Five Acres Community Garden

27/02/2026

Happy Fri-yay everyone! What a cracking day we’ve had down at Five Acres – honestly, if Fridays had a fan club, we’d be president.

This week’s headline act? Our baby sheep superstars, Dolly & Jolene. 🌟 These two tiny divas require round-the-clock feeding – day, night, and “is it 3am already?!” – but it’s a good job we’re fully committed to farming life and top-tier animal welfare. Who needs sleep when you’ve got lamb cuddles?

The Farm Team have been absolute heroes – feeding, mucking out, sweeping, sprucing and generally making the place look less “mud chic” and more “Country Living magazine.” The Garden Team tackled the car park potholes after what feels like 97 consecutive days of rain. And wasn’t it warmer today? We nearly dusted off the sunglasses. Nearly.

Over in the School, we’ve clearly got future architects in our midst. Air clay, magnetic building blocks – you name it, we built it. Some of the creations were so impressive we’re considering planning permission. Bethany even “moved house” this week. Not literally (don’t panic), but she reorganised and interior-designed the Dolls House from top to bottom. Word on the street is it may appear on Rightmove soon – highly desirable area, excellent transport links (stairs), strong local community (tiny wooden family).

Preparations are steaming ahead for the Rotary Club’s Model Railway Show. No Fat Controllers or Ivor the Engine at Five Acres – just pure champion engagement, teamwork and good old-fashioned graft as we race toward the deadline. Toot toot! 🚂

Lunch today was a world tour on a plate – Cottage Pie, Curry & Rice, Gourmet Sarnies – and I’m pleased to report there wasn’t a crumb left. Not even a sneaky one.

Huge shout out to FRACKS Transport for collecting items for us this week – legends! And a massive thank you to Stan, Sandra, Suzanne & Sarah – always there, always helping, always part of the journey. We really do appreciate you.

Finally, after our recent break-in, we just want to say how overwhelmed we’ve been by your kindness and donations. We are incredibly lucky to have such wonderful friends, family and a wider community that rallies round us. Your support means the world – truly, thank you all.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone – rest up (unlike Dolly & Jolene… they’ll be scheduling another feed). See you next week! 🐑✨

26/02/2026

Happy Thursday everybody

What a GREAT day we’ve had

This morning we turned into professional planners. We planned and discussed what we’d like to bake, wrote our ingredient lists and even researched cook books to find reliable, simple recipes we can follow without setting the fire alarm off. Check in tomorrow to see what we choose

We also had a dance and sing along to some absolute tunes and practised our Makaton. Safe to say there were some superstar performances

Cooking School was in full swing today as we made spaghetti carbonara with garlic bread. Chef’s kiss. No leftovers. Not even a crumb

This afternoon we fed the lambs who were very excited to see us. We gave some love and attention to Bailey and Nimbus too. The animals definitely know who brings the snacks

We finished the day making great progress on our model railway project. Only 2 weeks until the exhibit now and the excitement levels are HIGH. Full steam ahead

And of course… Jokes with Joe is OUT. Go watch it now if you need a giggle

Have a lovely evening everybody. See you tomorrow for more fun and probably more food💜

25/02/2026

Happy Wednesday everybody ☀️

What. A. Day. 👏

We kicked things off with a baking session that would have made Bake Off nervous. Eggs were cracked (successfully, mostly), milk was measured with intense concentration, and cupcakes were born.

Next stop… stable duties 🐴
A full muck out of the stables, equipment cleaned until it sparkled, and of course the lambs absolutely soaking up the attention like the little celebrities they are. Honestly, they expect VIP treatment at this point.

Lunchtime was elite. The Cooking School team whipped up fish and chips with mushy peas and let’s just say… five star reviews across the board. Delicious does not even cover it.

This afternoon we turned into professional cake designers. Icing everywhere, edible stickers applied with surgical precision, and cupcakes transformed into edible masterpieces. Picasso would be proud.

To round off the day we hosted a food and drinks quiz. There were experts in the room. True fountains of knowledge. If there was a Food & Drink Mastermind, we know who we’re entering.

Another brilliant day full of laughter, teamwork and full bellies.

Have a lovely evening everyone. See you all tomorrow 💜

Five Acres 🌿

24/02/2026

24/02/2026

Happy Tuesday everybody… and WOW what a day we’ve had!!!

This morning we packed up the wellies and headed off to Thomas’ farm for the sweetest visit ever. We are SO excited to introduce you to Dolly and Jolene… our two brand new lambs 🐑🐑 Just one week old and already completely running the place!

