Golden Valley Rainbows

Since we've been running our B&B at Yew Tree House, we've seen some amazing rainbows over the Golden Valley. But this one which seemed to hang just over the other side of the garden was the lowest we have ever seen and certainly the most colourful.

The photo is not showing the garden at its best because of the time of year but in a couple of months this bed will be full of colour. The slanting fence is a feature of this area of Herefordshire - it's the way the hedges are laid and we think is more attractive than a standard fence.

At last a Red Kite!

I know there are plenty of Red Kites over the border in Rhayader and that the re-introduction of them to Oxfordshire has been very successful, but this is the first I have seen since we've been in Herefordshire. (There was mention in the Hereford Times recently of a sighting) A few years ago I was followed down the A24 in Sussex by one but I think he was just going to Worthing for the week-end. Now one over Yew Tree House - what a beautiful sight. Our local large bird of prey, the buzzard, looks very drab and scruffy alongside the red kite.

Choosing sausages for our B&B guests!

We heard recently that Wallers of Ledbury in Herefordshire had won 1st prize in the 2009 Heart of England Fine Foods Competition for “Best Breakfast Sausage” so decided we should have a tasting competition of their sausages against those of our existing supplier and two other local suppliers. Luckily we had B&B guests staying who were up for the challenge and after much discussion, we all decided that Wallers were best! The photo was taken at the awards ceremony and shows Nick Owen and Sophie Grigson with the winners.

So we're off to Ledbury next week to place our order for Yew Tree House. If you'd like to know more about Wallers Sausages click here

Oz and James Get a Taste for Perry

A couple of weeks ago local cider and perry producer Dennis Gwatkin made a guest appearance on Oz and James Drink for Britain on BBC2.

From the BBC:

"Next they meet one of Oz's mates on a farm in Herefordshire and try an ancient British drink known as perry, which is made from pears. They discover that perry had quite a reputation back in the 1970s when it was sold in small bottles and was well known under another name, Babycham."

As well as producing some of the best cider and perry in the country (in my opinion!), Dennis also produces beef, lamb and pork all produced and butchered in the farm. Along with many home grown vegetables and preserves.

Gwatkins in just a short walk over the hill from Yew Tree House, and we strongly recommend picking up some cider to sample!

The episode is available on BBC iPlayer until 2nd March

We've Got Mail

Yew Tree House was mentioned in an article in the Daily Mail on Saturday. You can read the online version here.

Titled The Best British Holiday Breaks for 2009, the article featured a number of regions around the country, what to do and where to stay.

From the paper:

"The 200-year-old Yew Tree House B&B (01981 251195, www.yewtreehouse-hereford.co.uk) in Vowchurch has fantastic views, tasteful rooms, great breakfasts and double rooms from £65."

The Black and White Village Trail was recommended -

"This 40-mile trail of timbered 16th and 17th-century villages featuring farmers' markets and cider mills feels untouched by tourism."

- as well as a trip to Hereford Cathedral and and the Malvern Hills.

Every Picture........

We have set up an account on Flickr and uploaded lots of pictures of the house, garden and surrounding area. Please do have a look.

It was quite strange looking back at some of the photos taken during all the building work. I've never seen so much dust! But we got there in the end!

Hairy Bikers

At last a photo of the Hairy Bikers and our Best Breakfast Category Award!

Best Breakfast Award

Sorry for not updating this sooner but I have been waiting for Flavours of Herefordshire to send a photo of the Hairy Bikers presenting our Award! We were Commended in our category and will be entering again this year to see if we can win it! So for those people who might have thought no news was bad news I apologise for the delay and hope I can post a photo soon....

A message for all singers!

For the last couple of years, we have had people staying with us who have attended a wonderful course at Abbeydore for experienced singers who have an interest in choral music. The course culminates in a concert on the final night at Dore Abbey. The dates for this year's course are 19th-25th July inclusive and more information can be found from the official website. Everyone who has attended the course has thoroughly enjoyed it and have had the opportunity to meet like minded people in a beautiful part of the world.