Happy Summer Holidays

Hello to all our lovely blog readers,

How are you all? It's Betty the Guinea Pig here again with a little update from my lovely home here at Gypsy Wood Park. 

Since we opened in March we have been REALLY busy - not only making friends with all our lovely visitors but also still working hard behind the scenes too. We've now finished the cafe (if you haven't been then wow, you really need to go, it is absolutely stunning. And the food is pretty good too. Don't tell the animal carers that I nibbled on a bit of cake..... cake is definitely not healthy Guinea Pig food, and I would be in big trouble if they knew. But it was SO delicious!).

And did you hear about the fantastic award we won? We were abolustely thrilled when the lovely people from Great Days Out told us that we won the Great Days Out Commitment to Excellence Award for 2017. Wahoo! It is lovely to be rewarded for all our hard work and commitment to providing our visitors with a wonderful family day out. Debbie told me she'd like to say a BIG thank you to all our hard-working and dedicated staff for helping to make it all happen. 

So, what else is new here at Gypsy Wood Park? Well, we've got some new animals - our adorable new rats (NAMES?) have been settling in well, and the Russian Dwarf Hamsters have too. If you're visiting us this summer, do pop by and say hello to them, and to me of course - I love to meet new friends :) 

Our new undercover play area is coming along nicely too, it's looking great! We've got a new slide in there from Honey Bee Adventures, and I hear it's amazing! I'm not quite a brave enough little Guinea Pig to try it yet, but watch this space! But some of our little guests are having a great time in the new construction play zone too!

And as you're passing through the shop don't forget to look out for the new Gypsy Wood legend story. We've just had beautifully illustrated copies of this lovely tale back from the printers, and the little book is wonderful. It tells the sad, sad story of a beautiful fairy called Rhiannon, who wants to escape from the evil clutches of her nasty step-father. She runs away and creates a new fairy kingdom in a beautiful woodland, although poor Rhiannon is pining for her mother and sisters who didn't manage to escape. There is a happy ending though - but you'll have to read the story for that (I don't want to spoil it for you!!).

So, I'd better be off for now, I can hear all the staff stomping about in the office behind me. We're all getting ready for the mania of the summer holidays - we love seeing everyone, but it can get tiring for a little old guinea pig like me. So, it's time for my daily nap! 

Thanks for reading lovely people, and do come and see us soon. Have a lovely and very happy summer holidays, whatever you get up to.

Bye for now, squeaks and kisses,

Betty x

Hello 2017 Season!

Wow! Can you believe it? It’s Betty the Guinea Pig here because it’s time to say a BIG hello to all our lovely blog readers and visitors again. We are opening in just 3 days’ time – wow! Did you miss us over the winter months? Because we definitely missed you.

I’d like to say it’s been very quiet and boring here on the park without you all, but sadly it hasn’t. What with all of us animals being treated to a lovely Christmas dinner, and then the sound of Gafyn’s tools banging and hammering away. All the humans have been pretty busy getting some amazing new attractions ready for you all, least of all a brand new café – wow, it’s looking pretty good. And I’ve been assured there’s no baked Guinea Pig on the menu – just lots of lovely cakes, sandwiches, coffees, ice creams and treats. Delicious – I’ll see you all there.

As well as the café we’ve got some fun new play tunnels, a new undercover play area in the old café and the fairy princess has a beautiful new home. We have been busy with lots of new projects, but we’ve also been pretty busy entertaining new guests too. Some of you might have popped to see us just before Christmas so you’ll know that we had a super special visitor – Father Christmas dropped in to stay with us for a few days to meet some of you, and he told me that he absolutely loved it and can’t wait to come back next year! Which is great – it was the first time Gypsy Wood opened for Christmas but we all had loads of fun and it was brilliant to see everyone. And now that FC has said he’ll come back then it’d be rude not to open for him again wouldn’t it!?!

Another beautiful visitor we had were some gorgeous swans on the lake – another first for us here at Gypsy Wood. I didn’t like to get too close to them, as the goats told me they were pretty hungry and looking for some lunch, but I admired them from afar and they were gorgeous. They’ve carried on their long journey by now though – I expect they were looking for some sunshine over the cold winter months (definitely none of that here, haha!).

Well, I’d better get back to it – all the animals are under strict instructions to make their beds nice and tidy ready for opening day, and do you know what, I’m not a very tidy Guinea Pig so it takes me a long time! I do try, but I like my straw all over my hutch that way I can be cosy wherever I go…..

