May 2012
Swindon Festival of Literature 
- Date:
- 7 – 19 May
Lower Shaw Farm is the home, head, and heart of this locally–loved and nationally–known high spot on Wiltshire’s cultural calendar. It begins with the amazing Dawn Chorus at 5.30am on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May, and continues for a fortnight with an array of novelists, poets, politicians, scientists, philosophers, performers, dangerous discussions, serious sessions, and lively talks. A veritable feast of ideas!
If you want to know who and what, get the full 36–page colour programme, available from Thursday 22nd March. Phone 01793 771080, email or see the Festival website, swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk
Festival Farm Open Day 
- Date:
- Sunday 13th May
- Time:
- 10.30am – 3.30pm
- Price:
- Free!
An open day with lots of festival of literature themes: puppet plays, writing workshops, storytelling, campfire, dressing up, cafe, barn play, story walks, treasure hunts, and discoveries!
Willow Basket-Making Course 
- Date:
- 25 – 27 May
- Price:
- £156
- with…
- Norah Kennedy
Make willow baskets, garden structures, plant supports, sculptures, and decorations. Learn an eco–friendly skill using local renewable materials! There will be time to make at least two small baskets, or one larger one. Advice will be available for those wanting to grow their own willow. After an introductory film on Friday night, there will be tuition from 9.30am until 4pm on both the Saturday and Sunday. This weekend is suitable for both beginners and for those with experience.
There will be an extra charge of £5 – £20 for materials. Norah is an experienced, practising basket maker, and has been teaching this age–old craft here, and all over the country, for many years.
It may be possible to book for one of the days only. Please ask.
The weekend begins on Friday evening and finishes at about 4pm on the Sunday.
Book Willow Basket-Making Course!“A wonderful weekend of creativity and inspiration! I thoroughly enjoyed the Willow course with Norah and came away with some terrific ideas for school. I hope to come and visit again soon!” Katie
Working Weekend 
- Date:
- 27 – 29 May
- Price:
- No Charge
This is a chance to get to know the farm, turn your hand to old jobs and new, enjoy good company and good food too!
Our Working Weekends are run in the beautiful spirit of the wonderful WWOOF organisation: we feed and accommodate you, you work, with us. No money changes hands.
An opportunity to have bright ideas by the compost heap, happy talk in the hen house, and cool chat in the kitchen. Join us to prove that many hands make light work and that today’s stranger is tomorrow’s friend.
For more information on WWOOF, see www.wwoof.org.uk.
Book Working Weekend!“It learns me that no matter how money, no matter living in luxious, because luxious don't bring you friendships… L'argent ne fait pas le bonheur!! ( in english, something like money doesn't bring happiness). So, again, a big THANK you for all… I really appreciate these days at Lower Shaw Farm and all the people here.” Lisa from France