FARM YARNS
Autumn 2013
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House
2012-13 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Pip Hay
Lily O’Neill
Greg Sparks (V.Pres.)
Richard Ginsburg (Treas.)
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Stephen Jolly
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1836). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Indian Runner ducklings learning to swim (image by Andrew Phillips) Rear Cover photo - Love shines in the evening at Jacqueline and Guy’s January wedding (image by Andrew Phillips)
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Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report Lots of sun and no rain (or at least very little)! It’s often said that farmers talk about not much else but the weather. And we have seen the heat settle well and truly in over the last month. It’s at times like this that having an Integrated Paddock Management Program (IPMP) delivers great dividends in terms of the long-term care of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands. Because if we don’t care for the (very limited) amount of farmland we have, then we won’t be farming for long. If you do choose to visit the Farm on a hot day, please remember that we give the animals freedom of choice with regards to their own
Below: New peacock chicks on walkabout with mum
space and activity. So when it’s a hot day, they
shelter belts - quite sensible really. We do
generally choose to sit quietly in shade of the
move our animals regularly, so check with Farm staff as to where they are located. If a
Below: Daisy nibbling (or is that scoffing) fresh grass
paddock is actually empty of animals, it means we are probably resting it. Or look harder in the shaded areas! The Farm’s popularity as a wedding venue continues to grow; there have been six lovely couples who have chosen the Farm as the place to celebrate their special day over the last three months (check out the photos on pages 9 and 10). Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss having a wedding (or other event) at the Farm. Our 2012-2013 poultry hatching season has had some delays with the incubator. Nick and Andrew did a fine job completing running repairs however we still lost about three weeks worth of clutches which was both unexpected and disappointing. As a result there may be a
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
4
limited amount of poultry available for sale
The Farm stepped onto the world stage last
this year, so remember to keep an eye out for
year by becoming a member of the European
when sales commence.
Federation of City Farms (EFCF), the first in the Southern Hemisphere. This achievement
For those who purchased a 2013 farm
was confirmed with a recent visit by Ela
calendar, you would have (hopefully) noticed
Gandhi, international human rights activist
on the back page a QR code. The Farm has
and the grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi.
launched it’s own app, a first for us. It is meant
Ela is also a farmer! It was an honour to have
to be a bit of education (but disguised as fun,
her visit the Farm and understand how we use
so don’t tell the kids), if you have feedback on
farming to create sustainable community. In
the app please send it to sales@farm.org.au we look forward to hearing from you.
Below: New brick paving at Southern end of stables
After a long renovation the Farm Cafe successfully reopened to all our hungry visitors on the 21st of January. Tom, Pip and their team have hit the ground running and after a few weeks it seems like they were never closed! The new menu has been a great hit (try the slow-cooked beans) and you can check out their revised website on www.farmcafe.org.au. Works have started to extend the brick flooring to all covered areas of the stables. This will improve the Southern end and make it more comfortable for RDA (less dust), as well as for potential events such as weddings or small corporate functions. A big thanks for those Farm Members inspired by our last ‘Farm Yarns’ (pages 6-7) who sent an email or letter to Richard Wynne MP regarding the future of the land we farm. It is important that our local (and wider) politicians understand
how
the
community
feels
regarding the cultural heritage and permanent preservation of all the land that the Farm has cared for over its 34 years.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
5
this sense, the Farm continues the local work
busy. The horses are getting used to working
of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, or the
again after having an extended break over the
Mahatma who used farmland for a positive
Christmas and New Years period. To make
social purpose.
sure they keep a healthy weight, some of the ponies have been put in a ‘short grass’
The Young Farmers have returned to the Farm,
paddock. As humans we might call it ‘the
it is great to see familiar faces back and keen to
Jenny Craig paddock’ because like us, horses
experience another positive year of activity.
shouldn’t carry too much excess weight.
We have had a few Young Farmers go on to become casual staff at the Farm (once they
Recent corporate events have provided the
reach working age), which is a very exciting
Farm with a much-needed source of extra
progression for everyone to celebrate.
income. As a not-for-profit that has to provide for its own financial wellbeing, we simply
Family Days have also commenced for 2013,
could not offer the range of positive social
with our first in February being especially
programs for the local community without it!
Below: Indian Runner ducklings getting used to their swimming pool. Once full size, they will join the main flock.