All of us here at Gypsy Wood, including our team of new staff, are really excited about the coming season – and excited to see you all again soon! We’ll be open from the 27th March, so don’t forget to come and say hello to Betty and all my friends soon!

Take care, and lots of love and nibbles,

Betty xx

End of Season 2016

Hello everyone! Betty the Guinea Pig here with another blog update for all my lovely friends......

Well, well, well! It's the end of the 2016 season already, where has the time flown to? Our last day of opening will be the 11th September, so only a couple of days to go; can you believe that, my lovely Gypsy Wood friends? And what a fantastic season it's been for me and all my animal and human friends. Debbie and her family have survived their first season here at Gypsy Wood, and I think they've done a brilliant job. High five paws to them!

Our other humans have been doing pretty well too - Gethin passed his driving test (well done Gethin!), and lots and lots of them had great exam results (except for Cai who promises to do better next year). And of course, Darleen, who serves up all the wonderful treats and teas in our cafe, is going back to university this September and we wish her the very best of luck. Good luck Darleen, from me and all your friends here at Gypsy Wood. We'll miss you!

Darleen actually made me laugh and laugh the other day when she was telling me a really funny story - she woke up with a start at 6:30 one morning because she thought she'd forgotten to phone the bakery with the order for that day. So she leapt out of bed to call them with the order. They thought she was going mad, because of course she'd phoned them the day before - it was all in her dreams that she hadn't. Silly billy Darleen, but that did make me laugh. She'll be glad to get back to university for a rest, haha!

And of course there have been lots of great new additions to the park this year - some of the new activities include the trampolines, the tunnels, duck racing, the play sand pit and giant games like chess board, jenga and kaplunk. They've all been really popular too, and it's been great to see you all having so much fun.

There have been animal additions too - we had a new baby canary called Lemon, awwww what a cutie she is. And of course a new human - Witch Mo became a Nain to the gorgeous John Caio. Congratulations Mo! And another one on the way - Alwena is due to give birth to a baby boy in December. We wish her all the very best and we can't wait to meet your little one at the end of the year.

Don't forget to keep and eye out on our Facebook page to find out who will win the Trainspotting Quiz and the Make my Wish Come True competition. The results will be posted very soon.

We've had so many lovely people visiting us this year. A HUGE thank you to everyone who's come to see us. Thanks for your continued support and a big thank you to all the new visitors and lovely reviews you've written for us. We really appreciate it, and it certainly makes all the hard work worthwhile.

And finally, a huge thank you to our team of hardworking and loyal staff who make Gypsy Wood what it is - a magical place to visit and for all of us animals to live. Apparently Debbie and Gafyn are taking us all out on the last day of the season to celebrate, and to show their appreciation to us all. Sorry, what's that - they're not taking us animals? Just the staff and fairies..... oh, well, that's gratitude for you! I better have some extra tasty leaves in my bowl tomorrow instead.

So, that's about all from me for now, but don't forget to stay tuned for exciting updates about next season - there will be plenty going on and lots more fun and games. We can't wait to see you all again soon.

Lots of love,

Betty xx xx

Happy 2016!

Hello hello hello to all our lovely blog readers! Well, 2016 is here, can you believe it? We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and are ready for all the hard work (and fun!) that 2016 is bringing with it!!

Our clever readers will have noticed that it's not Bobby blogging this time....... Hello everyone, I'm Betty the Guinea Pig! Bobby handed over the blogging reigns last year, after sadly he decided to retire from Gypsy Wood. Life in the spotlight just wasn't for him; he's a shy little chicken really.... But, I'm happy to say that he's loving his retirement so far - both Bobby and Mini-Bobby are enjoying a free-range life with all the corn they can eat. 

So, the name's Betty! And don't forget it (don't worry, I won't let you!). And sadly, Bobby isn't the only one to retire from Gypsy Wood either.... Chris, who founded this beautiful place back in 2004 and gave all of us lucky animals a lovely home has also decided it's time for a well-earned rest. Chris told me that she's loved every single minute of her time at Gypsy Wood, but it's time to hand it over to the younger generation as we say a big welcome to Chris' niece Debbie and her husband Gafyn. Chris wishes you both all the luck in the world (not that you'll need it with us lively bunch of animals, of course....) and hopes you both have as much fun as she has done over the years.

