I arrived at about 9:30 am to take pictures for the farm and the Fair set-up was still in motion.  Drizzle was falling but a few brave individuals came down early to see what we had to offer this year.  As the morning went on, more and more families with kids ventured down to the farm to join the many activities offered by the Fair.  By the time I left shortly after noon the place was packed with families and a good time was being had by all.

This year we had a model train set up by the “Greater Vancouver Garden Railwatch” and the children loved it.  Not only that, it brought back memories of years ago for some elderly like myself.  Children had great fun in the bubble and the sidewalk chalk areas.  Year after year, the petting zoo was a hit again.  As you looked around you could see many children with their happy faces painted by our volunteers.

Find the needle in the haystack was a lot of fun for the young ones and I know the parents enjoyed watching their children play in the hay.  Pony ride was absolutely a favourite as many children had never been on a horse in their lives.  It’s interesting just to watch the rock painting by the kids as you could only see what they were trying to paint, in the end. 

There was a Antiques and Collectables area but this was mostly visited by the adults, everything else was to have families enjoy this special day at London Heritage Farm in Steveston.  London Heritage Farm set-up an eating area where you could buy hot dogs, pops, and chips.  They were also selling home made baking, local grown vegetables along with plants they started from seeds or clippings. 

The tea room was fully packed and waiting time was about forty five minutes long. By this, you can tell how popular the high tea at London Heritage Farm really is.

Maybe next year we can have this event a week earlier or later as this week has always seen the rain.  Oh well, it helped watering the gardens and putting off forest fires.  If the rain did spoil your plan to come down with your family to have fun in the Family Farm Fair, see below the snaphots of fun you shouldn’t have missed.

Reported and photography by Dave Kemp

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

2010 Fraser River Art Festival held at London Heritage Farm on July 11 in sunny Steveston.  Mayor Brodie and MLA John Yap made the opening speeches, followed by Chairperson Robert Berkhout of London Heritage Farm to officially open the event, also in attendance was Councilor Bill McNulty.  People were entertained prior to the opening by Piper Jim Wishlove.  Local artists took great pride in showing off their work.  Many visitors to the farm wandered around admiring the artists work.

London Heritage Farm set up a tent where visitors could purchase coffee, tea, scones and cookies. Volunteers helped with the refreshments.  One thing that stands out were the tables set up by London Farm for guests to eat off.  All the tables were made from the recycled wood from the newly renovated porch to the house.  Nothing goes to waste at the farm if at all possible.

Written by Dave Kemp, photos taken by Dave Kemp.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Dear Member of London Heritage Farm Society,

The City of Richmond now has an on-line city-wide volunteer database that links all volunteers with all heritage sites and community centres.  Since London Heritage Farm is part of this system, all members are urged to register themselves at https://icanhelp.richmond.ca/.

This software will help everybody:  For volunteers, you set up your own profile, say where you’d like to volunteer, find out about volunteer opportunities city-wide, can apply for volunteers positions, email me (as the LHF volunteer coordinator) and record your volunteer hours.  For LHF, it means that the farm and it’s volunteer opportunities are more widely advertized so our membership will grow and thrive, as well as keeping you more informed as to special events and areas that need your help.

Here’s some information to help you set up your profile:

1. Go to https://icanhelp.richmond.ca/ and, in the left hand column, click on “Volunteer Registration”
2. Read the first page that comes up (the Agreement) and then select and click on “I agree”.  (This is important because otherwise you can go no further.)  Then click on “OK” at the bottom of that page.
3. Continue with “My Profile”.  Please note that only the boxes marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
4. When you get to the “Preferred Facilities, Locations and Programs” please make sure you click on London Heritage Farm!  Your volunteer info will go to every facility/location that you choose on this page.

If you have any trouble setting up your profile, please feel free to contact me at the Administration office (604-271-5220).  I’m in the office only on Weds and Thurs (8:30-4:00) in January but will be back to my regular office hours of Wed-Fri, 8:30-4:00 in Feb.

Many thanks,

Kate Herring
Administrator
London Heritage Farm Society