http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33499 Situated on a hill-top south of Bethlehem, Daher’s vineyard has been in the same family since 1916, when it was purchased by Daher Nassar, grandfather of the family who now run it.
In 1991 the Israeli government declared the area including the Nassar’s land, to be Israeli state land. The family’s challenge has meant ongoing litigation. Despite this, the Tent of Nations was founded in 2000 as an educational and environmental organic farm “seeking to build bridges between different people, and between people and the land”
They have no mains electricity or running water. Solar panels have been installed and their water is collected via rainfall. Visitors and volunteers arrive from all over the world, and support groups are based in the UK and North America. They also run a number of other projects locally including projects for young people.
Our visit was part of a Holy Land Pilgrimage, when we met with local people and learn about organizations – of both Palestinians and Israelis - working for peace in the West Bank. Despite their difficult circumstances, I left with a feeling of optimism and hope for the future. A visit is a truly awe inspiring, unforgettable experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33499 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32634 The Farm operates solely on donations, so although admission is free, see if you can spare a few pounds to keep this great community project going.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32634 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31040 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31040 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30951 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30951 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30570 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30570 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30568 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30568 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30542 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30542 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30511 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30511 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30510 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30510 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30507 The Granary was where I first came across an Indian Runner, a duck that’s a very different shape from my idea of a duck. I named it Edwin, but it turned out I was wrong – apparently only female ducks lay eggs, and so does Edwin, so it should be Edwina! As a townie, I found the sight of a minutes-old calf quite a shock (and was relieved I hadn’t been required to help with the birth). And I also learned that pigs aren’t always pink: the Saddlebacks have their own colouring and personality. There are also several horses, and arable farming – though I still can’t tell my wheat from my barley.
The owners – a farmer, a vet and their four children – are brilliant at making guests feel welcome. They’re all friendly and good company, without being pushy. The visitors’ book shows that our enthusiasm is shared by many, and the same guests’ names appear time after time – we’re clearly not the only ones to find the Granary worth several visits.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30507 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30296 There is also pottery area where kids can paint there own designs from plates to money boxes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30296 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28995 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28995 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27991 Depending on which way you enter the farm you may see a sign in a field saying 'cider', depending on whether the cows have pushed it over.
Arriving at the farm, on a busy day you will see other cider fans unlocking the secret of finding the most authentic cider farm in England.
As soon as you arrive in the cider shed, you are asked "what you having?", answer dry, medium or sweet and you'll be alright. The first taste is a cool, refreshing, rich experience, which is Wilkin's cider.
You won't stop smiling as you find out all the quirks and eccentricities of the cider farm. As it's near the Clark's shoe factory, you will find lots of random shoes in a corner. A helicopter blade from a recent Air Force stag do..
Roger Wilkin's has been cider making since he was a boy, taught the skills of the ancient art by his grandfather.
The business was passed onto Roger through the family and now he produces around 15,000 gallons each year at his home at Landsend Farm.
You'll also be able to visit the orchards in the farm where I have been allowed to camp in the past. Rog is also happy to answer questions about cider making and what he thinks about the recent taxes threatened by the new government.
You can bring home a container of your favourite Wilkin's cider. It won't last long once your friends and family taste the experience too.
Surely any traditional cider enjoyed this way is England in a glass!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27991 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27958