Chris will be sorely missed, for her warmth and generosity towards all of us animals, and her capers with the staff. Just the other day I watched as she and Mo decided to share the only pair of welly boots in the office to hop across some flood water to see to the animals. They got there ok, but soon discovered that it was very difficult to hop and push a wheelbarrow at the same time. Well, I laughed like a lunatic, and they got very wet feet. Silly billies!

And here are some pictures of some of the flood water we've had here at Gypsy Wood over the last couple of weeks. Phew, we've had a lot of rain. And we all know that this little Guinea Pig doesn't like the rain.... roll on Spring is what I say!

Now, in other news... all the staff are at the park getting ready for our 2016 opening. Not long to go now, and I for one can't wait. I'm so excited to see some new faces and have some cuddles with some new friends. We open on March 21st, so put the date in your diary friends!

We've also got some new attractions for this coming year. I am absolutely sworn to secrecy (although I do accept carrot-shaped bribes....) so you'll just have to watch this space, and we'll keep you updated. 

And did you know, best news of all, that our resident Witch Mo is about to become a Nain (or grandmother for our non-Welsh speaking friends)? Big congratulations to Mo and her family - we hope you bring in the new addition to see us for big Betty cuddles.

Well, that's all from me for now. It's been lovely to meet you all and share our Gypsy Wood news. I'll be back in touch soon with more news, events and information for you all, so keep your eyes peeled. I can't wait to see you soon, lots of love, Betty xx xx

Spring into opening

Hello to all our lovely blog readers!

Well, would you believe that it's March already? Mini-Bobby and I can't barely believe our feathers that time is flying by so fast.  It's nearly time for us to open our gates to you all, and do you know, after a long and cold winter, we are pretty excited about the Springtime coming. The daffodils and snowdrops are blooming here at Gypsy Wood Park and Mini-Bobby and I have to be careful not to trample on them while we're practicing our new chicken boogie moves. They are so pretty.

And of course we've got a new addition to our little chicken gang! We are very giddy to introduce you to Frizzles. Isn't she gorgeous? Don't worry - Mini-Bobby and I will be showing her the chicken ropes, don't you worry. She's already learnt some brilliant boogie moves, and we've taken her all around the park to introduce her to the other animals.

We've got plenty of other new things going on too here at Gypsy Wood Park. The most exciting is the sheep racing! We've been having lots of fun with the training, and the sheep are doing really well, because it was so new to them. But I told them they just have to do it the Bobby way - all feathers, no fuss and a bit of a boogie in between. It's going to be great fun, and the sheep are excited to do something a bit different and stretch their little legs. And that's not all! We've also got a brilliant new pretend fishing pond where you catch little magnetic fish - there's one for toddlers and one for older kids. How many will you catch?

Our train expert Pete has been really busy putting in new interactive tracks and buttons on our model outdoor garden railway. He's just finished the final touches, so it's all ready for a busy summer ahead. And, can you guess which member of staff this is - busy doing some park maintenance? It was a really chilly winter morning, but we didn't half laugh our feathers off when we saw them all wrapped up, hehe!!

Sadly, we've had a couple of illnesses over winter, although nothing too bad thankfully. Our pig Bluebell had a foot abscess, poor thing, and the donkey Babycham had a sarcoid on her wither (painful!). But, thanks to our lovely carers and some medicine from the vet we are all well now for opening, and all the animals are excited about meeting you all again!

And this weekend, Woody's train will be having a final shine and polish, and Mini-Bobby, Frizzle and I will be having a lovely long bubble bath, to make sure we're looking our best when we go back to work. Our feathers will be preened and fluffy and looking perfect.

Of course, we're hoping for another beautiful sunny Welsh summer (maybe then I can get rid of my woolly scarf!) but come rain or shine, we'll be excited to see old and new customers!

See you all soon, here at Gypsy Wood Park.

Lots of love, from Bobby, Mini-Bobby, and baby Frizzle xx xx

P.S don't forget to look out for the dates of our brilliant Easter Egg hunt. Loads of fun for big and little kids alike!

Gypsy Wood History

On our website, you'll find a story about some of the history of Gypsy Wood Park, and just how it came to get its unusual name.... (click here for the story) but recently, one of Uriah's family members got in touch with us, to give us more information about this enigmatic Man of the Tent....

By: Charmaine

“The Man of the Tent”, Uriah Lovell was my great-grandfather (on my father William’s side), so here is a bit more to add to the story.

