Three in a Bed

Why did we decide to take part in ‘Britain’s B & Bs’? It was to be a celebration of Bed & Breakfast in Britain. We feel had they have kept that title and philosophy it would have been a better series. What we objected to was, what I have named the BBBs – bitching, backbiting and bickering. It really isn’t necessary, nor desirable. We weren’t out to win – didn’t like it being a competition in the first place. Winning/competing is a shallow way of behaving – better to raise the level, do the very best we all can, regardless of what other people are doing, and not trampling all over other people and their feelings. It is the way we do everything. And helping others along the way.

Well we have had so many emails, Facebook contacts, post cards, letters and phone calls, bookings and promises of bookings. A number of folk saying the last one of the series, was the very best. The reason being, we remained gracious (so we are told) and didn’t get sucked into the nonsense. As one person in Wedmore village said ‘good for sticking to your principals.’

We are so very grateful for all the kind words – thank you to you all – the real people!

We would also like to thank the programme makers for their graciousness. To have folk in your face for 6 days, with such close proximity is seriously hard work. The repetitive nature of filming can be a real pain. But the crew were very supportive, sensitive and respectful. We would consider them all friends. They were a delight to know.

Three points worth clarifying

There was critiscsm of the mess outside. Well being organic and doing most of the work on the house and 2 acres ourselves, there are always some things undone. It is the natural order – ‘a working rural environment’ that so many people really love. But it was worse than usual because at the time we got the call, in the summer, to do the programme we were working on the outside and had to switch to completing the bedroom suites, which we had planned to do in the winter months. That was fraught in the extreme. Had the other guests posed a question about it, instead of ranting, it would have been far more interesting, and not confrontational.

The spiritual side of things. The comment made that I spend 2 hours a day meditating. Oh, for the time to do that!! Where that idea came from I have no idea. There is also the potentially misconceived idea guests are expected to meditate. Well most guests aren’t even aware such takes place. Though given the response, there will be information more available in the near future. If folk wish to know, they can read about it and approach us if they choose. It is little different from folk (not) expecting to turn wood on their arrival, nor work in the garden!

The breakfast debacle. What we had planned to do was show our extensive menu the night before and discuss the options on camera. One couple went to bed, the other did not want to do that. Their loss! We kind of felt the Nut Tree Farm breakfast experience had been high jacked. Comments about Braised Tofu being tasteless, is just plain silly. Someone must have flavour blur! And what of the interesting range sauces and condiments they could have tried, if they chose to! Also the real oak smoked bacon, and award winning locally made sausages……..

Anyway, we are eternally grateful to our fellow B & B owners on 3 in a Bed. They have inadvertently, increased the interest and bookings at Nut Tree Farm, with almost everyone rooting for us! The other two couples were natural hosts.

Here are some of the emails and Facebook comments – the words are theirs and speak loudly – all the contact so far has been highly supportive and full of praise:

Liz Bolton I really liked your home. I don't think the other two couples understood where you are coming from. Don't change!

Paula Green Hi Melvyn, I have just seen you on TV. You have a lovely home and Derek and I will look forward to staying with you soon, looking forward to the meditation and healing xxxxx

Jackie Browne I think the wrong people won! We enjoyed our stay and we certainly didn't get the impression that Anne didn't enjoy doing it!

Melvyn Firmager Thank you so much Jackie. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Anne was under so much pressure with hating to be even photographed let alone videoed. It was a major ordeal, which I think she handled really well. Anne doesn’t enjoy the washing and bed changing, which is so relentless, as it is all done in house using environmentally friendly cleaning products, but enjoys the wonderful friends we make and loves it when people are happy and have enjoyed their stay with us. I find it grossly unfair for someone to publicly comment on how someone looks. If one is gracious one keeps such opinions to one’s self.

Sping Time

It’s spring blossom time at Nut Tree Farm and the surrounding area. The cherry and apple blossom has been spectacular and the primroses made a good showing. Now we have a beautiful show of bluebells and the laburnum tree in our yard is the best we have seen.

Laburnum at Nut Tree Farm

Somerset Carnivals

Booking accommodation early is advisable as most establishments tend to be fully booked during the carnival season, such is their popularity. Here is an extract from the carnival site:

“ The Somerset Carnivals are highly regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the world. They occur late on in the year at various locations including: Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Ilminster, Glastonbury, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Taunton, Wellington, Wells, Weston-Super-Mare, and Yeovil.

The carnivals in Somerset date back to 400 years, and are one of the most spectacular events in Somerset today.

In some of the bigger locations (such as Bridgwater), you can expect to see crowds of more than 120,000.

The carnival floats (or carts as they are sometimes referred to as), are designed and built by dedicated carnival clubs around the West Country. These carnival clubs have many members who raise money throughout the year, and work relentlessly to achieve the spectacular carnival entries. The carnival floats take part in the carnival parade along with other entries; these range from clowns dancing in the streets to 100ft illuminated carnival floats (some with up to 30,000 light bulbs) pulled by tractors.

Bluebells above Burrington Combe