking after a pack of beagles.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about the Palmer Marlborough Beagles.

Friday 2nd Nov 07 - South East

PUB GRUB (Everyone welcome)

The Butchers Arms, Fringford, Oxfordshire @ 19:00

The Butchers Arms, in Fringford, has been highly recommended by one of our members so we thought it would be a great place to hold our second Pub Grub night.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Grub night is to get some like-minded, muddy people together to grab a bite to eat in a nice country pub. A very relaxed affair, with each person paying for their own food and drink, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people in your area. Feel free to bring friends along but please ring Lucy on 07901 865283 a day or two before to say if you're coming so we have a rough idea of numbers. If you're feeling sociable but skint, why not pop along for just a drink later?

The Butchers Arms
Fringford
Nr Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX27 8EB
The Butchers Arms

To give a rough idea of prices, a 3-course meal is around £25.00.

Friday 2nd Nov 07 - South East

SHOOTING GROUND (Muddy Matches team only)

E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire @ 10:00

We're off to E.J. Churchill, in the Chilterns, to have a tour and find out what goes into running one of the country's most prestigious shooting grounds and what is being done to get new people involved in the sport.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about the E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground.

Thursday 1st Nov 07 - South East

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Royal Oak, Oakley, Buckinghamshire @ 20:30

On the recommendation of one of our members, we're heading to this small country pub in Oakley, near Aylesbury, for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Royal Oak
2 Worminghall Road
Oakley
Aylesbury
HP18 9QY
01844 237133

Thursday 1st Nov 07 - South East

LOW CARBON HOLIDAYING (Muddy Matches team only)

The Cottage Lodge, Brockenhurst, Hampshire @ 09:00

We're off to the New Forest to meet the manager of the Cottage Lodge, a charming B&B in Brockenhurst that prides itself on being environmentally friendly, to find out how one goes about having a low carbon holiday. Brockenhurst is particularly interesting as the village is trying to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% - you can find out more about this from the New Forest Carbon Footprint Project website.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about The Cottage Lodge.

Wednesday 31st Oct 07 - South East

COPPICING (Muddy Matches team only)

Northwood Forestry Commission Site, Eartham, West Sussex @ 09:00

Having learnt how to make charcoal the night before, we're spending the day with members of the BTCV training team at the Northwood Forestry Commission Site near Eartham to learn about coppicing and how to provide a renewable source of wood for the charcoal. Coppicing is a traditional woodland management method, whereby young tree stems are cut down in such a way that new shoots will emerge and in a few years the coppiced tree, or stool, can be harvested again.

BTCV (formerly the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) is a charity that gives volunteers the opportunity to engage in 'hands on' conservation work in the rural and urban environment. Click here for more information.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Photo provided by BeesKnees Photography.

Tuesday 30th Oct 07 - South East

CHARCOAL BURNING (Muddy Matches team only)

Northwood Forestry Commission Site, Eartham, West Sussex @ 19:30

We're spending the evening with members of the BTCV training team at the Northwood Forestry Commission Site near Eartham to find out how charcoal is made using a steel ring kiln.

BTCV (formerly the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) is a charity that gives volunteers the opportunity to engage in 'hands on' conservation work in the rural and urban environment. Click here for more information.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Photo provided by BeesKnees Photography.

Tuesday 30th Oct 07 - South East

PLUMPTON COLLEGE WINERY (Muddy Matches team only)

Plumpton College, East Sussex @ 14:00

Continuing with the wine theme for the day, we're off to the Plumpton College winery to learn a bit about what it takes to be a wine producer in the UK. With a winery and six hectares of vines, Plumpton is at the cutting edge of wine and viticulture education and training.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here to learn more about their wine courses.

Tuesday 30th Oct 07 - South East

VINEYARD (Muddy Matches team only)

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, East Sussex @ 10:30

Back in 1979, Roy Cook started Sedlescombe (one of only four British organic vineyards) with just 2,000 plants on one and a half acres of land. Now it has expanded to 23 acres and he and his wife Irma produce approximately 15,000 bottles of organic wine a year.

We're off to see how it's done!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard.

Monday 29th Oct 07 - South East

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Bell, Smarden, Kent @ 19:30

Having visited this pub a few months ago after the Charing point-to-point, we thought The Bell in Smarden, near Ashford, would be a great place to go for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Bell
Bell Lane
Smarden
Kent
TN27 8PW
Read a review

Monday 29th Oct 07 - South East

COOKING GAME (Muddy Matches team only)

Game for Everything, Rolvendon, Kent @ 09:00

We're spending the day with young game chef, Mark Gilchrist, of Game for Everything. We've tasted Mark's food before and were very impressed so we are really looking forward to learning a thing or two from him. Let it be said that he's also quite a character so it should be an entertaining day!

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about Game for Everything.

Saturday 27th Oct 07 - East

PUB SOCIAL (Everyone welcome)

The Queens Head, Newton, Cambridgeshire @ 20:30

On the recommendation of one of our members, and after reading some fantastic reviews, we're heading to this small country pub in Newton, near Cambridge, for a few drinks.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Social is that it's just a good excuse for a few cheeky drinks in a nice country pub, with the added bonus of potentially meeting some like-minded, muddy people. We'll be there from the time given above and people are welcome to come and join us. The more the merrier, so feel free to bring along any muddy friends. If you want a contact number to make sure we're there (although the motorhome outside should be a give away!), feel free to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283. See you then!

