As we look to the summer months we cannot wait for festival season. This year OKS are soooo excited to be involved with Stockfest! Two days of fabulous family fun down at Stockley Farm. With two days jam packed with activities, workshops and all your favourite animals – what more could you want?
we asked the staff to step into the spotlight and tell us a little more about themselves, the farm, and what to expect in August –
What’s your name and where do you come from?
Abi: I’m Abi and I grew up in a tiny village in Cheshire, but now live in a Manchester suburb. Now I get to enjoy both city and rural life!
Jill: I’m Jill and grew up all over England and Singapore, I am now settled in Cheshire .
Tell us a bit about Stockley Farm!
Abi: Stockley Farm is definitely my second home and it is just fantastic. We have a huge range of farm animals, and more recently, some exotic pets too! We pride ourselves on educating the public about British farming through a variety of hands-on, interactive activities.
Jill: Stockley farm is a huge part of my life as I live on site. We have a great team who are passionate about educating the public about farming.
What are your roles on the farm – what are the best and worst bits of working there?
Abi: I am the Open Farm Manager, so I oversee most things! Life is very busy on the farm, but there is an abundance of baby animals to go and cuddle whenever you start to feel stressed, and it relaxes you instantly. Spending time with the animals is so therapeutic, but the lingering smell isn’t appreciated by my partner when I return home!
Jill: I am married to the farmer and as a result I have many job titles!
Some of these are PA, farm secretary, manage the horses oversee the day to day running of the open farm. I love that new life never becomes boring and I love the animal contact, probably the worst part is the English wet weather.
How are you involved with OKS?
Abi: We are working with OKS for the first time at our family festival ‘Stockfest’ on 11th & 12th August. They are bringing their fabulous silent disco into the mix, as well as many more exciting workshops and activities.
Jill: Abi made contact with OKS and we are so excited to be working with such a professional set up.
Which three words best describe each other and why?
Abi: Ooh, I better be kind here or I’ll be in trouble! Jill is focused, organised and helpful, but maybe only because I’ll be a real mither if she’s not.
Jill: Abi is multi-talented, driven and fun loving.
Tell us about Stockfest – what can families expect?
Abi: Stockfest is my favourite event at the farm, along with all of Team Stockley. There is very down to earth, relaxed vibe, despite there being so much going on! There is a different theme each year and 2018’s theme is ‘Superheroes and Fairytales’ so alongside all the usual farm fun, there’ll be unicorn pampering, character meet & greets and sing-a-longs, superhero challenges and more!
Jill: Stockfest is a vibrant event which is ideal for families in a safe environment so that parents can also have some down time while the kids are entertained.
What is on the farm kitchen disco play-list in your house?
Abi: Oh gosh, I could do an essay on my music taste. I’ve been dancing around the kitchen to synth pop recently though. Think Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, but with some world music thrown in too.
Jill: I can’t compete with Abi on this one!! I don’t get a choice in our house with 3 teenagers.
Where are your favourite places for a knees up without the nippers?
Abi: I am a huge music lover, so you will find me going to gigs at some of the more intimate venues around the Manchester area, such as The Deaf Institute and Soup Kitchen.
Jill: I love eating out and weekends away just with the hubby for some us time.
What was the first album / single you bought and what format did you buy it on?
Abi: After learning the songs in Primary School, I asked my Mum to take me to HMV so I could buy the Bugsy Malone soundtrack on CD. It’ still probably in my top 10 albums.
Jill: My first album was on vinyl and it was by Bobby Brown.
What would be your band T-shirt of choice?
Abi: It’s so difficult picking one! Perhaps Talking Heads. I think I was born in the wrong era. I definitely know which channel I will be listening to during the silent disco anyway!
Jill: Oh that’s difficult it would probably be Paloma Faith.
What is a favourite family meal at your house / the farm and do you have a great recipe to share?
Abi: The soups served in our tearoom are amazing! Nicky and Sarah do an amazing job in there. If I had to give a good recipe though, you can’t beat mashed sweet potato with a tablespoon of tahini, a minced garlic clove and a bit of pepper all mixed in. It’s the perfect side dish.
Jill: Our tearoom food is gorgeous, and Sarah makes lovely cakes. We all love Thai green curry in our house or a good old roast dinner.
Apart from the farm and OKS (obviously) what would you recommend for family fun in the North West?
Abi: I have always enjoyed making candles at the Cheshire Workshops in Tattenhall. I even took Jill’s children there as an excuse to return!
Jill: The kids always loved Waterworld.
What are you looking forward to most at Stockfest?
Abi: Apart from working with OKS, I am looking forward to the evening entertainment with the campers. We are hosting a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for the first time, and traditionally we have songs around the campfire on the Saturday night which always has a fantastic atmosphere.
Jill:I can’t wait to see all the kids in fancy dress and the faces when they meet our unicorn.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STOCKFEST HERE
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OKS AND THERE EVENTS HERE
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