ALL CHANGE AT AFTON :
10th May 2006
 In
an inspired change of ownership Green Island Gold Award
winner, Afton Park has been purchased by Paul & Michaela
Heathcote of Chinashop Rare Breeds of Bathingbourne.
Both businesses are members of the IOW
Farmers Market Group and share a strong ethos in supporting
all things local. With this amalgamation the beautiful
surroundings of Afton Park will now also be a show case
for the Heathcotes Chinashop Rare Breeds collection whilst
maintaining its award winning Apple Tree Café, Plant
Nursery, beautiful gardens and orchard.
"We love everything about Afton Park
and want to maintain its very special ethos," said
new owner, Paul Heathcote. "Chris Barnes is going
to remain as our Head Gardener and we hope to maintain
and continue to develop the gardens under her guardianship."
Not surprisingly with such a fine range
of rare breeds meat products the Apple Tree Café will
be adjusting its menu slightly whilst maintaining its healthy
eating standards. With the addition of a new farm shop
and deli however it looks like there will be even more
reasons for visiting this West Wight destination.
Chris and Barney Barnes are philosophical
about handing over the reins to the Heathcotes. Chris has
acquired a excellent reputation as a Designer of Coastal
and Naturalistic gardens and wants to re-focus her time
back to her first love of garden-making (see www.chrisbarnesgardens.co.uk)
whilst Barney's IT and Web Design business (www.catnet.co.uk)
are more in demand leaving him less time to deal with day
running of Afton Park.
"We are happy to leave Afton Park
in Paul and Michaela's good hands. We feel the future of
Afton Park is secure with them and will be further enhanced
with the addition of their Rare Breeds Collection as a
premier West Wight destination," said Barney. "We
would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our
customers for their very loyal support over the years and
hope they will continue to support Paul and Michaela."
This year's Apple Days Festival will still
be held on September 23rd and 24th with Paul Heathcote
taking over as Festival Organiser.
For more information see www.aftonpark.co.uk, www.rarebreeds.net or
call on 755774
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