A huge thank you to Michelle and the Buck family for trusting us with these little beauties. We’re so grateful. They’ve settled in lovely already… I think they know they’ve checked into Five Acres Lamb Headquarters.

Cooking School smashed it today too. A delicious quiche made with new potatoes and garden peas. It looked amazing and tasted even better. Well done everybody 👏 proper chefs in the making!

This afternoon it was time for the first of many bottle feeds. Measuring out the powder to water ratio like absolute professionals. Bottles mixed, lambs fed, jobs done properly. Farmer era officially activated.

And don’t forget… Joke With Joe is OUT NOW. Go check it out and prepare yourselves for some serious giggles.

Have a brilliant evening everyone. See you tomorrow for more lamb updates and chaos 🐑✨

23/02/2026

Happy Monday everybody 💜

We just want to start this week by saying the biggest thank you to every single person who has shared our posts, donated, commented, messaged or simply checked in with us over the last few days. The love and support has meant more than we can ever put into words.

As many of you know, we were broken into on Wednesday evening. It was upsetting and hard to process, but what followed has completely overwhelmed us in the most positive way.

From our amazing parents and carers, to local businesses, friends, supporters and even people who had never heard of us before, the kindness has been incredible. The support from our wider community, including coverage from The Northern Echo, has truly restored our faith in people.

Community is not just something we talk about. It is the heart of who we are. Being a not for profit Community Interest Company means we exist because of our community and for our community. The past few days have reminded us exactly why we do what we do, and it has motivated us even more to keep going and keep building something special together.

In a moment that could have knocked us down, you lifted us up.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you 💜

19/02/2026

Today has been an incredibly difficult day for us at Five Acres.

We arrived on site to discover that we had been broken into. Holes had been deliberately cut into our fencing and into our storage container to gain entry, and a significant amount of valuable equipment has been taken.

Five Acres is a day centre supporting vulnerable adults with SEN needs. We are a not for profit organisation, run solely for the benefit of our community and the adults we support. We do not exist to generate profit. Every penny, every donation and every fundraising effort goes directly back into creating opportunities, structure and meaningful experiences for those in our care.

Everything on our site has been carefully fundraised for, donated or saved for over time. Nothing here is surplus. Every tool, every resource and every improvement has a purpose and plays a role in the daily lives of the adults we support.

To see a community project like ours targeted in this way is deeply saddening. The loss is not just financial. It affects the activities we can deliver, the routines we provide and the sense of security we work so hard to maintain.

Today we have focused on repairing the physical damage and securing the site once again. We remain resilient and fully committed to the people who rely on us, but the impact is significant.

We have shared a donation link for anyone who feels able to support us in restoring what has been damaged and replacing essential items. As a not for profit organisation, every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real and immediate difference.

Thank you for continuing to stand beside us and for believing in what Five Acres represents.

https://paymentrequest.natwestpayit.com/reusable-link/21c0cb9d-e24e-4519-937d-7b571b96f97e

18/02/2026

Wacky Wednesday at Five Acres 🤪🐴

Today at Five Acres we’ve basically qualified for the Olympics… if the events included mud wrestling, pancake flipping, and extreme goat bucket jet washing. 🏅

We kicked off the day by letting Bailey and her new boyfriend, Nimbus, loose in the paddock for a romantic run-around. Things escalated quickly. It turned less “graceful countryside frolic” and more “mud bath championship 2026.” 🐎💨
Bailey absolutely smashed the competition and took home gold for Most Unrecognisable Horse. Nimbus tried his best to keep it classy… he failed.

After their muddy modelling session, they were escorted back to sparkling fresh stables and treated like the VIPs they clearly think they are. Hay nets? Served. Full pamper session? Delivered. Head-to-toe makeover? Obviously.
Nimbus even popped over to introduce himself to the sheep. We’re not saying there was gossip… but there was definitely staring. 🐑👀

Meanwhile, the goats were living their best luxury lifestyle. Fresh feed, fresh water, and buckets so clean you could probably see your reflection in them — all thanks to Connor and his jet-washing mission. 🐐🪣
Keep your eyes peeled… goat plans are brewing, and we’re not kidding when we say big things are coming. (Well… medium-sized. They are goats.)

Thomas had a very serious task today. A mission of national importance. We ventured to Tesco, where he bravely selected chocolate spread for pancake filling. 🥞🍫
A bold choice. A correct choice. A heroic choice.

