End of an era down on the farm...

Published on 5th April 2007 in News

Although it’s a sad farewell at White House Farm as they close their doors, Mary Cowling still has plenty to do looking after the spring lambs and all the other animals on the farm.

It was the end of an era last week after the owners of a popular Goole farm attraction announced that they are to call it a day after seven successful years.

White House Farm, off Swinefleet Road in Old Goole, has been a popular family attraction since it opened in 2000, opening every day in the school holidays and each term-time weekend from April to September. Farm animals including lambs, geese, calves and pot-bellied pigs have always been a hit with the youngsters.

But owner Pauline Cowling has announced that the farm will not be opening for the summer season.

She told the Goole Times: "We mostly decided to close because the farm is ready for refurbishment but as I am set to retire in a year's time, we decided that the expense of refurbishment would not be financially viable for such a short length of time."

Pauline added that she was also applying for planning permission to build a bungalow, and planning officers had advised that it should be situated near the farm's chicken run, despite the fact that Mrs Cowling would prefer it to be put near the paddock that adjoins the house.

"I will be sad to see the closure of the farm, because I have enjoyed my time here and have made lots of friends," said Pauline.

"The public reaction has been a sad one as well. Some people haven't even been aware that we have closed and have been down to the farm to find out when we are opening for the summer.

"My husband will continue to farm and we will be keeping the animals that are still with us, because they have become more like pets to us now."