A popular North East farm attraction has celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary in style. Whitehouse Farm Centre near Morpeth in Northumberland recently threw a two-day weekend birthday bash marking two decades in business and reflecting on how the site has changed in that time.
From a poultry farm threatened with closure in the wake of the salmonella crisis in 1997, to a flourishing tourist attraction welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually by 2017, Whitehouse Farm has transformed completely since Keith and Sheila Slater opened a small farm park to visitors, hoping to survive by diversifying. Chickens have been replaced by an impressive range of animal residents, including a collection of snakes and reptiles, meerkats, marmosets, deer, wallabies, owls and parrots, in addition to the standard farm animals; sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. Site buildings have been converted, upgraded and added to, providing additional animal housing, play areas, a shop and a restaurant to enhance the visitor experience.
The anniversary weekend saw young guests handed party bags on entry, magic shows, party games and the unveiling of new mascot, Nelson the Pig, to officially cut a huge cake. There was also face painting, sheep shearing and show-and-tell sessions alongside the usual attractions; animal handling, talks and displays. Karen Lovatt, operations director, says: “20 years is a huge milestone for any business, but especially for us given the unique pressures we have faced over the years. “If Keith and Sheila had not thought of diversifying in 1997, the farm may have closed before the visitor centre ever opened. The 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease took a massive financial toll as we had to close our doors for a period. Then came the 2008 financial crash, when people understandably had to tighten their belts and cut out non-essentials like family days out. “We survived despite these major challenges, and now, years later, are thrilled to be welcoming a new generation to the farm. We’re looking forward to another 20 years of welcoming more friends, old and new, through our doors.”
We survived despite these major challenges, and now, years later, are thrilled to be welcoming a new generation to the farm. We're looking forward to another 20 years of welcoming more friends, old and new, through our doors.
Karen Lovatt, Operations Director, Whitehouse FarmFind out more about Whitehouse Farm and this year's 20th anniversary activities at: www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk.
