The Orchard Ribble Valley

01/06/2026

Good evening everyone.

As many of you know, I've been very quiet recently while dealing with our planning application. Well, now that we've officially withdrawn it, I think it's time to say exactly how I feel.

Firstly, I want to call out Ribble Valley Borough Council for what has been, in my opinion, an absolutely disgraceful process. The lack of communication, the lack of transparency, and the complete lack of common decency throughout has been beyond frustrating. They are more than happy to let people spend thousands of pounds jumping through every hoop they ask for, only to show little or no genuine interest in what is being proposed.

We provided everything that was requested of us. We invested huge amounts of time, effort and money trying to bring something positive to life. Something that we genuinely believed would benefit people's health, wellbeing and the local community. Yet it became increasingly clear that there was little appetite to engage constructively with what we were trying to achieve.

Now, I completely understand that our vision wasn't everyone's cup of tea. I've always respected differing opinions and welcomed genuine discussion. What I struggle with are the entitled attitudes of people who simply don't like change, and those who seem determined to oppose something regardless of its merits.

Yes, I'm writing this in anger. Maybe that's not always advisable, but after months of frustration, disappointment and wasted effort, I honestly don't care.

We listened. We adapted. We altered our plans repeatedly in an attempt to find a solution that worked for both us and the village. We tried to find the most peaceful and considerate option possible. In the end, it still wasn't enough.

So where does that leave us?

Our options are now extremely limited. Legally, I can have a temporary structure on my own land for 28 days a year. What happens next? Will that mean 28 days of weddings, events and Raves? A caravan site? Leaving the land to grow wild? Maybe taking people’s views on board wasn’t the correct idea.

The irony is that none of this was ever the plan.

I never wanted to write a post like this. But when you've poured so much time, energy, passion and money into creating something that you genuinely believe would have had a positive impact on people's lives, where exactly are you supposed to put that frustration?

To everyone who supported us, encouraged us and believed in what we were trying to build, thank you. We haven't given up. We're just incredibly disappointed by the system that was supposed to give us a fair opportunity.

For now, that's all I have to say.

14/05/2026

Over the last few months, we’ve been a little quieter than usual, and we wanted to take a moment to share where our hearts and minds have been during this journey with The Orchard Ribble Valley.

When we first began this venture, our vision started as a wedding and events space. Last year was very much a trial year for us a chance to understand what truly fit both our beautiful setting and the wonderful village of Whalley that we are lucky enough to call home. We learned so much during that time, and one of the biggest lessons was recognising the impact that louder events, alcohol, and music can have on such a peaceful and quiet corner of the valley.

As much as we loved seeing people come together to celebrate, we also listened carefully. We understood the concerns raised, and we took them seriously. Rather than pushing harder in a direction that didn’t feel right for the community around us, we chose to reflect deeply on what The Orchard could become instead.

Through our own personal journeys in life, we discovered wellness and more importantly, we discovered how powerful it can be for people’s mental health, healing, balance, and connection. In a world that often feels overwhelming and fast-paced, we realised there is such a huge need for calm spaces where people can simply breathe, reset, and reconnect with themselves and nature.

That realisation changed everything for us.
What we are now proposing through our planning application comes from a place of genuine passion and purpose. This has never been “just a business” to us. We have poured our heart, soul, time, energy, and finances into creating something meaningful something that we hope can bring positivity not only to visitors, but to the wider community too.

We completely understand that we won’t please everyone, and we respect that people will always have different opinions. But we do want people to know that none of these decisions have been rushed or made lightly. We have spent countless hours listening, learning, reflecting, and carefully considering the concerns raised along the way.

At the core of everything we are trying to create is a simple intention: to build something peaceful, thoughtful, and beneficial in a space we deeply love and care about.

To those who have supported us, encouraged us, or simply taken the time to understand our vision , thank you. Your kindness means more than you know.
And to those who have concerns, we genuinely hear you too. We hope that in time, people will see the care, consideration, and good intentions behind what we are trying to achieve here at The Orchard Ribble Valley.

Thank you for following our journey so far 🤍

It will only be in place during the summer months

18/01/2026

OUR LAST SHOUT-OUT FOR THE DAY AND IT'S HUGE CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 to 🌟 The Orchard Ribble Valley 🌟 MAC Joinery and Construction Ltd 🌟 Ribble Recruitment 🌟 DB School of Motoring who have all been nominated for Ribble Valley Business Awards 2026! 🥂🏆

To enter, just click the link in your Official Nomination Email which should be waiting in your inbox. Good luck! 🍀

Can't find your official email? Click the ‘Learn More’ button on our FB profile, or the Enter Now link on Insta to go to our website, scroll down and you'll see a Register/Enter link.

There's no voting aspect to RVBA26, so you don't need to worry about asking for votes or re-nominations 😊

🤎 Help us celebrate more of our fabulous Ribble Valley businesses and not for profit organisations by nominating them now! 🤎

Nominations can be made until 19 January via the 'Learn More' button from our Facebook profile or the 'Nominate Now' link on our Insta profile 🤩

18/01/2026

31/12/2025

As the year comes to a close, we just want to say thank you 🤍

Thank you to every single person who came to The Orchard whether it was to celebrate, create, connect, relax, dance, laugh, plan a future, or simply spend time in a space that felt right. Whatever brought you here, we’re grateful you chose us.

This year has been a big one. A year of figuring out who we are not just as a venue, but as people. Learning, adapting, changing direction when needed, and trusting the process even when it felt uncomfortable. Building something you’re deeply passionate about is never straightforward, especially when so much of it sits in the hands of others. There were moments of frustration, waiting, doubt but perseverance really is everything. Showing up, staying consistent, and manifesting the bigger picture even when the path isn’t clear.

On a personal level, this place has given me so much more than I expected. New friendships, like-minded people, shared ideas, support, and conversations that have genuinely helped me grow. That alone has made it all worth it.

The Orchard is still becoming and so are we.
And honestly, that’s the exciting part.

Here’s to everything we’ve learned, everyone we’ve met, and what’s still to come 🌱✨