Farm open day has ‘never had so much support’

FAMILIES flocked to a charity open day to see behind the scenes at a working farm.
Ben Braganza, five, and sister Charlotte, eight, had fun with the ferrets at the Mile Oak Farm charity open dayBen Braganza, five, and sister Charlotte, eight, had fun with the ferrets at the Mile Oak Farm charity open day
Ben Braganza, five, and sister Charlotte, eight, had fun with the ferrets at the Mile Oak Farm charity open day

Sunshine helped swell the crowds at Mile Oak Farm last Saturday and organisers battled to keep up with demand for cold drinks and ice cream.

Ferrets raced through tunnels, steam engines rolled and tractors transported young and old on rural rides, all laid on by farmer Dave Cross and his wife Julia.

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Visitors were also given behind-the-scenes tours of the Gran Stead’s Ginger drinks making facility on the farm, by owners Chris and Rosemary Knox.

The couple, who produce 100,000 bottles of soft drinks every year, gave out samples of their ginger drinks and traditional lemonade.

Rosemary said: “Everyone told us what a good day it was and we really enjoyed being part of it. Our tours seemed to go down well and the drinks certainly did.”

More than 1,000 people visited the farm, off the A27 Shoreham bypass.

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Mr Cross was delighted with the turnout. “We’ve had so much support and I would like to thank everyone who participated,” he said.

The farm raised £1,600 for Martlets Hospice, Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and Cancer Research. The drinks company £150 for Hillside Special School.