Uriah Lovell had two great loves in his life. One was his passion for his life as a Romany Gypsy, and the second was a girl called Rebecca Scamp. Uriah and Rebecca met when they were young, got married and had 6 children – 3 girls and 3 boys. And although their love story is an unusual one because they didn’t live together or travel together, Rebecca was the love of Uriah’s life.

When their children were young, they travelled up and down through England and Wales with their father, setting up camps and meeting other Romany Gypsies along the way. Uriah made a living making baskets and pegs and selling them in the villages and towns they visited. When Rebecca decided to return to Ireland when their children had grown up, Uriah never forgot her, and travelled there to see his estranged wife and son Ruben, just three months before he died. In a tragic twist, Rebecca died just three months after Uriah. We often wonder if she died from a broken heart.

Uriah and Rebecca’s son Ruby stayed in Ireland and his children are still there (including my own father William Uriah Lovell) but Ruby’s siblings stayed in Wales and made their lives here, just like their father Uriah.

And my father William (who’s nickname is “Cockaboy”) remembers Uriah as a strong and fit man, even in his old age. And his secret to a long and healthy life? Every morning, come rain, hale or snow, he would strip down to his waist and bathe in ice cold water. This, he told my father, would keep him young! There certainly would have been plenty of icy cold water for Uriah in Wales!

Happy Christmas!

Well, well, well! Hello everybody! Who can believe that it's Christmas already? Mini-Bobby and I can't, that's for sure! We've been really, really, really good this year so I've asked Santa for a big stocking full of yummy chicken treats. I just hope he remembers to stop in our winter digs this year. We're all warm and cosy in our stable and there's loads of room for us to practice our festive chicken boogies, but we do miss all our fans, so we'll be really excited to start the season again next year. Not many sleeps!

Anyway, Mini-Bobby told me (he's got a very good memory you know, not like my little old chicken brain) that there's lots of things I've got to tell you about today, so I better crack on hadn't I?!

Did you know that our very own Mr Gobble was the fantastic (and well deserved) winner of First Prize at the National Poultry Show in Telford earlier this winter? And not only that, he was awarded the Best Bronze Turkey! Brilliant news Mr Gobble, we are very proud of you. 

And what's next Mini-Bobby? Oh yes, I remember now! I am very excited to be able to announce some very special news here from Gypsy Wood. Earlier in the year we ran a competition for the best picture posted onto our Facebook page. Well, the winner is............ James Donkin, with this beautiful photo of a busy little bumble bee in mid-flight. We try our best here at Gypsy Wood Park to make it a great environment for all sorts of insects but especially the humble bumble bee because they are in need of good homes! We love this picture, so well done James. You win a fabulous family ticket for next year.

And time for another winner! This year's wish winner is Morgan Parry of Anglesey, who wished for a day with the animals. Your wish is our command Morgan, congratulations.

We'll be in touch with our winners to confirm all the details soon!

And we'd also like to say a HUGE thank you to the very special and talented Sharon who paints the mural in our wonderful toilets for us every year. She really is a legend, and makes it possible for us to keep winning the Loo of the Year awards (we were lucky enough to be the winner of the Tourist Attractions category for Wales again this year!). And thanks to all our staff for their hard work in keeping it clean and sparkling and looking tip-top!

In other news (thanks for reminding me Mini-Bobby, but you can stop nudging me in the ribs now thanks....) we are all pretty busy getting the park ready for next season. Haha, well I say we're busy - what I mean is our humans are busy, we're just chillin' out resting our hooves and feet. Well, we did work VERY hard this year. Here's a funny picture of our Pete, literally up to his elbows, making sure our Outdoor Garden Railway is running smoothly! Good ol' Pete.

And just one more bit of excitement - we are hard at work putting up advertising boards at Woody's Railway Station. These twinkly adverts are for local businesses of all types and my humans tell me that thousands of people will see them every year as they jump onto Woody's Train, so it's a smart business move. If you want to advertise your business with us, then give us a shout (contact us at gypsywoodpark@btinternet.com for more details). 

And so, finally, we would just like to wish all our lovely friends and visitors a VERY happy Christmas and a jolly New Year. We hope you have a brilliant time celebrating and that your festive wishes come true. From all of us animals, staff and fairy's at Gypsy Wood Park. 

Summer's Here

Hello to all our lovely blog readers!

How are you? I hope you're all enjoying the summer. Isn't this weather amazing?! I am scorching hot and my feathers are in a fluster trying to keep cool but I'm not complaining. Hot feathers are better than soggy feathers, don't you agree?

