History

1890

McTurks leave Ayrshire to a rented farm in South Weald in Brentwood. They start dairy farming.

1950

The landowners (the Tower family) sell their estate, which is farmed by tenants, the McTurks among them. The McTurks buy Frieze Hall Farm. Calcott Hall Farm continues to be farmed by John Widdowson as a dairy farm.

1971

David McTurk takes over farming at Calcott Hall as John Widdowson retires and he grows cereals for 3 years.

1974

Andrew takes over at Calcott Hall Farm and starts growing vegetables and fruit. 'Pick your own' is introduced with strawberries, then expands rapidly to other crops.

1975

Calcott Hall Farm Shop opens.

1976

Andrew and Janet move into the bungalow with 2 young sons.

1978

Andrew and Janet purchase the freehold of the farm.

1980

The reservoir for irrigating the crops is constructed and another son is born.

1983

Farm shop moves into a bigger barn. Fourth and final son arrives!

1989

New farmhouse is built.

2002

Steve Hazel starts selling fresh fish twice a week from his stall.

2004

The remaining area of the old Essex barn is converted into shop space.

2005

Peter and Stuart, two of Andrew and Janets sons join the business.

2008

The existing barn is extended in the farm yard to add space in the shop for more products and a butchery counter.

2009

Neil Risdon, a local butcher opens in the shop. This was 'Pick your own's' last year due to the changing habits of customers.

2011

Further additions to the building including a new entrance, exit, till area and a new patio for plants.

2013

Brentwood Brewery move into a refurbished redundant barn on the farm.

2016

The Barnyard Café opening Autumn 2016.

2018

Star Fishmongers opens in the shop