We are delighted to invite our Lancashire Branch members to this year's Lancashire AGM at Patty’s Barn.

The Parry family’s 220-acre Hillam Lane Farm sits on the edge of Morecambe Bay in Cockerham, Lancashire, bordered by salt marshes designated as a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Once a traditional dairy farm milking 180 cows, the business has evolved into a diverse rural enterprise blending tourism, renewable energy and leisure.

Diversification began in 2000 when Chris and Margaret Parry converted derelict farm buildings into six holiday cottages under the Patty’s Barn brand. Expansion followed with four additional stone-built cottages, two cabins and most recently the five-star Patty’s Croft conversion. The cottages can now sleep up to 70 guests, alongside group facilities including The Out Barn and The Shed, a games room, gym, sports pitch and carp fishing lakes.

Management of the accommodation business has passed to daughters Michelle and Rachel. Michelle oversees marketing, bookings and events, while Rachel manages site operations. Under the ‘Land + Sea’ brand, Michelle hosts fire-cooked supper clubs, workshops, corporate retreats and collaborations with local businesses who come here to host their own activities. The farm is also home to the UK’s oldest parachute club, Black Knights Skydiving Centre, providing rental income.

Since 2015, Chris has operated an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant generating 700–750 kW of electricity for export to the grid. Using agricultural waste, the plant also produces digestate for fertiliser and supplies residual heat for the farmhouse and local businesses. Since no longer having the cows some of the buildings are being used for other businesses such as a local organic artisan mushroom grower, Wyreside Mushrooms, producing varieties such as Lions Maine, Oysters, Speckled Chestnuts and more. The former dairy land is now rented to neighbouring farmers for silage.

The full programme for the day will be as follows:

10:00am           Registration with tea and coffee

10:30am           Formal AGM followed by talks from: 

                                                  - CLA Deputy President, Joe Evans   
                                                  - Our sponsor, Brabners
                                                  - Our Hosts, the Parry Family

12:00pm           Pre-lunch drinks

12:30pm           Two course lunch

2:00pm             A tour of the farm

3:00pm             Tea and coffee

4:00pm             Event concludes

We thank the Parry family for kindly hosting the event and Brabners for their generous sponsorship.

Please note that most of the tour will take place outside, therefore, please ensure you have appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.

Priority is given to Lancashire members. We have a waiting list in operation for members outside this region. Please call the office to go on the waiting list on 01748 907070.