Wicton Farm started life as a separate Doomsday Manor in the 11th Century but the present four bay timber framed house was built in the early 16th Century.  In 1839 the farm size was 155 acres, remaining around the figure until the present day at 170 acres.  During the 19th Century it was a tenanted farm and the estate owner built the semi detached Wicton Cottages for his groom and gardener. Trains have played a large part in the past residents of Wicton as the Bromyard to Leominster line passes very close to the farmhouse and cottages.  Passenger trains ran at 1½ hour intervals and drivers were known to stop the train to pick up late passengers along the track, also stopping at the farm house to purchase farm produce.   The line was opened in September 1897 and sadly closed in September 1952. However it still provides a pleasant walk through the farm. In 1974 the Howlett family (not from a farming background but the textile industry) purchased the farm (120 acres) which had been deserted for over a year. 40 old cows were bought and driven up the lane in the spring of 1975. The abreast milking parlour, still in use to day, recommenced its twice daily routine.  Simple farm machinery appeared that year, as did a social worker from Gloucester named Lindy (also still in use today). The farm house was excitingly renovated over six months and my parents were installed whilst Lindy and I made our home in the cottage nearest the farm buildings. Over the years cow numbers were built up to 100, farm buildings were increased and renovated and land purchased to bring the acreage to 170.  All herd replacements are home reared with grass leys and 30 acres of cereals providing animal feed.  We work the farm as a family, never employing full time labour and keeping a self contained balance. I am a great believer in small family farms and feel sad that of the four farms on our lane when we arrived in 1974, we are the only farm left. Organic conversion started in 1998 as an idealistic challenge, having always harbored a dislike for artificial fertilizer and sprays. This has proved to be very worthwhile for the health of the land and the animals.   Our organic milk is sold to the co-operative OMSCO which supplies milk to Yeo Valley Organics, famous for its excellent yogurt. The death of my father in 1999 prompted a reluctant move from the cottage to the farm house and the conversion work of the cottages to a self catering holiday home began.   We observed, ironically, that money borrowed for this diversification project were for luxuries that we had never had over the 25 years of living in the cottage (Central heating, bathrooms upstairs, TV’s,  dishwasher etc.). This enterprise gives Lindy and myself much satisfaction and pleasure (plus more work!!) but there is no wish to convert more farm buildings into holiday accommodation. Guests seem to appreciate being part of a working farm and are encouraged to feed and observe the animals as well as participating in activities that they might not normally experience. This spring one family spent hours making very imaginative and effective scarecrows for the cereal crops.  Also there is a games room in the old Oast House and an outdoor play equipment (Nb. adults have suffered injuries on the sledges and tall stilts!!) We produce organically reared pork, lamb, eggs, vegetables and milk for home consumption emphasizing the quality of good, simple food which is rapidly disappearing from the shops.   When requested, Lindy runs children’s cooking days in the farmhouse kitchen.  In conclusion we have been blessed with a well balanced family, raised in a secure and stable environment (Wicton is a world of it own) and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the farm. Anthony and Lindy Howlett