News
After a decade of producing and distributing award winning ice cream throughout the region, Wheelbirks farm in Stocksfield has marked the start of a new, exciting chapter in the family’s history.
Wheelbirks Parlour is the latest business venture from the Richardson family who have lived and worked on the farm for five generations. The family’s reputation precedes them as they are already firmly established within the region as top quality dairy farmers.
Today at a launch event - hosted in the Victorian stable that has been converted to house the contemporary ice cream parlour - brothers Tom and Hugh along with Tom’s wife Lucinda who will manage and oversee the day to day running of the Parlour, raised a toast to all the partners and stakeholders that have helped get the business off the ground.
Development agency One North East and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have been instrumental in bringing the Parlour to fruition. Today partners including representatives from One North East were on hand to show their support.
Lucinda Richardson, owner and manager of Wheelbirks Parlour, said: “Today has been fantastic. The opportunity to bring together all the people that have helped make our dreams a reality is something which is incredibly important to us.
“The Wheelbirks Parlour journey started over seven years ago when Tom, Hugh and I started talking about the possibility of opening a family friendly venue that specialised in home cooked, wholesome food and since then the idea has just grown and grown.
“As a family we are very proud of the Parlour and have already received an overwhelming response from people that have come to visit. With a pre-school play area on site, an orchard to explore as well as a choice of luxury ice cream desserts, there is something to suit all ages making it the perfect treat for the whole family.
“We are so grateful to One North East and DEFRA for their enthusiasm and willingness to support and guide us throughout the process and would like to also extend our thanks to friends and family members who have also played such an important role.”
Sir Donald Curry, Government advisor on farming and food and chairman of the North East England Food and Drink Group (NEEFDG), said: “It gives me great delight to be at the launch of Wheelbirks Parlour today. I have known the Richardson family for many years and it is testament to their hard work and determination that the business has now opened its doors to visitors.
“The business is a great example to the rest of the food and drink sector and other farms in the region, sourcing its ingredients locally and using meat and dairy products produced on site. The family employs a number of staff who live nearby, which helps to support the community and adds tremendous value to the local economy.
“Wheelbirks Parlour is a great addition to the North East’s burgeoning tourism sector and I wish the Richardson family every success in the future.”
Adrian Sherwood, RDPE Manager for One North East, added: “Today marks a real milestone in the Wheelbirks story. We have worked with the family for some time now and it is their passion and enthusiasm that has helped drive the Parlour forward and get it to this position.
“The launch marks the start of a very exciting phase for Wheelbirks Parlour and we look forward to watching as the business goes from strength to strength.”
Wheelbirks Parlour allows visitors the opportunity to take in the most beautiful views of Northumberland whilst enjoying the best in home cooked food and traditional hospitality.
Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, admission to the Parlour is free and there is ample parking on site.
For more information on the Parlour visit www.wheelbirks.co.uk
The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, with the aim of delivering targeted support to rural businesses and communities. It is managed in North East England by One North East, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
The RDPE investment being managed by One North East combines larger projects to help many businesses in different sectors of the rural economy - including bioenergy and land-based skills, and projects adding value to agricultural and forestry products - with smaller investments to help individual businesses to start-up, grow or diversify, and support to develop more sustainable rural communities.
RDPE Business Support is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded support products offering help to companies to start, grow and succeed. Solutions for Business makes it easier for businesses to get the advice and assistance that they need.
For further information on the full package of support, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or Tel: 0845 600 9006. For more information on RDPE in North East England, visit: www.rdpenortheast.co.ukFor more information on RDPE, visit: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/index_en.htm or http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rdpe/index.htm
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For media information please contact Gardiner Richardson:
Jennie Whitell
PR Account Manager
Tel: 0191 261 4250
Mobile: 07525 668871
Email: jenniew@gardiner-richardson.com
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