Well, we've had a very exciting month here at Gypsy Wood Park. All of us animals and our friends have had the chance to be film stars for the day, can you believe it? We've had the brilliant Owain Llyr here with us to film and produce a virtual tour of the park, and working on a film set is so much fun. I'd like to say a huge thank you and a big shout out to Owain Llyr for producing the brilliant virtual tour. You can have a sneak preview below..... 

Apart from being film stars, we've been busy with all our lovely visitors. All of us animals have loved meeting lots of new friends and faces. Woody's train is well and truly up and running and we've heard that everyone has really enjoyed it, with lots of people excited about the new ride. 

                                    

And I've been having lots of fun with all the lovely visitors on the castle play-fort and zip wire. Who knew a little chicken like me could have so much fun, and it's so great to meet lots of new friends!

Sadly, one of our little pigs, Bluebell, has been a bit under the weather with a poorly leg. Poor Bluebell... but thankfully our lovely vet has been looking after her, and she will be on the mend soon.

Mini-Bobby and I have also been doing a lot of county shows and fairs, always entered into the poultry category. We love getting out and about on adventures, so it's brilliant to get to do exciting things like that! We do a special chicken boogie for good luck before we leave for each show. We'll keep you updated on our next win - it's bound to be soon, hehehe.

And just one other exciting bit of news for you - Mr Islwyn Jones from the fantastic Pen y Bryn Falconry will be with us on the 16th August from 12-3.30pm. This amazing falconry display will show the incredible control between man and bird, and there will be lots of opportunities to get involved. Here's a sneak preview......

It'd be great to have a good crowd to cheer on Islwyn and his beautiful creatures, so spread the word and come and join us! You won't want to miss it!

That's it from me Bobby and him Mini-Bobby! Don't forget to come down and see us soon. This year we'll be closing on the 14th September, so that's just 40 little days away. Boohoo, I don't want to think about closing already - still way to much fun to be had and boogying to be done before then.

See you sooooooooooooooooooon,
Lots of love
Bobby xx

Holidays are comin'!

Hello, hello, hello to all our lovely blog readers!

How are you all? I've missed you recently, but I've been so busy getting all the animals ready and prepared that time has just been zooming past so quickly. I haven't had a second to sit down and write to you but I was getting my feathers in such a twist this morning so I thought to myself, "You know what you need to do Bobby, you need to sit down and write a Bobby-blog, that'll make you feel better....." And so that's exactly what I'm doing. And yes, do you know what, I feel chicken boogie-better already.

So, why have I been so busy, I hear you shout! Well, I've been getting everyone ready for the super school holidays! They are sniffingly close, and I am really excited. Go on, you know you are too! There'll be loads of fun to be had at Gypsy Wood Park. I've been busy testing out all the new additions at the park like the fab mini-digger, the diddy cars, the colourful play caravans and I can report that they are all BRILLIANT fun!

And like I said, I've been super busy making sure all my buddies are ready for the busy holidays. You can see me trying to gee-up Toby and Ollie, and they told me that they are pretty excited about doing all the donkey rides this summer. They love to see lots of smiles! 

So what else is going on? We've got all the usual animal activities, like donkey grooming, we've got our amazing new train to ride on, we've got face painting* and don't forget that our beautiful Fairy Queen or Princess will be here most days (but check before you come if you really want to see her!). AND you'll have the chance to meet the stars of our blog, yours truly Bobby, and our hero Simba the horse.

Oooooo I was so excited about everything that is going to be happening during the holidays, that I nearly forgot to tell you about my new friend Mr Frizzle! Isn't he cuuuuuute? He's got a lot to learn, but I reckon we'll be great mates!

And one other exciting piece of news is that last week we passed our Visit Wales tourism assessment, again, yay! So we are all celebrating with a boogie tonight!

Right friends, I must dash. We've got two birthdays this month - Socks and Sangria, the ponies - and I'm practicing a special birthday boogie just for them so I better get rehearsing. Most people just make a cake, but hey, most people aren't Bobby.

Love and boogies to you all my fabulous friends. Don't forget to come and see us all here soooooooooooon.

Bobby xx xx

*(could be an additional charge as are run by independent operators) 

Gypsy Wood Park's new train!

Hello to all our lovely blog readers!

Well, what a busy month it's been for Mini-Bobby and I. We've had our fair share of sunny days so we've been out and about exploring the park again and making new friends. Today though, the rain's coming down and the wind is whistling up in the trees so we're staying warm and cosy inside - at least it gives me a chance to write this blog.

