Bluebell Dairy, a beloved family-run farm park situated on the outskirts of Derbyshire in Spondon, has expanded its team, welcoming an experienced new Operations Manager to the dairy farm.
Cathy Parsons joins the 45-strong Bluebell Dairy team as its Operations Manager, bringing with her over 7 years’ experience of working within the agritourism industry. Her wealth of knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm will strengthen the growing popularity of the farm park.
On joining Bluebell Dairy, Cathy said: “The team have been very welcoming and there’s a real sense of community spirit here – I’m so excited to get stuck in. Joining the team gives me the great opportunity to be a part of a fantastic attraction that brings joy to families and the local community, plus there’s the added bonus of free, and I must say utterly delicious, ice cream all year round!”
The farm park and micro-dairy – which opened to the public in 2008 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year – produces 26 different artisan ice cream flavours using milk produced by its cows.
Firm favourites include Amaretto and Cherry and Double Cream Vanilla, plus seasonal flavours such as Mini-Egg and Rolo, all of which are available to buy in the farm’s café and new ice cream parlour.
As the new Operations Manager, Cathy will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the park, ensuring that all visitors have a positive experience during their visit as well as managing the park’s team members and working closely with other departments to expand the farm park’s offering.
Cathy added: “Already we’re planning on how we can build up the education programmes we have on offer. With lots of schools visiting the farm, we want to merge classroom learning with real-life experiences and focus on the curriculum topics, such as, farm to fork.
“As a working dairy farm, we want to educate visitors on where milk comes from, as you’d be shocked how many children visit us and don’t know. With the herd of 25 cows and a new robotic milker being installed, we hope to attract nurseries and schools that are keen on getting hands-on when it comes to learning.”
The farm park has welcomed Cathy during its seasonal ‘Easter Eggventure’, which runs until April 10. The event includes a range of themed activities, including easter egg hunts, carrot seed planting, cuddles with furry friends and watching sheep races.
Oliver Brown, owner of Bluebell Dairy, said: “We’re excited to have Cathy on board as our new Operations Manager. We are confident that her experience and expertise will be invaluable in helping us continue to provide a high-quality experience for our visitors. We’re continually striving to enhance our offerings and ensure Bluebell Dairy remains a perfect destination for families in Derbyshire and beyond.”
Bluebell Dairy is a must-visit destination in Derbyshire, offering a wide range of activities and attractions, including indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds, an ice cream parlour, a cafe and a gift shop. With the appointment of Cathy Parsons and the expansion of the team, the farm park is set to provide an even better visitor experience.
Bluebell Dairy is open every day from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and visitors are encouraged to check their website for any updates or changes.
