Farmers encourage people to train for charity event ROB HALL
OWNERS of Canalside Farm near Stafford are encouraging everyone to keep exercising and start training for their Countryfile Ramble in aid of Children in Need later this year.
Owners of the family-run farm, which has been growing its own produce for more than 35 years, say they want to help motivate people to stay active during this difficult time.
Chris and Wendy Barton said: “We realise that these are very strange times for everyone, and that it would be easy to sit at home feeling very depressed. So we wanted to give everyone something positive to focus on and to hopefully motivate them to exercise every day.
“There couldn’t be a more important time to stay fit and well, and we realise that exercise is not only good for your physical health, but your mental well-being too.” Canalside completed their first ramble in 2018, and featured on the BBC Countryfile programme last year. This year they want to make it even bigger and better, so that they can raise as much money as possible for the charity.
Chris continued: “Last year we had a great turnout, but we would love to get more people involved. We’re lucky enough to be situated right on the side of the Trent & Mersey Canal, which provides great walks and stunning views. We are always encouraging our customers to go for walks along the canal and have developed a series of walks on our website for people to download.”
The four-mile circular walk will start at Canalside’s cafe in Great Haywood at 11am on Sunday, October 4, (providing it is safe to do so) and will finish at around 1.30pm. The walk will take in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, including the Shugborough estate and the glorious canal network.
Refreshments such as tea, coffee and bacon sandwiches will be available to buy from the cafe prior to, and after, the walk.
Canalside Farm is located in Great Haywood, just six miles from Stafford, just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley. The farm shop is currently open every day from 10am to 4pm.
For further information contact 01889 881747 or visit www.canalsidefarm.co.uk