Marching into Spring.........

With Easter just round the corner...here are a few of the activities taking place over the next few weeks........ A Baby Giraffe born at Paignton Zoo

He's delicate and dark eyed - and stands at nearly 6ft tall. He came into the world around 7am on Wednesday 24th February. The male calf named Tonda was born to beautiful mother Janica and father Yoda after a 15 to 16 month gestation period. He is the pair's first youngster. Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment said: "We are ecstatic with the new arrival. We hope he will grow up big and strong like his dad. This heralds a new era in giraffe breeding for Paignton Zoo after the tragic fire that killed Paddy, Kizi and their week-old calf back in 2006". Zoo spokesman Philip Knowling said " We are delighted. He's the most amazing new-born you could ever imagine - he is truly a wonderful sight." Newbarn Farm offers discounted tickets for entrance into Paignton Zoo.

Walking the Geopark Trail. Saturday 3rd April.Desert sands, dry wadi beds and volcanic heights. 400 million years of time seen in a morning! Join John Risdon in viewing the unique Torbay coastline along 3 miles from Goodrington to Broasands. Meet at the Seashore Centre at 9.30am. Adults -£3.00, no booking required

Easter Egg Hunt at Newbarn Farm. Sunday 4th & 11th April.

Enjoy our very own nature trail whilst searching for the carefully hidden eggs on our very first Easter Egg Hunt. Watch out for nesting birds, newts in the ponds, recent badger activity and other signs of wildlife. Hopefully the bluebells will be out in full bloom!

Girls' Night Out. Thursday 8th - Saturday 1oth April.

Jane is preparing for the biggest day of her life and that wouldn't be complete without a traditional hen night with the girls. Meanwhile Tony and the boys are putting together the final touches of their make or break ladies only show. Both funny and touching, we follow the boys from rehearsals to performance, as they prepare for the forthcoming 'Feast of Flesh' contest, which could turn them from has-beens to heroes overnight.

'Quite simply the perfect girls' night out' Darlington Evening Post 'It was fantastic...I have seen and loved The Full Monty but this play was 100% funnier' The Hull Daily Mail. The Princess Theatre Torquay, evening performances only. Tickets from £12.50.

Just a tiny selection of things to do when staying at Newbarn Farm this month. All events within 30 minutes travelling time from the Farm

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Adding another string to our bow (no not Archery - though we may soon be introducing a few easy targets!) we have started regular Clay Pigeon Shoots. Operating mainly every other weekend, alternating from a Satuday to a Sunday on a fortnightly basis. Beginners are welcome as we have a qualified Shotgun Coach in attendance. We cater for individuals, groups, parties and Corporate days. For £25 for 40 clays and use of one of our shotguns nothing could be easier. All shoots start at 11.00am. Individual lessons can be arranged by prior arrangement. Should you be interested, clay pigeon shooting will take place in High Field at Newbarn Farm on the following dates:- Sun 10th Jan, Sat 23rd Jan, Sun 7th Feb, Sat 20th Feb, Sun 7th March, Sat 20th March, Sun 4th April, Sat 17th April, Sun 2nd May, Sat 15th May and Sun 30th May.

Helping our birds survive!

As the big freeze continues to keep the country in its grip with the gritters a regular sight and most of us with one ear glued to the radio for hope of a thaw, give a thought to our feathery friends! The combination of snow and frozen water makes it harder for them to find food and ensure they eat enough of it to build - and maintain - adequate fat supplies to store on the body and 'burn' for energy. We have bird feeders outside all the cottages, lovely for our guests to watch the birds dine on the plentiful nuts and seeds whilst eating breakfast or preparing supper in the warmer months! But we keep this going all winter and during this extra cold spell we also leave leftovers out for them such as: grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, pasta, COOKED rice and the insides of baked potatoes all of which are just as good as meal worms and fat balls and provide much needed nourishment. Freezing weather is a potential death sentence for many birds but by feeding the birds in their gardens people can help them survive the worst of the winter weather. Just a little water, food and shelter can turn the garden into a vital haven for birds in the freezing winter months!

Taste of Devon - heavenly fresh foods!

Now in its fifth year, our popular food ordering scheme not only offers locally produced fayre from the Dairy, the Bakery, the Field Counter and the Potting Shed but from Newbarn Farm's very own chickens and pigs. Six breeds of colourful chickens provide tasty eggs for a wholesome breakfast coupled with some of the best sausages and bacon you will have ever tasted! Pork roasting joints and chops are also available. We continue to stock locally brewed cider and real ale and also provide some of the finest traditional pasties in the locality! Want to order a hamper to enjoy on your holiday - not long to wait you will be sent a tempting menu 6 weeks before your stay. So take advantage of our food ordering system - 'Taste of Devon' and have that little something tucked away in your hand picked hamper - maybe a traditional Devon Cream Tea or some of the regions finest cheeses.