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1
2
4 3 1 2 3 4 5
PHOTOS Buskers at Farm for City of Yarra competition The bongo beat up close Scones at Farm Cafe too good nom nom nom Duck everyone! Gleaming new coffee machine brings happiness (caffeine) to everyone
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7
Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Farm News It’s been very hot and very dry. Regardless of what the weather is doing, January is school holidays and as busy as you would expect it, the weekends are packed with families having a pleasant day out. Tomato season is also upon us, they are ripening on the vines as we speak. The garden beds planted by the Sophia Mundi students before Christmas last year are bearing fruit and vegetables! Zucchinis, Tomatoes, Onions, Leeks, Parsley, Eggplants and Capsicums are currently in season and the Sweet Corn is about to start.
Above: Yummy ripe Farm tomatoes for the ‘Money For Jam’ chutney makers (image Bridget Bainbridge)
at Reception and also at the Farmers Market. Be quick as they are selling fast! Above: The Sophia Mundi garden in full swing (image Bridget Bainbridge)
The Young Farmers are back yay! First tasks for the year are usually a bit of maintenance as
This year some of our excess fruit and produce
well as regular duties such as animal care,
has being offered to the ‘Money For Jam’
horseriding and gardening, etc. They have all
project run by Taskforce, Moorabbin. The
done a fantastic job of painting the trotting
project provides cooking experience and
poles for the ménage in a colourful range of
training
designs. Let’s hope the horses appreciate their
for
women
who
are
currently
unemployed. They are turning our Apricots,
artistic creations.
Plums and Tomatoes into yummy jams and chutneys. And doing fabulous job too - the
Due to the delay to our hatching season
jams and chutney are really tasty. Look out for
(caused by a dodgy incubator), we will
the produce and preserves which are available
hopefully have chickens for sale at the
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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beginning of March. Other animal news is
was one of those who helped establish the
Jabob the new boar continues to settle in nicely
market at the Farm in October 2003. This
to his new home at the Farm. We are hopefully
kicked off the Farmer’s Market revolution in
expecting our first litter from him and
Melbourne! If you would like to find out more
Maybelle in a few month’s time.
information there’s plenty of good detail to read at http://www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au.
Below: No. 18 now the new home of the VFMA (image Andrew Phillips) Below: Colourful artistic creations by the Young Farmers (image Bridget Bainbridge)
Above: Our new Berkshire dad-to-be, Jacob (image Bridget Bainbridge)
Number
16
Saint
Heliers
Street
(the
Kreitmayer House) is receiving some external attention to remove the layers of old paint on the outside. Once we have a ‘clean slate’ we can repaint in an appropriate heritage colour. There’s a detailed article on Max Kreitmayer on pages 14 and 15, very interesting! And in more old house news, 18 Saint Heliers Street (the old Farm offices) is now home to the Victorian Farmers Market Association. This is one of those great ‘full circle’ moments, as Miranda Sharp (current VFMA Secretary)
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Recent Farm Weddings 1
Vale Maggie Cat ... Maggie was one of our very old, much
developed a large facial lump that turned
loved farm cats, instantly recognisable due
out to be cancerous. Surgery may have
to having her ears removed (due to cancer)
extended her life however given her
as a young cat. We were always asked ‘can
advanced age the quality of it would have
she
dropped quite badly. And so we took the
hear?’!
Sadly
Maggie
recently
difficult (and never easy) decision to euthanise. Maggie will
be
deeply
missed
by
all
visitors
and
the
Farm Staff
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10
More Weddings 2 & 3
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
11
Community Gardens News
Toni Phillips
Meet the plotter—John Hutchinson John has had a plot for three years at the Farm
Then they love to give the excess to family
and absolutely loves it. ‘It is an oasis in
friends and people in the street. His best crop
Melbourne and when the goats are in the Barn
at the moment is Rhubarb, picking it weekly,
Paddock next to the plots, it is an extra bonus’.
with yesterday’s harvest of three kilograms.
Since having the plot he has noticed that they
John, like many of the plotters is a wonderful
buy much less vegetables at the market each
‘plot neighbour’ helping to look after each
week (mainly only fruit). Jenny his wife loves
others plots when needed, watering etc and
to make chutneys, pickles and preserves with
this caring attitude for the plot and the person
Beans and Cauliflower; and Green Tomato
is what real community is about. Happy
relish with the glut of so many tomatoes.
growing John.