Firstly I must tell you how proud I am of Mini-Bobby. The little one only went and won a brilliant prize at the a local show in nearby Nefyn at the beginning of the month, winning third prize! Awwwww, well done Mini-Bobby; I've taught you well! And yes, we did have a little celebratory chicken boogie when Mini-Bobby got home.....

And we've got lots of other things to tell you about - I musn't forget to write about them, or I'll be in trouble. But it is hard for a little chicken to remember all these things..... Anyway, here goes!

First thing's first is the news about our fantastic new railway. You'll be able to ride on Woody's Train on the Gypsy Wood Railway through part of the park! We're so excited about the new railway and we think you'll love it too. 

The Gypsy Wood Railway is a 10 1/4 " gauge tear drop railway track that runs for almost 1/2 km, starting from our custom built engine shed and station. You'll be able to hop aboard Woody's train, which is powered by a very green and pollution free electric motor. It really is a magical ride, so don't miss it. 

Also, don't forget that our BEST PHOTO competition is now open! Post your best picture from your visit to the park on our Facebook Page and at the end of the season we'll choose a winner. Don't forget that Mini-Bobby and I love having our picture taken so don't forget to snap us!! The winner of the competition will be sent a fabulous family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for next year. 

And finally (I think!) just to let you all know that this season we will be welcoming some new donkeys to the park! They will be providing donkey rides to our lovely visitors, but don't forget that the donkey rides are run independently of the park (so additional costs might apply). Our lovely donkey handler will be here with her donkeys on many days throughout the holidays (weather permitting - soggy donkeys aren't happy donkeys....). You can contact us to check the days in advance if you want. The donkey rides aren't one to miss boys and girls, cos it is so much fun! Our little donkey Dylan lets me jump on his back for a spin around the field if I'm nice to him and I love it!

Anyway, that's all the news from me and Mini-Bobby I think! The rain has promised to disappear for the weekend so we can get out and do some dancing again - I can't wait! Do pop down and see us at Gypsy Wood Park, we can't wait to meet you.

See you soon, lots of love

Bobby (and Mini-Bobby) xx xx

Gypsy Wood Park is Open!

Hello to all our lovely blog readers!

It's Bobby here again, you remember me don't you!! Well, have you missed me? I have certainly missed writing to you every week and telling you all about my adventures, but don't you worry I've got loads of tales to about my winter holidays. Although there's no time today because I know I've got to tell you something very important.....if only my little brain could remember just what it was. Ummmmm....

Oh YES! That's it, we are now OPEN for the 2014 season!!! How exciting is that? I've been doing my little dance all week because my feet won't stay still and Mini-Bobby thinks I've gone quite mad.

So it looks like my winter holidays are over for now, which is quite sad isn't it - I was enjoying being a chicken of leisure, but never mind, plenty to tell you when I have the time, and I'm also pretty excited about seeing you all and  hearing the sounds of the park all bustling and busy again.

2014 is our tenth anniversary, which is pretty special and quite a long time (longer than I've been dancing anyway). So to celebrate this special year we've been very busy building a new Woody train ride here at Gypsy Wood. I've been lucky enough to have a sneak preview and it is absolutely brilliant, I can't wait to get my feathers on it! The shiny new carriage will be with us for Easter weekend, what a great present for the Easter bunny, but till then we've borrowed a lovely one so you'll be able to test out the new ride!

Apart from that, all the animals are well and happy, and are really looking forward to seeing their old friends and meeting some new ones. My best buddy Mini-Bobby says a big hello and says he can't wait to show you his dance moves (we've been practicing) and Simba the pony sends his love too.

So, do come and see us soon, and check out the new ride, it's going to be brilliant. And I'll be back soon with some more adventures and news from all of us animals here at Gypsy Wood Park.

Apparently you can find out loads of info about our opening times, prices and where to find us on the website - you can click here.

See you sooooooooooooooooooooooooon,

Lots of love from Bobby xx xx

Happy Christmas

Hello to all our lovely blog readers! Time has flown by since the park closed in September, but you'll be pleased to know that all the animals are having a well-deserved rest and a pamper.

So, first of all, we'd like to announce our very special Wish Winner for 2013. All year, visitors to the park have been writing down their wishes and leaving them for the Fairy Godmother. One lucky little person will get their wish come true. And this year, the winner is........... Livi-Boe Cutts. A big well done to you, we'll be in touch soon!

