Can't believe it's so long since I added to the blog (3 1/2 years!)

So looking forward to having more settled opening hours from mid April, also there being more than just me running the shop.  It's been a full on year.

There are changes afoot at Country Matters, The Lavender tearoom will no longer be operating from our premises and instead Gail will be offering a take away service from home - orders only.

Country Matters will be taking over the day to day running of the old tearoom space and it will be operated as a community space.  There will be a couple of small tables inside (4 people) for a drink and a natter and we will encourage where possible walker and cyclists to take their refreshments outside.  Of course this will be a cut down service and so the prices will reflect this, there will still be cake but this will be supplied by Amber.  Amber is 22 and is a keen baker so we're really pleased to welcome her to the team.  The space will be available to hire for meetings, crafts and other small events both during Country Matters opening times and outside of these hours.  Hire rates will reflect the fact that we don't wish to make a profit but just cover costs.

Watch this space

Helen

Finally managing to do something with the greenhouse.  Got a cover over the top, inside tidied up and starting to create my winter wood pile inside. Side covers due to be put on sometime this weekend (7/8).Bought some flower seeds which can be planted now and moved herbs etc in to overwinter under cover.  Thinking that plants can then be purchased throughout the year.

When we come back refreshed after our Easter break we have a list of plans.  The fence to the right of the village hall entrance and the greenhouse also at the right of the hall will hopefully be painted a pale lavender.  After permission is sought and gained we will hopefully use the new Frenchic outdoor chalk paint.  We will also be titivating and garden area and will have the first of our plants in for sale.  We will be introducing a new clay pot buy back scheme - if you buy a plant in a clay pot then we will offer to buy back (on receipt of a sales ticket) said pot.

Next on my list will be saving up to buy a small garden shed as we have some garden items which really need to be under cover and then locked up at night.

In light of all this I think I will just chill over the break and genuinely try not to do too much.