CMC-004
www.countrymen.org.uk
The Countryman’s Diary Issue 4 - Autumn 2013 It is now Autumn and I do not think I have moaned about the weather all summer: good hay has been made in the sun and grass has grown steadily. We have had two lovely calves born without any assistance being required on our part. Both are bulls: Jack Junior, a Hereford cross, and Teddy Eddie, a Simmental cross, who is really lovely, but he needs an eye kept on him because he is so relaxed we always think he is poorly. We are over all the problems that we had with fly strike on the sheep; the worst we have ever had, but we did not lose any
thankfully, although it was close with one. Of course, we are now heading towards our annual TB test in October, which is a really big concern now we know that an inconclusive result does not get a second chance any more. We have seen many badgers roaming on the land this year, so this is not a problem that is likely to go away. I hope you all keep your fingers crossed for us. Finally, do not forget the Holnest Vintage Fayre on the first weekend in October. It is going to be a great weekend and I hope to see you all there.
Old country ways Did you know?
There’s a local saying… “If the ice in November won’t bear a duck, the rest of the winter’ll be all slush and muck!”
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
Upcoming events Holnest Vintage Fayre - Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October. A mix of all things old and new. Taking place at Rylands Farm between 10am and 4pm each day. See the attached flyer for more details. The Horse in War and Peacetime - Tuesday, 29th October, 1.30pm. A reminiscence event with Bovington Tank Museum, taking place ahead of their Heritage Lottery Fund project ‘Warhorse to Horsepower’. Taking place at Rylands Farm.
The summer just gone The countrymen spent their summer out and about on the farm, reviewing the livestock, checking the progress of the young ‘uns, and giving us their opinion on the best breeding stock candidates, as well as those destined to make the journey from field to fork! We have had a go at grooming: the cows often end up looking fit for the show ring and the pigs enjoyed regular hose baths in the hot weather. There has been a lot of craft activity in the barn, designing and making wooden signs, bird boxes, and corn dollies.
The corn dolly - a brief history Corn dollies were and still are used in pagan ceremonies. It has now developed into a decorative art form that reflects superstitious beliefs. They are used to thank Mother Earth for the Harvest and also as a symbol of good luck and fertility. Examples have been found in tombs in Egypt and the craft is known worldwide. The corn dolly pictured was made by our resident master craftsman Dan H. ➳