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A children ’ s play area has also been created , Robert remarked how much young children often spend a lot of their time inside and on their electronic gadgets suddenly experience a whole new world and love to run around the farm , explore and play . “ To see the joy on their faces makes it all worthwhile ” Robert said .
In this country the good old British weather cannot be relied upon and there is nothing worse than being stuck in a caravan or tent in the pouring rain , so with that in mind Robert has converted yet another barn where Kids can play under cover and the grownups can sit and read with onsite facilities to cook and make a brew .
To further enhance peoples experience Robert has details of all areas of local interest and several nature trails , walks and cycle routes .
Well you would think that having created such an experience that would be enough . Well you would be wrong , after several cyclists used the site as a stopping off point on their coast to coast cycle rides , a few of them remarked it was a pain leaving their vehicles in Penrith and then cycling all the way to Tynemouth to
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then trek back . Robert now offers a minibus service to pick up and deliver cyclists wherever they need to be .
In fact , this amazing journey of development took on an extra dimension 2 years ago . Robert being a big music enthusiast had always fancied staging his own Music Festival ! Well “ How does one do that I asked ” Robert went on tell me that he had a good relationship with Adam Day – a local musician who said “ It ’ s quite simple , you need a good stage and sound system along with space and amenities to support the audience as well as decent bands of course ” – Not much then – However as Robert said to me they already had space , accommodation and amenities , it was a case of using some common sense and getting in touch with some local bands and making sure you had some good beer to sell !
Hey Presto the Mains Farm Music Festival was Live , it ’ s aimed at the over 35 age bracket , the first one was a great success with people keen to rebook for the following year . This year the festival will be on the 17th and 18th of August . Last year attending a Farm Innovation show Robert was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and chat with another pretty successful farm , none
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other than the great Michael Evis of Glastonbury fame whose advice to Robert was to grow slowly and always look to improve ! Robert has certainly been doing that . If the festival goes well again this year Robert is looking to sign some more Penrith bands for next year .
The village of Kirkoswald has been home to Robert for some 50 years and it ’ s been very good to him . So following his hard work and success he was keen to give something back , so he actively supports the
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local football and cricket teams , has also contributed to the local swimming pool ’ s development and the church .
I asked about the future – Can he do anymore ? He is considering developing an adult campsite across the road for those people who want a spot of quiet and , he would like to see the Festival expand . Well we wish Robert and Julie continued success and as he was keen to reiterate without Julie ’ s rock like support none of this would have been possible .
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