CMC-001 www.countrymen.org.uk
The Countryman’s Diary Issue 1 - Winter 2012 The farmer, Mrs J. Plumley, writes this month... The first of our autumn calves were born this week. A pedigree Simmental bull calf is nothing to sniff at, but we could also do with some new heifers. A wet British summer has been taking its toll on us, as it has for many farmers. We have yet to get the dung out and the goat’s feet are not looking good! As a result, we have had to shut them inside because of the risk of foot rot. You can image how happy they are about it.
Sadly, two inconclusive cows have been sent to slaughter and by the time you read this we will have had our annual TB test. We have been giving the remaining herd selenium, but now we must simply cross our fingers and wait. In other news, Mr Fox has paid us several visits as the evenings draw in. He took a couple of chickens before we secured the pens. Finally, our Galloway steer is being trained up as an ox, but we have not been able to find a harness. If any countryman knows where to find one then please let me know.
A grand opening The Countrymen’s Club was officially opened on 29th October. It all started with a glass of cider and ended with a song or two. We managed to get hold of Bonny Sartin, of The Yetties, and got to sample some of the good life courtesy of Framptons of Bridport, the Dorset Blue Soup Co., West Milton Cider Co. and Lawrence’s Cider. And we mustn’t forget a wonderful fruit cake from Ivan! We hope everyone who attended had a lovely time.
The Countrymen’s Club is a group that meets every weekday afternoon at a working farm near Sherborne, Dorset. It is for older men who want to remain active and involved in the countryside, but who are finding it increasingly difficult to get about. To find out more and to help keep traditional farming practices alive, contact Brian or Dominic on 01963 210703 / countrymen@futureroots.net
Days gone by
Upcoming events
The countrymen have been busy whittling, sanding, drinking, eating and chatting.
Christmas is coming to the farm.
A lot of the activities we get up to hark back to days gone by. Earlier this month we were all busy making thumbsticks from wood cut from the hedges, while others have been restoring an old feed grinder as well as planting winter vegetables. Some countrymen enjoy getting stuck-in what ever the weather and others like to reminisce about life on the farm. We always end an afternoon with a catch up in our log cabin and a piece of cake.
Between now and the end of December The Countrymen’s Club will be busy making traditional Christmas wreaths, restoring some old tractor seats, and building new staging for our polytunnel. In the week of 17 December we will be celebrating with yuletide songs, food and a raffle! Get in touch if you would like to take part.
A picture from the past
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