Below: John and his productive garden plot (image courtesy Toni Phillips)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
12
Plant News
Toni Phillips
After a wonderful time growing and eating the produce from your garden don’t forget to leave some plants to go to seed (which can then also be harvested). Resist the urge to tidy up. There are many benefits of seeding plants in the garden.
Harvesting and storing seeds The easiest seeds to collect are those that are big—like beans, peas, corn etc. Simply let the seeds mature and dry on the plant in the ground. All nutrients left in the leaves and stems is recycled and absorbed by the seed.
The most obvious is allowing the plant to fulfil its inherent role to reproduce; this can be either left to truly follow nature’s path and self -sow or you can collect the seeds for future use. Another benefit is to attract insects for pollination and pest control.
Pick the seed pods when they are dry and brittle but before they split open. Make sure that the seeds and weather conditions are dry when harvesting. Allow fleshy plants like tomatoes, melons and cucumbers to get a little over-ripe without rotting on the plant before harvesting. Separate the seeds from the flesh by rinsing with water, then thoroughly dry before storing.
Each stage of a plant’s life cycle plays a part in the ecosystem that is a garden bed: eg plants whose seed heads form from flat, branched flower heads like umbrellas (known as the family Umbilliferaceae) attract Hover Flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Tips for saving seeds Collecting seeds is fun, easy, a great thing to do with children and most importantly is a
Store seeds in airtight containers and don’t forget to label the name of each plant and date of harvest. Store in a cool dark dry place as heat and damp will reduce their viability. Wild food
real investment in the future. Try to only plant non-hybrid, open-pollinated seeds and seedlings so that you can then save the seeds from them for future plantings. Hybrid
plants
have
been
designed
for
consumption to produce early, large or visually appealing food (often lower in food value). The trade-off (whether deliberate or not) is that the seeds are usually sterile, therefore no point in saving them (what better way to get control of the food supply)! Be sure to always leave the strongest, healthiest and disease-free plants to go to seed. Ensure these plants receive sufficient water (especially during the flowering stage) for the seeds to properly develop.
‘Neantóg a dhóigh mé agus cupóg a leigheas mé. (‘A nettle stung me and a dock leaf cured
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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me’). So goes the old Irish saying. The name
a small amount of antihistamine which soothes
Dock is applied to a widespread group of broad-leaved weeds, of the same family as
the sting. Nicholas Culpepper in his ‘Complete Herbal and English Physician’ (not out of print
Rhubarb, and Sorrel - Stinging Nettle and Dock leaves are a famous poison and antidote
since 1653!) noted that: ‘All docks being boiled
combination—often found growing side-byside (they thrive in a similar habitat). The nettle-neutralizing power of a Dock leaf is common knowledge passed down from generation to generation. All farm folk know rubbing a Dock leaf calms a nettle sting. The suffering sting from nettles comes from a tiny amount of formic acid, found in small “hairs” along the stem and leaves. Dock leaves contain
with meat, make it boil the sooner; besides, it is exceeding strengthening to the liver, and procures good blood, being as wholesome a pot-herb as any that groweth in a garden; yet such is the nicety of our times, forsooth, that women will not put it into a pot, because it makes the pottage black; pride and ignorance (a couple of monsters in the creation) preferring nicety before health.’ Page 12, corner/Below: Dock leaves, good for goats. (both images courtesy of Toni Phillips)
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Farmland History
Andrew Phillips
We are often asked many questions about the
museum, a popular, if unrespectable, form of
history of 16 Saint Heliers Street, the two-
'instructive' entertainment, which included wax
storied dwelling located at the front of the
models of sexual organs decayed by venereal
Farm. Its first occupant was Max Kreitmayer
disease. He toured the goldfields with his
(1830-1906) and his family. He had the house
collection of anatomical items and by 1862 had
constructed in 1857—which makes the house
opened a museum in Bourke Street, Melbourne.
the oldest still standing in Abbotsford today.
The
Max was a well-respected and renowned wax modeller who enjoyed a very successful career in what was first the colony, then State of Victoria. Only just recently we discovered that he made a model of Pope Pius X (1835-1914) whose replica papal robes were made by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Abbotsford!
collection
was
shown
to
segregated
audiences, his wife lecturing to the women. He also opened anatomical and waxworks museums in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart. In 1862 Kreitmayer sold his collection of anatomical models to the government of Chile, for the Santiago medical school. He exhibited another collection at L. L. Smith's Polytechnic
So for those of you with a history bent, please
Institute,
then
in
mid-1863
went
into
find a detailed article on the life and career of
partnership with a phrenologist Philemon Sohier
Max Ludwig Kreitmayer:
and his wife Ellen, proprietors of Madame Sohier's Waxworks of Melbourne and Sydney.
