Contributor Ali Findlay has just retired from nearly 28 years of teaching in secondary schools. Ali is on a mission to find some of those places, people, events and hobbies that are often overlooked in Rugby borough.

In their 200 acres of land, the Grindal family continues to toil from dawn until the wee small hours of the morning on their fabulous Manor Farm in Catthorpe.

Way back, Major Cross established it in 1882, as part of his vast estate and the current owners have been providing us with nutritious fare since 1974.

Starting with just vegetables, Michael, Susan and Matthew have branched out to produce their own rare breed pork, beef and lamb.

Some of the delights on offer at Manor Farm.

placeholder image — Some of the delights on offer at Manor Farm.

Having to diversify to battle the constant challenges faced by rural communities in this ever-changing world- but also ensuring that as much as possible being sold is local: the original cattle stalls have been converted into a popular beer barn, selling bottles from the nearby Dowbridge Brewery and well-respected gins from Rugby Distillery; freezers full of frozen goods minimise wastage, as people count out what they need; a refillable milk and milkshake machine dispenses the freshest moo-juice anyone could hope for.

My family and I are regulars in their award-winning kitchen, which serves dishes to die for (please excuse the hyperbole!), including a mouthwatering full English breakfast – and lots of other options for every dietary requirement, delights such as Brixworth pate (my absolute favourite), perfectly cooked omelettes, generously-sized jacket potatoes, a stunning selection of cakes and pastries. Too tempting…!

Caroline England, their experienced and adept manager, also filled me in on details of special events that are enjoyed by the secret society already clued in with the magic on offer: homemade pie night, opportunities to meet and sample wares from local producers in the run-up to Christmas, and their simply beautiful, award-winning afternoon teas (vouchers are available for gifts).

Thankfully, the publication ‘Glovebox Guides’, has given the business the recognition it deserves in its book ‘The Extra Mile’, promoting it as a ‘must’ when stopping off on a lengthy motorway journey, as the farm lies between Rugby and Lutterworth on the busy A5: keen cyclists organise stop-offs to recharge; motorbikers park-up to devour a bacon buttie; campers and caravaners, since 2021, enjoy full facilities in the field opposite, overlooking

the Avon Valley; Even coach-loads of Liverpool FC supporters have been known to make a pit-stop there enroute to Wembley…. That must have been a full house!!

Anyway, you may be struggling to see the significance of the headline. It is nothing related to the fruit they grow (which is always seasonal and recently harvested) or about the American multinational technology company….. It is about the loveable feline fixture who meets and greets every visitor- a black and white cat who wins everyone’s heart.

Cats are known for being aloof and sometimes fickle in relationships with us humans, being drawn to those whom better serve their needs. Well, Apple adores her adopted family- testimony, indeed, that a visit to Catthorpe Manor Farm is like coming home.