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www.countrymen.org.uk
The Countryman’s Diary Issue 3 - Spring 2013 The farmer, Mrs J. Plumley, writes this month... What a couple of months: four bull calves and a heifer have arrived, but sadly all the pedigree Simmentals are bulls. We have also gained six lambs and thankfully none show signs of Schmallenberg Virus. However, why do they insist on giving birth in the middle of the night? I’ve heard rumours that it could be caused by feeding times and I hoped one of the countrymen could enlighten me. The last calf was born on a cold night, only 19°F, and was left for dead in the yard.Three of the young lads who are studying agriculture with us – you have probably seen them around the farm – then spent two hours using their body heat to warm the calf and massaging its body. Such commitment! After three days of tube feeding it is now up and about, albeit weak. As my dad taught me: where there is breath there is hope, and of course it helps to have plenty of youngsters around who are keen to learn everything there is to know about farming. As the weather finally begins to warm, we begin to look forward to the summer. We would therefore
like to hear your thoughts on what vegetables and flowers we can start planting in the garden. I am very interested in plants that can produce natural dyes for wool, but any ideas would be appreciated. Finally, we all know that many farmers are going through tough times at the moment. But we should also remember that there is confidential help and support available from RABI (Tel. 0300 303 7373) and the Farm Crisis Network (Tel. 0845 367 9990). I hope to see you all at the farm again soon.
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 We have many events planned for the coming months: Trip to see Bev’s calves (leave 1330 back by 1600) Wed., 10 April Trip to Shaftesbury Market (leave 0915. Please contact in advance) Mon., 15 April An afternoon at the Rylands Farm Races (at Rylands Farm) Wed., 17 April Stall at Dorset Knob Throwing (Cattistock)(volunteers required) Sun., 5 May The Countrymen’s Map✝ (at Rylands Farm) Wed., 8 May Trip to Sherborne Garden Centre (leave 1330 back by 1600) Wed., 15 May Romani History & Traditions in Rural Dorset. A Talk by Maggie Smith Bendell (at Rylands Farm) Wed., 29 May ✝ To help us complete the Countrymen’s Map please bring along old photos of your farm, farms you have previously worked on at lived at, photos where you were born, local livestock markets and so on. We would like to make copies of these and put them on our map to show all the important places for local farmers.
Old country ways Did you know?
The old English proverb… 'Ne'er cast a clout till May be out'… and can yout ell us the meaning….which is very fitting this year! Green woodworking at The Countrymen’s Club ➳