Happy new year

Well, here we are on the very last day of 2025 — where on earth has this year gone?
Looking back, it’s been a year of big moments and mixed emotions. Adrian’s mum passed away, we welcomed the birth of our granddaughter, and Adrian and I both turned 60. Life has a funny way of packing everything in at once.
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Ours was a quiet one. The boys were either working or spending the day with their partner’s families, so it was just Adrian and me on Christmas Day, with a few neighbours popping in during the day. Boxing Day was busier, with Adrian’s family coming over — which certainly helped with the turkey situation!
The farm is very quiet at the moment. Adrian and Daniel are working in the mornings, just doing the essentials — feeding and bedding the animals. I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favourite time of year. Everything feels a bit bleak, unloved and untidy. Straw from the blower ends up scattered around the yard near the sheds, and no matter what you do, it just looks messy. 
One thing I really do enjoy, though, is receiving Christmas cards — mainly from past guests. It’s lovely to hear how children who once stayed here are now young adults, choosing universities and studying for their exams. It’s a reminder of how quickly time passes and how many stories pass through this place. At least, with the New Year, we can look forward to planning and reopening the site.
Whatever 2026 brings, I hope it’s a good year for everyone.

Maddy, Adrian & All at Boswarthen x