Orchard Barn plum tree in full early blossom and new Cider Apple trees being planted (and guarded so his sheep can still graze) in Colin Helier’s orchard next door

Orchard Barn’s mill leet (or often known as a mill race) together with several wonderful forsythia shrubs in full blossom too

Orchard Barn in the sunshine…………and it’s lovely to know we’ve six months of the summer to look forward too!!

Lesley and I on one of our many walks up through the Steps Bridge daffodils alongside the Teign River

Love is in the air – that’s for sure!!

Max Richards in the doorway of his magnificent barn adjoining his house at Mill Barn and overlooking the Famous Dunsford Stepping Stones awash with winter flood waters

My neighbours Max and Jacqui Richards and their 2 adorable children hosted a fine Christmas drinks party just before the cold weather and about 30 of us enjoyed a good seasonal ‘gossip’ standing in their barn christened as a party venue for the first time around their decorated tree, roaring chimenea throwing off loads of smoke and moral boosting heat occasionally, mince pies galore and more importantly terrific mulled wine and the best mulled cider I’d ever had, whilst children various ran about in the safe confines of their lovely garden.

It was a delightful way to spend 2 hours on a winters afternoon………thank you both.

The first member of the Orchard Barn Splash Club

Just for a bit of fun I’ve started The Orchard Barn Splash Club and this blog acts as the official inauguration of said illustrious membership currently numbering 2. Both these guests coincidental fell in on the same day although either side of lunch!! There were 2 earlier subscribers but they don’t count because I’d not thought of this wheeze then……….but should they ever return for a second visit I could always enroll them as Honorary members!!

Mike and his lovely girlfriend Yot survey the scene following their return from a 10mile walk – stepping stone No 3 is the usual offender!!

Mike was first…………..he fell in first thing after breakfast and he and his girlfriend Yot then continued on their walk for the rest of the day with him almost soaked right through and stoically drying as he walked up to Blackingstone Rock via Hell Tor Rock. Yot couldn’t wait to give me all the details of how her young man hesitated, wobbled and then eventually fell in with her in hysterics (as recounted over tea somewhat later on!!)

Joan shows us just how pleased she is to be Member No 2!!

Joan Spivey on the other hand whilst staying that same weekend fell in after lunch, returned immediately, stripped off in the hallway, changed and showered and then walked up to Steps Bridge and continued as planned via the road…………..her kit was washed and dried overnight on the aga and the experience added a certain je ne sais pas to her visit she added later with a big smile on her face.

There will no doubt be a growing membership in the years ahead and said subscribers have the privilege of scribing their names in the BACK of the visitors book by way of recognition of their exploits!!

Young Tommy still showing his delight having caught his first Salmon that morning following a hearty breakfast with his Father Chris………..chuffed or what!!

The Wright Bros (no connections with the famous aviators) are a third generation of experienced and dedicated fishermen who have frequented their beautiful 5 mile double bank stretch of the Upper Teign River and between them caught in excess of 1200 fish over the years.

Their stay across a 5 day period enabled many a “one that got away” yarn to be spun and Ian really enjoyed the guided tour of all the best fishing pools on their beat. Their fishing hut built in the 1930′s in Colin Hellier’s apple orchard next door is in a wonderful spot overlooking Orchard Pool where Tommy caught his latest fish. They’ll all be back soon.

 Charles (on the right) Parry’s 50th Birthday Celebratory Weekend at Orchard Barn B&B was a fun and energetic 5 day extravaganza – he and his wife Sue organised a get together of their friends and family to mark their double 50th and 25th wedding anniversary. 

They hired the village cricket ground and played numerous games (wellie throwing, cricket, etc) before congregating for a wonderful feast at their house and garden.

The next day everyone went for a long walk and finished up with a Cider Sampling at Orchard Barn and children were offered a T20 Fergie Tractor drive around the croquet lawn.

Ian and his T20 Fergie and link-box with children circuiting the garden.