Archived News

6th February 2017

My usual update of what's happening on the farm has been far from my mind in the last couple of months and even now that I am here to write something, it is with a huge sadness in my heart and still not yet the usual farm update, which hopefully will return soon.

The joy, happiness and love that Ella brought into Christopher's world was extraordinary, they shared such plans and laughter and showed a great support for each other's way of life which combined their future aspirations in show jumping and agriculture.  

Ella took happily to life on the farm; excited about the piglets arriving and looking forward to helping Chris with lambing this spring and the chance to feed any orphan lambs. I could just picture Ella with an adopted  lamb following her around wherever she went. 

Whilst it may seem difficult some days to put one foot in front of the other, life on the farm continues and we look forward to lambing in April in Ella's memory. 

In the meantime, the Belted Galloways start calving this month. Our Galloways are black with a white belt  around  their middle, hence their name.  However, there is an exception to this rule;  a calf was born in December 2011 without any white markings at all, despite having a 'belted' dam and sire.  I decided to keep the little calf and named her 'Ella'.  When checking cattle in the field it's easy to find 'Ella' as she's unique and stands out from the herd.

But even more so, Ella Popely was unique, she shone and stood out from the crowd.  Ella brought happiness, laughter and her radiant smile into our home and hearts and she will be sorely missed,  she touched so many lives and was taken  much too soon.  

The shock and disbelief of Ella's sudden death will reverberate for a very long time,  and whilst nothing can bring Ella back,  fundraising has begun for The Ella Popely Memorial Fund which will enable a fitting tribute to Ella.

Donations can be made, with cheques made payable to: 'R.A. Brooks & Son Donation Account',  35, Wivelsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 4EN.  Please write 'Ella Popely' on the back of cheques or in a covering note.  Phone: 01444 454391

An evening of classical music with mezzo-soprano Daisy Bunn and special guests is being held at  Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road,  London W12 7L J  at 7.30pm on 20th March 2017 in aid of The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund and The Ella Popely Memorial Fund.   Tickets are available at  www.mdirf.co.uk