IT has been a busy start to the year for the team at Hopley House with new businesses opening and an appearance on the BBC programme, Countryfile on Sunday, March 3.

David Thornhill, owner of the Wimboldsley farm shop, celebrates his third year managing Hopley House in August and 2019 has kept him occupied so far with a TV appearance and new shops opening

David, aged 32, said: “A friend of the family Cheshire Clotted Cream on the farm and apparently the Countryfile team wanted to end an episode with a scone with jam and cream.

“It was really surreal for me but Matt and Ellie and the Countryfile crew were really good with us.

“I honestly cannot praise them enough.”

The start of the year has seen new businesses open their doors in Hopley House and Dave is delighted with the new shops.

“It’s been a bit hectic. A new shop called Dreamy Delights has opened selling handmade soaps and bath bombs and we have another new shop specialising in silk flowers called Rose and Bluebell that has just opened.”

There is also a dog accessory shop that is set to open on Saturday, March 30 called Barks and Co.

David added: “It has been hard work here but it is very enjoyable and over I hope this continues to work.”