The Queens Head
Fowlmere Rd
Newton
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB2 5PG
Read a review

Saturday 27th Oct 07 - East

BEATING (Muddy Matches team only)

Rochford, Essex @ 09:00

We're heading to a small family shoot near Rochford to burn off some deer and beer by going beating.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Friday 26th Oct 07 - East

DEER & BEER NIGHT (Everyone welcome)

Parklands Farm, Chelmsford, Essex @ 19.30

Essex Young Farmers and Muddy Matches proudly present a DEER & BEER night, to include a venison BBQ (provided by Game For Everything), pay bar and disco. All proceeds are going to the Essex Young Farmers Building Fund.

7.30pm - 1am

Parklands Farm, Lower Green, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8QS.

Tickets cost £12.50 and can be obtained from the EYFC County Office:

Unit 2, County Farm, High Roding, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1NQ
Tel: 01371 859732 or ring Rebecca Padfield on 07711 166472
Email: essexyfc@btconnect.com
Essex Young Farmers

Friday 26th Oct 07 - East

JIMMY'S FARM (See you there?)

Pannington Hall Farm, Wherstead, Suffolk @ 11:00

If, like us, you have been glued to the goings on at Jimmy's Farm on BBC2, you might want to come with us and have a bit of a snoop. What is the latest news on the guinea pig village? Has Dolly seen the kingfisher recently? We know - we're excited too.

It says above that we'll be there at 11am but it does all rather depend on how we're doing on the organisation of the Deer & Beer party we've got going on that evening. If any unemployed muddies find themselves at a loose end on this Friday morning and fancy coming, you are more than welcome to tag along, but you might want to give Lucy a ring on 07901 865283 to check how we're doing for time.

Jimmy's Farm

Thursday 25th Oct 07 - East

THE NATIONAL STUD (Muddy Matches team only)

Newmarket, Suffolk @ 10:00

We're off to The National Stud at Newmarket to find out what goes on at the heart of the UK Thoroughbred breeding industry.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about The National Stud.

Wednesday 24th Oct 07 - East

NORWICH BEER FESTIVAL (See you there?)

St. Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls, Norwich, Norfolk @ 19:00

We're off to the 2007 Norwich Beer Festival for a bit of a jolly - come and say hi if you're going too.

Organised by the Norwich and Norfolk Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), there will be more than 200 beers and ciders to try, most of which will be from the smaller, independent brewers. We're going to see how many we can taste!

Click here for more information about the festival. Tickets on the Wednesday evening cost £4.00.

If you can't make it, you can read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Wednesday 24th Oct 07 - East

THATCHING (Muddy Matches team only)

Blofield, Nr Norwich, Norfolk @ 10:00

We're spending the day with Dameon Layt, a reed thatcher from Norfolk, to find out what thatching is all about.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Tuesday 23rd Oct 07 - East

PUB GRUB (Everyone welcome)

The Kings Head, Bawburgh, Norwich, Norfolk @ 19:00

The Kings Head at Bawburgh has been highly recommended by several people so we thought it would be a great place to hold our first Pub Grub night.

The idea behind a Muddy Matches Pub Grub night is to get some like-minded, muddy people together to grab a bite to eat in a nice country pub. A very relaxed affair, with each person paying for their own food and drink, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people in your area. Feel free to bring friends along but please ring Lucy on 07901 865283 a day or two before to say if you're coming so we have a rough idea of numbers. If you're feeling sociable but skint, why not pop along for just a drink later?

The Kings Head
Bawburgh
Norwich
NR9 3LS
The Kings Head

To give a rough idea of prices, a set 3-course evening menu is £18.00 and a bottle of house wine is £13.50.

Tuesday 23rd Oct 07 - East

HAWKING (Muddy Matches team only)

The Bird of Prey Centre, Nr Biggleswade, Bedfordshire @ 09:30

We're off to The Bird of Prey Centre in Bedfordshire for some hands-on experience flying a hawk.

Read all about it afterwards in our Muddy Marathon Blog.

Click here for more information about The Bird of Prey Centre.

Monday 22nd Oct 07 - East

MUDDY PUB QUIZ (Everyone welcome)

The St John Arms, Melchbourne, Bedfordshire @ 19:30

How well do you know your countryside?

Come and put your countryside knowledge to the test in this well-loved Bedfordshire pub. As well as being a chance to use your brain, it will also be a great opportunity to meet the Muddy Matches team and get to know some other muddy people in your area.

Bring your own team or just turn up and come and find Emma or Lucy (look for the Muddy Matches shirt) and we'll squeeze you in somewhere.

The first night of our tour, come and see us off on the rest of our adventure!

Quiz starts at 8pm
Teams of 4 (come early if you want us to slot you in to another team)
£10.00 per team
All proceeds go to the Oakley hunt.

The St John Arms
Knotting Road
Melchbourne
Bedfordshire
MK44 1BG
Read a review