Kyran and the team then channelled their inner Gordon Ramsay — minus the shouting (mostly) — flipping pancakes like their reputations depended on it. Not a single pancake was harmed in the process. Probably. 🔥👏

Lunch was well deserved after all that elite athletic performance. The kitchen crew whipped up cheese & onion sandwiches or chicken & bacon sandwiches, with crisps and salad on the side. Honestly? Five-star countryside dining. 🌟🥗

This afternoon, Bailey and Nimbus enjoyed a mint lick and plenty of tickles from the Champions. Safe to say Nimbus has settled in beautifully — and is already completely spoiled. As he should be. 🥰

Oh — and the Model Railway layout got its second layer of paint! Steady progress… no derailments so far. 🚂🎨

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated towards bringing Nimbus home. He is already loved, muddy, and fully part of the chaos. We couldn’t have done it without you ❤️

See you all tomorrow for whatever madness Thursday decides to bring! 😄

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

Happy Tuesday everybody

What a flipping fantastic day we’ve had

We are absolutely over the moon to announce that this morning we had a very special delivery from Blue Cross… please give a huge Five Acres welcome to Nimbus, our beautiful new horse

Nimbus arrived like he owns the place, had a good look around, got settled straight away and is already making himself at home. We think he knows he’s landed on his hooves here

This morning we learned all about Shrove Tuesday. Why do we eat pancakes? What does it mean? And most importantly… what toppings are elite tier and which ones belong in pancake prison. The debates were serious. Strong opinions were shared. Friendships were tested

Cooking School absolutely smashed it today with homemade lasagne, garlic bread and fresh salad. The smell alone was enough to make everyone “just check” if it was ready yet… several times. Delicious does not even cover it

This afternoon we put our knowledge to the ultimate test… it was time to flip

Some pancakes were round
Some pancakes were… creative
Some pancakes attempted to reach the ceiling

But every single one was homemade and made with pride. And that’s what counts

Jokes with Joe is officially out, so prepare yourselves for some top tier comedy. You’ve been warned

Have a lovely evening everybody
See you all tomorrow for more fun, laughter and probably more food

Team Five Acres 💚

16/02/2026

Happy Monday everybody ☀️

What a FANTASTIC first day back we’ve had at Five Acres!

We kicked things off with cookie making and there was some very impressive rolling pin action going on. The cookie cutters were working overtime and the concentration levels were high. We might just be ready for The Great British Bake Off 👀

Next up were our cinnamon swirls. Puff pastry sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, rolled up beautifully and baked until golden. Once they were out of the oven we decorated them with royal icing. It did get a little sticky but that just means we were fully committed. Taste testing was essential… purely for quality purposes of course.

Cooking School made delicious cheese and onion toasties served with fries and salad. Crispy, melty and absolutely no leftovers in sight.

This afternoon we completed our recipe cards from today’s baking session so we can refer back to the menu in the future. Organisation level… 10 out of 10.

This morning we were also joined by Graeme Watson from Great Aycliffe Rotary
Club for our brilliant 5A Project. He came in to help us continue building our 5A model railway and it’s really starting to take shape now. Today we used textured spray paint to create the foundation for our railway track. Very serious work going on. Hard hats not required… but enthusiasm definitely was.

And finally… as many of you may have seen earlier, we went to see a potential companion for Bailey over the weekend. We are currently in the process of adopting and it’s all very exciting. Watch this space 👀🐴

Have a lovely evening everybody. See you tomorrow for more fun, flour and fantastic teamwork 😊

16/02/2026

We have some very exciting news to share with you all 💙

Five Acres is hoping to welcome a beautiful new addition to our family… a 3 year old Cob called Nimbus.

Nimbus is an absolute charmer. We recently visited him at his current home and completely fell in love. He has the sweetest nature, a gentle temperament and so much potential to grow with our team and the champions we support. We truly believe he will make a wonderful difference to life at Five Acres.

To make this possible, we are asking for your support.

We are fundraising to help cover the costs of:
• Purchasing Nimbus
• Safe transportation to bring him home
• His insurance to ensure he is protected and well cared for

Every single donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards giving Nimbus the safe, loving and purposeful home he deserves. Your support will help us continue providing meaningful animal care experiences for the champions who attend Five Acres, building confidence, responsibility and joy through connection with our animals.

If you would like to donate, please use the secure link below:
👉 https://paymentrequest.natwestpayit.com/reusable-link/21c0cb9d-e24e-4519-937d-7b571b96f97e

Even sharing this post could help us reach someone who is able to support.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to Amanda & Mia from Blue Cross for supporting us with Bailey and now Nimbus. It is always such a positive outcome and a pleasure working with you both. Your support means so much to us and to our animals.

Together, we can give this lovely boy the future he deserves.

Thank you for always standing with Five Acres 💜