A FARM diversification project you really have to take your hat off to is one being undertaken by a Hebden farmer's wife.

Sarah Stockdale, of Nanelands Farm, is opening up a shop and showroom at her home which sells and hires millinery.

She has joined a growing co-operative of 10 forward-thinking farmers' wives who together have formed Get Ahead, which between them spans an area from Scotland to Leicestershire.

The business began around 14 years ago and several branches have been awarded EU diversification grants and local council grants.

"My involvement began when I was looking for a hat for a wedding. I went along to York where another farmer's wife, Beryl Otley, had set up the business many years ago. I thought it was something I could do," Sarah explained.

It could also be fitted around her three children, Alice, Thomas and Rebecca.

She undertook a year's training on the complex art of millinery at branches at York and Blackburn, learning how to make hats, and how to alter them to suit customers' requirements.

The new venture has come at a good time for Sarah and her husband, Robert.

Being hill and sheep farmers, they were aware of the worsening state of the economy, and wanted to diversify. But the prospects looked dim when their application to turn a building into a holiday cottage was turned down.

But permission was later granted to turn an adjoining stone building, into a showroom and shop where more than 100 hats are displayed.

Every occasion is catered for from a tiny pill-box number to something not out of place at Royal Ascot. "The most unusual task I have been set is to create a hat for someone who was going to a Cleopatra Ball, in Venice. She was wanting a snake-like look so I created a hat for her which was coiled, snake-like on top.

Also helping to get the business off the ground are Sarah's parents, Liz and Andrew Grayshon, who run the Red Lion, at Burnsall.

The business is opening on Tuesday with its first customers none other than the Rylstone Calendar Girls. After that, the shop will be open by appointment from Monday to Saturday between 10am to 5pm. For an appointment ring Sarah on 01756 753926.

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