There may still be pumpkins to paint and Halloween plans to make, but a little Christmas is beginning to arrive at Hockey’s. Festive items are appearing in the Farm Shop and Vinery, our Christmas order book is open, and preparations are under way for our Christmas Shopping Evening.
We’re enjoying this busy stretch of autumn, with families visiting during half term, comforting food on everyone’s minds and the first conversations about who’s hosting Christmas lunch. Whether you’re ready to start planning or would rather enjoy October a little longer, there’s plenty to bring you to South Gorley.
First, a big thank you — pumpkin painting has sold out!
Both our 9.30am and 11.15am pumpkin painting sessions on Tuesday 27th October are now fully booked.
Thank you to everyone who has booked to join us. We’re looking forward to welcoming our young artists into the polytunnel and seeing the colourful characters they create. Will we have smiling pumpkins, spooky faces or something completely unexpected? We suspect there will be plenty of imagination at work!
If you missed out this time, keep an eye on our newsletters and social pages for future activities. These sessions filled quickly, so when something catches your eye, it’s worth getting your booking in early.
Make a day of the little things this half term
Half term doesn’t have to mean organising a big outing every day. Sometimes a change of scenery, a visit to the animals and something delicious to eat are all that’s needed.
Bring the children along to Hockey’s, enjoy some time together and stop at the Farmyard Cafe for breakfast, lunch or a drink and cake. It’s an easy opportunity to meet friends, catch up with family or let someone else take care of the cooking.
While you’re here, have a wander through the Farm Shop and Vinery. There’s always something to catch your eye, whether you’re looking for supper ingredients, a small gift or a treat to take home.
Breakfast, a walk and a New Forest conversation
On Thursday 29th October, we’ll be welcoming Dan Parsons of New Forest Venison as our guest for the Breakfast Walk & Talk.
These mornings bring together food, conversation and the chance to hear from people with a close connection to the New Forest. Dan’s visit offers an opportunity to learn more about venison and the landscape around us, with time to ask questions along the way.
Whether you’ve joined us before or have been meaning to come, it’s a lovely reason to put a morning aside. Come with a friend or join us on your own, there will be good company waiting.
Meet Ali Hoyle this Saturday
We’re also delighted to welcome local author Ali Hoyle on Saturday 31st October, when she’ll be here with her beautiful Wizz and Fizz books.
If you have a young reader in the family, come and discover them together. There’s something special about meeting the person behind a story, and Ali will be signing copies, making your purchase that little bit more personal.
They would make lovely Christmas presents, too. A book chosen with someone in mind, signed by its author and ready for a Christmas stocking or a parcel under the tree — that’s one present happily ticked off the list.
Now, about your Christmas table…
Christmas food takes a little thought. How many people are coming? Who’s staying for Boxing Day? Will you be cooking your usual favourite or trying something different this year?
Our Christmas order book is open, so you can begin making those plans now.
The butchery team is here to help you think through what you need, from choosing your centrepiece to working out quantities. Tell us how many people you’re feeding, what you enjoy cooking and whether leftovers are an essential part of your Christmas. For many households, those sandwiches are almost as eagerly anticipated as lunch itself!
You don’t have to arrive with every detail decided. A conversation with the team is a useful place to start, particularly if you’re hosting for the first time or cooking for a different number this year.
How to place your Christmas order
You can reserve your Christmas order through our website. Visit the Christmas section, where you’ll find the available products and deposit options.
There are separate deposits for orders including turkey or goose and orders without turkey or goose. Choose the relevant option, read the product information and follow the instructions to provide your order details.
Take a moment to check that your contact information is correct so we can reach you if needed. If you’re unsure which option to choose or have a question about your plans, speak to us before completing your order.
Organising it early gives you time to ask questions and make decisions without the December rush.
Christmas is appearing on the shelves
he Farm Shop and Vinery are beginning to look a little more festive as Christmas items arrive.
Next time you visit, leave yourself a few extra minutes to browse. You might spot a present for someone who’s difficult to buy for, a thank-you gift for a Christmas host or something you’d quite like to receive yourself.
Our local makers and suppliers are an important part of what makes shopping at Hockey’s enjoyable. If you’d like to know more about a product, ask the team. Finding out who made something and where it comes from can make choosing it even more satisfying.
Buying a few things along the way also spreads out the shopping. Although if you’re putting edible gifts away early, we suggest finding a very good hiding place!
Save the date: our Christmas Shopping Evening
Put Thursday 10th December in your diary for our Christmas Shopping Evening, with over 20 local suppliers and makers joining us.
It’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the products, discover thoughtful gifts and support local businesses while enjoying a festive evening at the farm.
We’re busy preparing and will share more details as the date gets closer. For now, gather your shopping companions and save the evening.
Until then, we look forward to seeing you for half-term fun, breakfast with friends, a browse around the Vinery or the first steps towards your Christmas feast.
