Author: clairecoard7

IT WAS HOT, HOT, HOT…

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NEW VISITORS TO THIS AREA… I know not entirely popular with everyone as they are quite noisy but they are beautiful. Having looked at the information available, to date there does not seem to be any impact on our native birds. They are still here at the moment but not as active as when the sun was beating down. I was however, very excited to see a baby kingfisher sat by the river in our garden! No phone or camera available, typical!…

SUNSET… The day before the eclipse we sat watching the sunset, for me personally it had more impact. Having not been lucky enough to purchase the correct glasses the eclipse came and went {without me even knowing lol }. This picture was taken overlooking Great Shefford, on the road heading towards Wantage. Its just one of the beautiful views, and walks that is so close by that you don’t even need to take the car out.

LAMBOURN VALLEY WAY… This picture above was taken on a very early morning walk. The sun was so hot that we had to walk the dog at silly o’clock. The fields were harvested very early this year and I’m not convinced the yield was that good? However the achilliea thrived! This walk takes you along the riverside of The Lambourn Valley Way and kept everyone cool. We are so lucky to have these walks within a 5 minute walk from the door.

LADYBIRD… Just because I love them! Hundreds of them this year. There are more than 40 species in Britain, the most common being the 7 spot. Most farmers love them as they aphids and other plant-eating pests, and who knew they could bite? Pretty harmless though.

GARDEN FLOWERS… July 4th, 2026 saw St Thomas’ Church in East Shefford host the Flower Festival. Lots more photos are available on the St Thomas’ FB page. Our flowers were all picked from hedgerows and gardens and everyone encouraged to create their designs without using floral foam. We raised in excess of £1.000.00 with the support of Team Thomas, Camp Hopson, Welford Park, The West Berks Golf Club, Herongate Leisure Club, Bills Restaurant, The Globe Theatre Cardiff and Clemency Rittner. Thank you everyone. The day was magical and all proceeds went to the Churches Conservation Trust to help restore and maintain this historical gem that is situated to the East of our village. If you haven’t visited it yet, you really should!

Our Bed & Breakfast offers a personal homely stay with lots of walks, cycling opportunities, local produce and comfortable amenities. Guided walks and evening meals are available on request.

Sizzling Spring/Summer Catch Up…

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WHAT A WONDERFUL EARLY MORNING WALK! Pictured here on one of the local walks the new spring calves were up and about frolicking around before the heat of the day. Its worth getting up at silly o’clock sometime

Sunrise…

Good Morning Great Shefford. The new barn recently erected shone brightly with the morning sun. Situated close to The River Lambourn this circular walk is always full of wildlife and nature. First cuckoo call heard here a few weeks ago, always good to hear as I know they are not as common now, and on the same walk the barn owl. It followed us up the track perching on post to post.

St Thomas’ Church & the CCT…

I had the great pleasure of meeting this very interesting man the other week. He has been looking after St Thomas’ Church since the 1980’s. He was here to assess the complex work that is needed to maintain and preserve this beautiful historic Church. This will be his last project before retirement and I am hoping we will be successful in securing just a few of his recommendations. His findings are then passed on to The Churches Conservation Trust who in turn find the appropriate skilled labour to restore the history it has within. This Church is able. and indeed would welcome the community to use it for Christenings, Weddings and Funerals. Initial enquires should be made to https://visitchurches.org.uk. In the meantime though please come and support our next event on Saturday 4th July @ 2.00 P.M. The Summer Flower Festival. More details can be found on the St Thomas FB page

Seasonal Pickings

Here @ https://2ivyhouse.co.uk I’ve already been able to make so much mint sauce, bumper crop! So keeping the theme of seasonal pickings, today I picked the elderflowers, ready to make cordial. After spending longer to look up the recipe used from last year than to actually prep it, I’ve decided to put it here on the blog then I can look it up quickly. Its tried and tested and DELICIOUS and very easy to make. Not my recipe but one of the better ones in my opinion.

INGREDIENTS 2.5 KILOS SUGAR [ granulated or castor] , 1.5 KILOS WATER 2 UNWAXED LEMONS , 85 GRAMS CITRIC ACID, 20 WASHED ELDERFLOWER HEADS. yes just 5 ingredients

METHOD Put the sugar and water into a large saucepan. Allow to heat gently until sugar has dissolved. Once dissolved bring to the boil and remove from the heat. Now add citric acid the flower heads and the zest of both lemons AND the 2 lemons which are sliced as the picture. Leave for 24 hours. Finally strain through a muslin cloth or very fine sieve and bottle up into sterile containers. lasts 2/3 months. Although I think longer!

Bookings

We are now open for direct bookings only.. Please visit the website for contact details and the packages that are on offer. Our local pub is due to open its doors soon and we are all very excited about that as its just a 2 minute walk. We look forward to seeing you @ https://2ivyhouse.co.uk

Events of 2025/26…

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Wishing All our guests, family and friends A Very Happy New Year! There has been a lot happening and a lot to look forward to this coming year. Our much missed local pub is due to re-open, hopefully May, so just in time for drinks by the river in the Summer. I for one cannot wait as we have watched the refurbishment with anticipation…

Up and Coming…

Last year St Thomas’ in East Shefford held a Summer Flower Festival with Hymns & Pimms. This proved to be a very successful afternoon and with about 170 people attending we are planning something similar so watch this space for dates, times and itinerary. There will be flowers! There will be Pimms! But the rest is yet to be finalised. All donations from these events are going towards the upkeep of this historic church of pre-Norman origin which stands beside the water meadow alongside The River Lambourn. This years project is to clean the tomb of Sir Thomas Fettiplace and his wife. These works are to be carried out with the authorisation of the CCT (Church Conservation Trust)

Chistmas @ 2 Ivy House…

Christmas came early at our house this year. Could not wait for a little sparkle and shine! Unusually we were open during the Christmas and New Year this year so I had fun in decorating the units for our guests. Great Shefford and the surrounding areas had so many fabulous Christmas services we were spoilt or choice and the lights at Welford Park were bigger and better than last year.

Surrounding Countryside..

You don’t have to walk too far from the house to find beautiful walks, flowers and these cute rams who decided to walk with us. Completely undisturbed by the fact that we had our dog with us.. They were so interested or should I say nosey. The single flower was found growing in my neighbours garden, it smelt divine.

Coffee Stop…

On our doorstep soon but until then… Pricillas in East Garston is a 30/40 minute walk along the River Lambourn. The cafe has lovely coffee and probably the best cakes for miles. Well worth the effort.

This is just a glimpse of what’s around us. Whether you are a walker, cyclist, or just sightseeing, please call or email if you are interested in a stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you in 2026…