A village for all seasons (From Gazette & Herald)

A village for all seasons

The village of Farndale is synonymous with daffodils but beyond the blanket of yellow blooms is a vibrant village. Reporter DAVID JEFFELS went along to find out more...

THE mention of Farndale immediately conjures up idyllic images of masses of wild daffodils and lambs in fields where a river meanders through as it has for hundreds of years.

It is the home to farming families who have lived there for several generations, but also several newcomers who, like the visitors who travel from all parts of Yorkshire and beyond to enjoy its famous springtime delights.

But there's more to Farndale than its daffodils as visitors who venture into its panoramic countryside at other times of the year quickly discover.

It boasts a spider's web of rights of way which attract serious ramblers as well as families seeking a short walk through some of England's finest countryside.

Farndale's is not a natural landscape, but one shaped by the activities of generations of farmers and landowners, where sheep and cattle have been bred to provide a living for them and their families.

Hundreds of years of traditional farming has resulted in the enclosure of land by picturesque stonewalls and hedges.

The daffodils attract some 40,000 visitors a year and provide some economic benefit to Farndale, among them George Loggie and his family who run the legendary Daffy Cafe.

It's a canny little cafe with just a handful of tables and chairs where George and his wife, Joanne, serve walkers for much of the year.

However, planning restrictions imposed by the North York Moors National Park Authority mean the business can't operate all-year round. To supplement his income, George operates as a mobile disc jockey at weekends, entertaining at weddings and village functions over a wide area, while Joanne works part-time for Help the Aged.

He and Joanne have two boys, Reuben and Jake, and another member of the family is expected very soon.

"We're very dependent on the weather for our business," said George. "But we have made many friends because many people come back year after year."

He added: "We have a good community in Farndale. Because we are so scattered and have no bus service, we make our own entertainment."

Some of the older children in Farndale are given a special treat once a week, being taken to a youth club at Fadmoor.

"This is a close community which relies on each other. It's a wonderful place to live and the people are tremendous."

Farndale has, in the main, resisted the temptation to become a haven for second home seekers, says Sally Potter and Cath Featherstone, two young wives who have brought up families in Farndale.

Sitting in the kitchen at Sally's home, Bragg Farm, amid the wonderful countryside aroma of chutney being made on the cooker, they explained how they live with the isolation of Farndale with its vast views, but where your neighbour can be over a mile away.

Cath has lived in the dale for some 30 years and is a leading figure in Farndale's life, as chairman of Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association, member of the Women's Institute, treasurer of the bandroom and a member of the recently formed Farndale entertainments committee, which plans social events and keeps the local community life thriving.

Both Cath and Sally each have two children - and are heavily involved in Farndale's life as well as playing a key role on the family farms.

Farndale has some 92 properties, says Cath, and an amazing number of 40 children. "Farmers who have been here a long time are certainly the backbone of Farndale's life," says Cath.

They recognise the value of the daffodils, bringing tourists into the area.

"We use them to fund our bandroom by running daffodil teas in the spring - it raises money not only for the hall but for our Christmas party," said Sally. "It's a tradition that's gone on for 40 years."

But life in Farndale is pretty tough for the farming community. Four years ago, the foot and mouth disease came within eight miles. "It was frightening," said Sally.

More recently they have seen diesel prices soar. "Having our own transport is essential because we are eight miles from our nearest shops at Kirkbymoorside but there's such a good community spirit here that those without a car can be taken to town, or we collect what they might want."

Both Sally and Cath use the internet for much of their grocery shopping. "Life here's not just about farming but about maintaining the environment," said Cath. "It's a hard life, but it's enjoyable. We take great pride in maintaining the walls and fences because they are so important to the landscape."

Farming has changed in the dale, they say, recalling how a few years ago there were 17 dairy farms - today there are just two.

The name of Harold Dobson is synonymous with Farndale for he and his family toured chapels for years, singing and preaching. Harold, now in his 80s, was born in Farndale, and he and his wife, Nora, have been married for 57 years and still run the local post office part-time, as they have for 35 years.

He was a preacher for an incredible 60 years which earned him special recognition from the Methodist Church, but today he's content to just sit in the pews and hear others. "We sang as a family for 22 years, mainly four of use, but sometimes five," said Harold, who was a smallholder in the dale until he retired.

He recalls cycling from Farndale to as far as Ness and Nunnington in all weather, preaching, and in severe winters, yoked horses to a wooden sledge to get up Blakey Bank.

"The dale's salvation was milk," says Harold. "We used to make butter and sell it by taking it to Kirkby market. Everyone joined in the milk scheme of the day."

Tucked away amid a small cluster of farms at the north of Farndale is to be found The Feversham Arms which has been run for nearly 20 years by Frances Debenham. Her food is renown say the locals, and the warmth of her welcome is matched only by the wonderful blazing fire in the age-old Yorkshire range with its reckon and ovens.

The Feversham has had a licence for 164 years, says Frances. "It was dropping to bits when I bought it but I've gradually built up by providing good meals and a traditional village pub atmosphere."

Indeed, one couple have been going to the inn every Tuesday - for 58 years!

When she's not cooking or serving in the bar, Frances is to be found helping to raise money for charities such as the Martin House Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Even a power cut doesn't deter her culinary skills. "We were without electricity for 11 days so we cooked on the range."

While Farndale is universally known for its daffodils, its carpets of bluebells are equally a pleasure to see she says. "There's nothing better to walk along the banks of the River Dove when they're in bloom. All the seasons are wonderful in Farndale - the landscape changes with each one."

Updated: 16:16 Wednesday, January 11, 2006