Category: Blog

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…

New News & Views…

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THE CHURCH OF ST THOMAS’ East Shefford, a hidden gem…

This year saw the return of the popular Christmas Carol Service at the nearby church of St Thomas’. This little church of pre-Norman origin sits in an idyllic spot and for our local community it was magical to see the return of the Christmas tradition. This church is however open to all and well worth a visit. The church is under the care of The Church Conservation Trust and it is an absolute privilege to be a volunteer and help to keep this little piece of history current. Later in the year I hope to organise a Flower Festival here, in the 2 weeks that the Conservation Trust are celebrating their Churches. So save the date June 14th/15th and look out for more information from the trust itself. This Church is on one of our popular walks from the village….

WELFORD PARK. Snowdrops & Lights…

Located about 2.5 miles from Great Shefford, Welford Park is now open for snowdrop season. Beautiful carpets of snowdrops in the grounds make for a stunning walk. The season is limited so you need to be quick if you intend to go this year, but its impressive to say the least. However the Festival of Light in November was absolutely magical. We are so lucky to have this on our doorstep…

NEW SEASON. 2 Ivy House, open for walking packages from April…

With the lighter days ahead we start our walking packages again from April. Beautiful walking, home cooked meals, superbly located for sightseeing such as Highclere Castle and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Please call us on 07525711170 for information…

Hummh Mummy…How much longer are you going to be cleaning the church?

Autumn is here…

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It has been a busy summer at 2 Ivy House. Chloe and I have had so many lovely guests from all parts of the world. We walked with some, whilst others chose to walk on their own. The fields have been beautiful! Spoilt for choice in this area for fine pubs and restaurants. It was lovely to provide some of our walking guests with good home cooked meals. The vegetarian chilli and lasagnes proving to be a firm favourite. Our dog Chloe is seen here taking a rest on Donald’s bench before heading down to St Thomas’ church.

Church of St Thomas…

The tiny Norman Church of St Thomas, which is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, has many medieval features. This year a very old tradition of the village will hopefully take place once again. The little Christmas service that was once held on the last Saturday before Christmas will take place this year at 3.00 P.M. (21 December).

Homemade & Local…

The fantastic selection of local produce around this area is encouragement for anyone to try new recipes. Having now made my own mayonnaise I cannot imagine buying it again. It’s quicker to make than I thought, and so few ingredients:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 250 ml sunflower oil
  • 2 tsp white wine vinegar and or lemon according to taste
  • Salt & pepper

Slowly, slowly, drop by drop add the oil to the egg yolks and Dijon mustard by whisking. I do this by hand and it takes about 10 minutes but an electric whisk speeds this up. Once mixed and thickened, add the salt and pepper to taste, and the white wine vinegar and lemon juice. It’s delicious! Keeps in the fridge for 3/4 days…

Summer Fruits..

Lots and lots and lots of damsons… Who else has had a bumper year? What else can you do with them? Jam, gin????? Well, who would have thought I would get first prize at the local produce show. lol…

News, Views & Events

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D-DAY COMMEMORATION…

The poppies in the garden came out just in time to help with the 80th anniversary D-Day events. Lambourn Parish council together with Nicky Henderson light the beacon to commemorate the anniversary, it was a perfectly, still, warmish evening and I am pleased to say a huge amount of people turned out to show their respects. A very poignant evening! You could see at least 2 other beacons in the distance.

D-DAY BEACONS

SUMMER FIELDS… I am sure it has not gone unnoticed but we have had so much rain! The flowers, shrubs, trees and even the meadow fields look amazing though. I think the mild winter and lack of heavy frost has certainly benefitted some of the plants, certainly in my garden. In Great Shefford, just 5 minutes from the house we have the most beautifully planted meadow field. Its an absolute joy to walk along the river and see all the wild flowers. This is one of our favourite walks, The Lowland Walk. So lucky to have this on the doorstep.

Wild FlowersIN gREAT shefford
Meadowfields…

RECIPES & RADIO… A few weeks ago I was invited to Join Penny Locke on our local radio station. Slightly out of my comfort zone, but talking about food and local produce seemed quite natural in the end as here at the B&B I love to cook, garden and produce meals from our garden or locally. I am trying lots of new recipes from jams/conserves to delicious vegetarian options for our walking guests.

OUR LITTLE GEM… St. Thomas Church set in idyllic remote surroundings. A simple church of pre-Norman origin. On the edge of a water meadow. This little church is in need of love and appreciation. Well worth a visit as it takes in some wonderful views and wild life, Canadian geese, ducks, kingfishers, trout, to name but a few.

The pretty St Thomas church at East shefford…

AND FINALLY… My blogs would not be complete without a picture of my beautiful Chloe. We cover many many miles in a week. Its an absolute joy in such wonderful countryside…

Chloe in the wheat fields…

Harvest Time

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Early morning walk….

Archaeological Dig…

The weather has not been that great this summer, and I fear that the crops have not been that great either but the fields look so good this time of the year. Who would have thought two weeks later this very field would have an archaeological dig going on? Well over 1000 enthusiastic metal detectorists visited the area to look for items of historical interest and I believe that they were delighted with their finds of Roman and Saxon origin. The whole event was in aid of the Rodney Cooke Memorial Charity and I have to say I found it fascinating.

Roman Re-enactment…

It’s not everyday you see Roman soldiers in your local field. Usually a quiet, tranquil stroll along the river with the dog but this particular weekend it was buzzing.

Late Summer Flowering…

This late flowering clematis has proved to be an absolute gem. I moved this very mature plant last year not expecting it to even survive but it has come back with an abundance of flower and in a much more appropriate spot. The clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). I didn’t know that until I looked it up. The rest of the garden is actually still very colourful, I guess there has to be some positives from the very wet July, and the fruit!!!!! So many plums and damsons I could start my own jam factory.

A Lovely Place To Visit…

Shaw House in Newbury proved to be an excellent choice for a little day out. Walk, picnic, and until 23.9.23 there is a fascinating sculpture exhibition. Everything was going so well until their resident cat decided to sit about 2 meters away in front of our dog. Chloe is not keen on cats!!!! But the cat loved Chloe. So if you are thinking of paying a visit its worth remembering that the gardens are dog friendly and the house is free entry.