SHIRE FARM PUMPKINS GO DOWN A TREAT
News release
3rd November 2011
Children at the Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Rally enjoyed getting stuck into a pumpkin carving competition thanks to Shire Farm near Hagworthingham.
Shire Farm, one of the UK’s largest biodynamic farms, donated 100 pumpkins to the rally (25th to 27th October) at the Exhibition Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.
Around 500 people camped for the annual three-day event which aims to provide information and support to families living with autism.
The pumpkin carving competition was part of a day of Hallowe’en-themed events which also included scarecrow making and spooky story-telling.
Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, and without the right support it can have a profound effect on individuals and families. According to the National Autistic Society there are over half a million people in the UK with autism
Information stands at the rally offered help and advice to families and carers and a number of expert speakers provided an insight into living with the disability.
Lynn Ingall, organiser of the Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Rally, said: “The children absolutely loved the pumpkins; messy wasn’t the word! They sat for hours carving them and playing with the seeds and such. We lit them up at night and it was absolutely amazing.
“Parents and carers received the support and information they were looking for and enjoyed three stress-free days of quality time as a family - the children didn’t want to leave! You know you’ve done something right when everyone goes home with a smile on their face.
“The event was a great success and I’d like to thank everyone who lent their help and support. We’re already looking forward to next year and to making 2012 the best rally yet!”
Shire Farm, owned by AURA-SOMA®, grows approximately one acre of pumpkins per year which are used in the kitchens at its residential training centre in Tetford and its award-winning vegan restaurant at Aloka Quality of Life Centre in Brighton.
In the future AURA-SOMA® will be planting more varieties of pumpkin so that they can cold-press the seeds and extract the oil to use in their biodynamic skincare range. Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals, essential fats and protein and are excellent for skin health.
Notes for editors
- Shire Farm began from very humble beginnings in 1995 whenMike Booth, Chairman of AURA-SOMA®Products Limited, acquired 50 acres of land in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- Biodynamic farming excludes the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides, relying instead on the natural interdependence between all the diverse elements of the farm which are seen as part of a greater whole.
- Biodynamic farming also recognises the interplay between earthly and cosmic forces such as the rhythms and cycles of the seasons and the impact of the sun, moon and planets upon the land. These form the basis of an annually produced planting calendar which guides the farmer towards appropriate times for cultivation and sowing for maximum quantity and quality.
Holly Tyrrell
01522 528540
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