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that our resident Turkey Mr.Gobble came 2nd in the biggest National Poultry Show at Stoneleigh Park in October 16-17th. Also, our beautiful little Sultan chicken Mini-Bobby took part in her first poultry club show on the 1st December, and came a whopping 2nd! Well done Mini-Bobby!

Big Bobby would like to let everybody know that he is really loving his well earned winter break in his nice cosy stable. He's getting plenty of treats and warm meals, and chilling out with his friends that are waiting to meet you all next year.

Although the park is closed and the animals are snoozing, there's not a lot of rest for the Gypsy Wood staff! Next year is our 10th anniversary year so it's going to be a pretty special one and we are starting the preparations for the celebrations already! Work has already started on the brand new train that'll be arriving next year, and that's just one of the plans we have up our sleeve, so watch this space for more info and come and join us in 2014 for a very special year!

So, the last thing to say is that we hope everybody has a very happy Christmas and a jolly good New Year. Thanks you to all our customers and friends for your support, and we hope to see you all next year.

With lots of love and festive cheer from all the Animals, Fairy Queen and friends and staff at Gypsy Wood Park. 

Exciting News

Hello to all our lovely blog readers; yep, you've guessed it, it's Bobby (and Mini-Bobby) here again. Well, how are you all? Hope you've been practising the chicken boogie? Because you'll never get to be a proper Sultan chicken like me if you can't do the boogie, so best get those hips shimmying.....

Anyway, have we got some fantastic news for you this week! Gypsy Wood Park is so PROUD to announce we've now got our very own prize winning turkey! Mr Gobble was the star of the Flint and Denbigh show a few weeks ago and he was awarded the Reserve Show Champion! Yay, go Mr Gobble. We all knew he was a handsome turkey, but the awards just take the drumstick really. We couldn't be more thrilled; I did a special chicken-boogie just for Mr Gobble all around his pen. He loved it!

Here's me and Mini-Bobby checking out Mr Gobble's prize haul!

Next year, maybe they'll have a Sultan Chicken category, and then Bobby and Mini-Bobby will have our very own stash of shiny ribbons and certificates (because of course, we're bound to win). Mr Gobble is back at Gypsy Wood now, recovering from his 5 minutes of fame. He'd love to meet you all so pop along and see him, although he still hasn't quite got the hang of an autograph yet, but maybe he'll keep practising......

Lots of other news at Gypsy Wood this week too. We've really been enjoying the beautiful sunny weather, and all the beautiful sunny visitors too. It's been so lovely to see you all, thanks for coming to see us. Sam told me to tell you that we're closing for the end of the season on the 8th September - but that's AGES away, so plenty of time for you to see Bobby and Mini-Bobby before then!

And one last thing for Bobby to do (see, I didn't forget) and that's to wish our beautiful friend Annie a very happy birthday this week. Can you believe that she's 5 years old already? It's her birthday on the 28th August, and we bet she'll be getting extra walks and treats and toys to celebrate. Happy Birthday Annie, lots of love from Bobby, Mini-Bobby and all the Gypsy Wood Animals

Happy Birthday Annie!

Well, that's all from Bobby and Mini-Bobby this week. I promised Sam I'd help her put up Mr Gobble's certificates (I just like looking at them really...., so proud!) and then I'm gonna teach Mini-Bobby some new boogie moves. 

Take care lovely blog readers, and see you all sooooooooooooon!! Love from Bobby xx x 

Hello, Bobby here!!

A big helloooooo to all our lovely blog readers; it's Bobby here again! It's been SUPER busy here at Gypsy Wood Park for the past couple of weeks, but I thought I better take 10 minutes to sit down and scribble this blog post, so you all know what Mini-Bobby and I have been up to recently. And wow, have we been on some adventures lately!

I've been pretty busy introducing Mini-Bobby to all the other animals at Gypsy Wood. I took him to meet Simba the pony and the other horses, and we had a ball! We danced around the field, and Simba was laughing and laughing at us. I don't think he quite knew what to make of us both, boogy-ing around the paddock!

And that's the other thing we've been up to; I've been teaching Mini-Bobby to dance the chicken-boogie - it's essential! And do you know what; he's so good at it, he's a total natural! Which is a good thing really because to take after me and be a hero Sultan Chicken, you've got to be good at the chicken-boogie. I showed him a few moves across the field, and he soon got the hang of it; GO Mini-Bobby!

