Fundraising at the farm 

Over done it this festive season? Going away for the weekend and wanting to keep your fitness and motivation at its peak? Perhaps you're training for a challenge and cannot miss out on your vital daily exercise plan? Or maybe you just want to try and get a taste of Personal Training because you have the time?

However in the few weeks since my last blog post I have new found inspiration which will hopefully benefit our properties.

Previously the old bull box but most recently a workshop for vintage tractors, The Shed has had a variety of uses over the years. The once battered old workshop has been lovingly transformed into a characterful and charming salon for all of your hair and beauty needs. We appreciate that the day-to-day stresses in life often get in the way of regular beauty treatments and hair appointments. The Shed is located on site at The Yard, Corner Farm and only half a mile away from Westfield Granary. You can relax and unwind whilst being pampered in a warm and friendly environment only a stones throw from your Grand Get-Togethers property. Two local lasses with independent well established businesses, Nikki and Elaine, cater for both individuals and groups. They provide a range of treatments from manicures and waxing to hair cuts and colouring. Each have their own large client base so we would thoroughly recommend making appointments well in advance. In addition to our new facility, I would like to announce that our properties are now available to hire for Christmas parties. Whether you would like to entertain family and friends but feel your house is too small, or perhaps you are the chief organiser of your work's night out. All three properties are available for single nights mid week in December and can cater for between 10-50 people per property with the option of sleeping up to 16 guests. Why not treat yourself and hire luxury caterers or a festive cocktail bar? We are here and happy to help you by recommending local suppliers to make the most of your Christmas get-together.

In the last few weeks I have taken some unusual but very welcome requests from future and potential guests which prove that all of our properties have a variety of appealing factors. This week The Yard has been the venue for a photoshoot for Marigold and Vileda. The vast open plan kitchen, living and dining area, on beautiful light grey tiles with natural light pouring in from the mass of glazing made The Yard the ideal location for the photoshoot showing the cleaning products off beautifully. Next month I have taken a booking for a local accountant to host a client evening at The Yard and a clothes show has previously been held here. The spacious yet cozy ambience of the property makes it a very desirable venue for such events and more personal than a hotel or conference room. On a larger scale I am very excited that Westfield Granary has been booked for a wedding in 2017 with the blessing taking place in the garden, outside caterers coming in to provide the food, live music and a marquee being erected in the field. Not only have I given the wedding guests the option of booking the other properties for a place to stay as The Yard and Corner Farm are only half a mile away but also the over flow of guests can camp in the field adjoining the property. Grand Get-Togethers is always trying to improve and diversify the service we provide which is why some of the outbuildings at The Yard and Corner Farm are currently being refurbished. The renovation will create a space for a beautician and hairdresser allowing guests to have treatments on site. Although we cannot divulge any more information at the moment here are some photos of this exciting new development which I hope will be opening in October 2016.

The garden at Westfield Granary has been in 5 months but is already well established with a beautiful border and Portuguese laurel hedge and as for the lavender at The Yard, which was planted just over a year ago, it is spilling out onto the patio as though it has been there years. Last month was the bi-annual Sherburn open gardens for St Hilda's Church and North Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Open gardens are a quint essentially British summer tradition and an opportunity to view some hidden gems in the area.

Here at Grand Get-togethers we have lots to be celebrating. So, here are some statistics to mark the occasion. From June 2015 - June 2016 for The Yard alone, presuming that the property was at full capacity for every booking. We have had: 56 Bookings 896 Guests 2688 Towels (3 towels per person; hand, bath and hot tub) 1792 Pillow cases 448 Sheets 448 Duvet covers

This much improved weather is long overdue! Towards the end of April we have had rain, sleet, hail and snow but entering May I am feeling a lot more positive and looking forward to warmer nights spent playing tennis, running or out on my bike.

Over bank holiday weekend I have supported several local attractions and events and I hope our guests have had equally as much fun as myself. I started the weekend after changeover day, on Friday, at Pocklington 7s Rugby tournament which was a hive of activity and a great social atmosphere, the rugby was even broadcast on television which is fantastic for the local area. On Saturday we had a delightful family pub lunch at The Anvil, Sawdon which is a renowned country pub only a 10 minute drive from all three properties

We are delighted with all of the improvements and would like to thank everyone who has helped with this speedy transformation. The living area has been given a new lease of life with a lick of paint, bright new furnishings, modern lighting and log burner. The dining room feels fresher and more spacious with views out onto the newly landscaped garden.