So, here we are again back at work, seems like only yesterday we all trooped off to a local pub, the Haselbury Mill, for our Christmas lunch.  We had a great time at the lunch, so much so that there are no suitable photos for the Blog!  Our fellow Business of the Year award-winners, Arial (makers of the Atom sports car) were on the next-door table but I think they were a bit embarrassed by the noise we made!

We were closed for a whole week between Christmas and New Year, although the time passed in a flash as it always does.  Our little corner of Somerset escaped the worse of the weather over the Christmas period but we've now got our share of snow and ice.  We had a lot of snow overnight Tuesday to Wednesday and the boss had to play taxi to a couple of staff members and collect them from home (see how keen people are to come and work here!!).

A very snowy Downclose Lane on Wednesday morning

Our container of Himalayan salt licks from Pakistan finally arrived here yesterday, 24 hours late due to the weather.  We'd cleared a path for the driver but he still managed to jack-knife his rig in the yard because he came in front-ways instead of reversing in - a common mistake with drivers who aren't familiar with our access.  He ended up having to uncouple his trailer and we off-loaded from the front of the container.  Great fun & games!

We are having problems getting our orders out as DHL didn't collect yesterday and there's a doubt as to whether they'll collect today.  Postie didn't come yesterday either and he's usually pretty determined, so, apologies to all our customers out there waiting for their orders, please be patient!

The Downclose Devons doing what Red Devons do best - eating!!

Getting in this morning was, if anything, dodgier than yesterday because the minor roads are like ice-rinks, but pretty much everyone has got in one way or another.  This is one of the reasons that Hilton Herbs thrives as a business, because everyone is so committed and no-one sees the weather as an excuse to cry off work.  Rest assured no-one's under pressure to take risks to get here, but everyone tries all the same.

Our first show of the season is just round the corner, the British Homing World "Show of the Year" at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th January.  We are Stand 41 in the Arena, so all you pigeon fanciers out there, come and visit us!  We'll have the usual special offers and 'giveaways'.  Our local pigeon fancier, Mike Staddon, who is a legend in the world of racing pigeons, will also be on the stand to chat to people and endorse our products.  If you want to download our Pigeon catalogue just CLICK HERE.

A selection of our pigeon products

May we wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year!