I also took him to meet our beautiful Fairy Princess. Wow, I'd forgotten how pretty she is; and Mini-Bobby was lost for words. It was so lovely to meet her and she gave us both a big cuddle. We each made a wish too, but shhhhhhh, of course I can't tell you what it was or it'll never come true. But yes, you're right if you guess it was something to do with worms...... hehehehe!

Well, that's all from me and Mini-Bobby for now. He would come and say hello, but he's just headed off to see if he can find Simba the pony for a bedtime story before he hits the hay. And I have to say, all this hard work is exhausting, so I won't be far behind him! Nosda everyone, and we'll be back with more adventures soon!

Lots of chicken love Bobby (and Mini-Bobby) xx x x

Gypsy Wood's Beautiful Fairy Queen

If you come to visit Gypsy Wood Park during the summer holidays, there'll be an extra special treat for you! Our beautiful Fairy Queen is back at the park on the 23rd July.

At the moment, she's just getting ready for a busy summer of meeting you all - she loves to meet new friends, and hear your wishes; if you whisper them quietly they'll try their best to make them come true!

Our beautiful Fairy Queen

Did you know?

The Fairy Queen's favourite colour is pink!

The Fairy Queen is sometimes joined by the Fairy Princess, and they look after all the little fairies in Gypsy Wood Park; they make sure they're all happy and safe.

The Fairy Princess's favourite thing to eat is cake, yum!

The Fairy Queen and Princess always eat their vegetables and make sure they get lots of sleep to make sure they stay beautiful!

We think our Fairy Godmothers are pretty special, so see if you can find their woodland hide-away and come and say hello - it's among the Gypsy Wood trees!

Our friends Bobby and Mini-Bobby have already been to meet the Fairy Princess. It was love at first peck!

The Fairy Queen will be at Gypsy Wood Park from the 23rd July on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information about the park, see www.gypsywood.co.uk

Bobby's Blog

Hello everyone! It's Bobby the chicken here again. How are you all? I bet you're enjoying the lovely sunny weather aren't you? Us Sultan chickens quite like the sunshine, but Sam who looks after me keeps reminding me to go in the shade so I don't burn my feathers - they are really light so I bet I could get easily sunburnt. I don't think suntan lotion is very good for chickens, but you humans mustn't forget to slap it on when you're out in the sunshine, we don't want any red noses and ears do we?

So what have you all been up to? I've had a great couple of weeks in the sunshine - I've been dancing around in the garden (I love to dance!), keeping cool in the veg patch and resting up my poorly foot. It's nearly healed now, so Sam says I can come back to Gypsy Wood and see you all any day soon; I'm pretty excited about that!

I remember in my last blog post I promised I'd introduce you to my new best buddy, Mini Bobby. He's just like me, but he's a baby Sultan chicken - he's only six weeks old and he is super cute, even if I do say so myself. Heyyyyyy Mini-Bobby, come over here for a minute, are you going to say hello? Mini-Bobby's been exploring around the garden this morning, and I can't get him back inside; he's a mischievous little chicken (can't think who he learns that from...!)

Mini-Bobby's first day outside!

Mini-Bobby was born in a tiny chicken incubator at the beginning of the summer, and we were all really excited when he finally did burst out of his shell. Sam told me that I have to show him how to be a proper chicken so that he'll grow up to be as big and as beautiful as me one day. So, when he was old enough and steady on his little legs I took him out into the garden and showed him all around the best places to hide, the best place to find worms and the best place to have an early morning chicken boogie (it's by the veg patch under the lilies, in case you're wondering). Phew, Mini-Bobby was tired after that day, and he slept like a log that night, all night through!

Mini-Bobby at just 3 weeks old; awwww cute!

The next time we went into the garden I asked Sam if we could play with the wheelbarrow, so she got it out of the big shed for us and we jumped in it and on it all morning! And when we asked her really nicely, Sam took us for a spin around the garden; wow that was exciting, we went so fast. Mini-Bobby had to hold on to his feathers!! Next week I'm going to teach Mini-Bobby my favourite thing of all - how to dance! He can't be a proper Sultan chicken if he can't do the chicken-boogie.

Wheelbarrow fun!

Anyway, I've got to go now - I should go and find Mini-Bobby before he gets into any trouble, or Sam won't be happy. Mini-Bobby's old enough to come and meet you all at Gypsy Wood now, so he'll be there to say hello. He can't wait to see you!

'Till the next time, bye for now...

Bobby xx x