THERE was no way that the Jones family of Garway could keep their restocking plans a secret. Near the farm entrance was a large notice for all the village to see congratulating them on their new herd, endorsed by the patriotic saying 'There will always be an England'.

Farmer Mark Jones and his wife Susan of Yew Tree Farm lost their entire herd of 180 cattle, mostly Guernseys, because of foot and mouth six months ago and after the long and patient wait restocked last week with a prize-winning herd of 80 milking cows and 40 followers. "We are putting the past behind us," said Mark, "and making a fresh start. It's really good to have the Guernseys on the farm."

The Jones' cattle was the only herd of Guernseys in Britain to be taken out and it was not long before the breed society was in contact with Mark and arrangements put in hand to replace the cattle with the noted Kelsmoor Herd from Melbury Bubb in Dorset.

Mark decided to take the opportunity of buying the followers as well because of the problem of finding Guernseys and because it would provide him with good stock for the years ahead. But while the Dorset farm was in a foot-and-mouth clean area, Hereford was at high risk and this presented a movement problem. In fact, Herefordshire was only reduced to an at-risk county a few weeks ago.

Of course, the Jones family had to wait four months from the end of the clean-up operation on the farm but it was still an anxious time.

"We have followed the DEFRA ruling all the time and it was a tense wait. We had purchased the herd and were concerned about restrictions because there are not that many herds available in the country and are rather rare in this part of the world." The Kelsmor Herd belonged to Tom Emm and family who had produced the cattle over forty years.

A large proportion of the cows had been showed very successfully.

"They came out of the delivery lorries so quietly and behaved as if they were in the same environment. They are such a placid breed with a nice nature and therefore easier to handle. My family kept Guernseys for fifty years and I don't think I would have anything else."

Other reasons for Mark restocking with Guernseys was that their milk contained health-giving properties compared to milk generally, and he was hoping that the demand would increase. He is also hoping to diversify into ice-cream making next year.

Although it is almost six months since the stock was lost, Mark said he had found plenty to do on the 160-acre farm, some of which is down to arable.

"At first it was like a vacuum. But afterwards, there were not many idle days, what with being available to give guidance for the clean-up operation, maintenance and ensuring there was plenty of home-produced feed for the cattle. Besides milking, Mark also fattens lambs for a friend.

The Jones children, brothers aged eleven and seven, who attend Garway School, were also thrilled at the restocking and with the welcome notice outside the farm many of their classmates were well aware of what was something of a village event.

"We are not quite sure who put the notice there but it was very reassuring," said Mark.

Only the Jones' three months' old baby son seemed unaware of all the excitement.