Kelvin Fletcher and his family have recently returned to television screens in the third series of “Fletcher’s Family Farm.” However, their journey has not been without challenges, as they are navigating the aftermath of a significant fire that devastated their home.
Bursting into New Beginnings
Kelvin, 41, expressed his newfound dedication to farming, stating, “This is my version of a happy life.” He now feels comfortable with his role on the farm in Cheshire, situated in the picturesque Peak District. Accompanied by his wife Liz and their four children, Marnie, Milo, and twins Mateusz and Maximus, the family is fully immersed in farm life.
Lambing Season Highlights
During this time of year, the farm is bustling with activity, especially with lambing season in full swing. Kelvin notes, “We’re well and truly in our groove,” as their operations appear to be running smoothly. The family proudly asserts, “The kids are farmers too,” with even the twins contributing to the daily chores.
- This season, they have welcomed a breeding bull, named Crowther, paying tribute to Kelvin’s late best friend, Steven Crowther.
- The introduction of Crowther marks a significant milestone for Kelvin, who had previously not included male livestock for breeding purposes.
- The family’s beloved cow, Cherry, achieved acclaim as the Supreme Champion at the Royal Cheshire Show.
A Heartbreaking Blaze
Amidst the joy of new livestock, tragedy struck when their farmhouse caught fire while the family was on vacation. Liz recalls their initial reaction: “thank god we weren’t here.” The fire, which obliterated significant portions of their roof, left the home uninhabitable due to extensive smoke damage.
Kelvin reflected on the surreal situation, as they received news of the blaze while abroad. “The fire brigade was called. We were powerless to act,” he noted, describing it as “the stuff of nightmares.” Despite the devastating loss of their possessions, the family is determined to move forward.
Resilience and Future Plans
As they assess the damage, the Fletchers remain optimistic about their farming future. “We just have to clean up and tidy up,” Kelvin quipped, showcasing their resilience even in adversity.
The family’s objectives extend beyond livestock lately. Kelvin aims to restore the farm’s mixed heritage by incorporating crop cultivation once again. They have plans to grow oats, an endeavor that has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Liz admitted, “We have a lot of things against us,” but Kelvin remains confident about their successful harvest.
Next Generation of Farmers
The family’s eldest daughter, Marnie, is beginning to embrace her farming responsibilities by caring for her own flock of Jacob lambs. At only eight years old, she is already learning the essentials of shepherding from her father.
Catch the Fletchers in “Fletcher’s Family Farm,” returning to ITV on October 19, a testament to their family bond and enduring spirit in the face of challenges.