Maximilian Ludwig (Max) Kreitmayer (1830-
Kreitmayer managed the Sydney business. On 31
1906), waxworks proprietor, was born on
January 1868 in Sydney, a widower, he married
31 December 1830 in Munich, Bavaria, son of
with Anglican rites English-born Emily Anne
Maximilian Ludwig Kreitmayer, artist. After
Waite, who had arrived in Melbourne in 1860,
studying anatomy in Munich, young Max
and had apparently already borne him three
visited Britain for further study and worked as a
children.
medical modeller at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. Describing himself as an artist, he
Returning to Melbourne in 1869, Kreitmayer
married Eliza Spong on 2 July 1856 in the parish
became proprietor of that city's sole waxworks.
church, Leeds, Yorkshire. They were to have four
The Victorian government commissioned him to
children.
make
figures
for
international
exhibitions.
Notable among these were figures of Aborigines Attracted by the gold rush, Kreitmayer reached
for the Paris (1878) and Indian and Colonial
Melbourne in December that year; Eliza joined
(1886)
him in February 1858. Not having much success
museum came to be regarded by some as a
at the diggings, in 1859 he opened an anatomical
'gallery of reference'. It included historical and
exhibitions.
Kreitmayer's
waxworks
newsworthy figures such as the royal family,
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
15
Dreyfus, Sarah Bernhardt and Melba. The
insolvency in 1898. By 1903, with Harriet's
Chamber of Horrors also portrayed a Kelly gang
financial help, the waxworks' yearly takings were
tableau (1880), the Deeming murders (1892) and
more than ÂŁ1000.
Jimmy Governor and his victims (1900). Kreitmayer died on 1 June 1906 at Collingwood Kreitmayer ran the Bourke Street entertainment
and was buried in Melbourne general cemetery
until shortly before his death but also employed
with Anglican rites. His wife and their son and
managers and other wax modellers. His manager
daughter, and two sons and two daughters of his
Phil Stuart had a theatrical background and from
second marriage survived him. Despite his
the 1880s the waxworks included vaudeville and
somewhat Bohemian life, he was remembered as
music hall acts such as magicians, ventriloquists
'a man of most loveable disposition'. His widow
and chorus girls.
(d.1934) continued the business, incorporating a cinema in the building. Her projectionist was F.
Emily died in 1879. On 29 March 1884,
W. Thring who married Max's and Harriett's
claiming to be a bachelor, Kreitmayer married
daughter Olive.
Harriet Mary Watts at Launceston, Tasmania.
References: Colligan M 2005, Australian Dictionary of
He was elected to Collingwood council in 1887,
Biography, Supplementary Volume, MUP <http://
and was mayor in 1893. He lost in mining
adb.anu.edu.au/biography/kreitmayer-maximilian-
ventures, however, and his business suffered a
ludwig-max-13034>
downturn during the 1890s, causing his
The Argus, 17 March 1945, pg 12
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Did you know? In the last ‘Farm Yarns’ we talked about the importance of protecting genetic diversity in the food chain by keeping Rare Breeds animals (and seeds, don’t forget them) alive. And discussed the idea that your dollar has power. Where you spend makes retailers listen! This has proven especially so in the Netherlands, where the ‘Plofkip’ (literally ‘exploding chicken’) Campaign has seen local companies and multinational corporations such as Unilever, Struik and Johma decide to ban using fast-growing broiler chicken meat from their products such as salads, soups, etc. A fast-growing broiler chicken grows to a large size in a much shorter period of time than its bone structure can often cope with. This can lead to health problems with such as laboured breathing, poor walking ability (or leg bones deforming under their own weight) and reduced natural behaviours (which can lead to cannibalism through boredom or frustration). This growth rate is clearing demonstrated by the following pictures (used in the Plofkip Campaign) to illustrate the size difference between an organic and broiler chick:
And with the recent horsemeat scandal unfolding in Europe, it’s even more important for us all to demand to know exactly where our food comes from. Your health demands it! Will something like this campaign take root in Australia? Who knows? References: EFCF Newsletter 3, December 2012, p. 9 <http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Bestand:Plofkip_en_biologisch_kip.png> <http://www.voedselencyclopedie.nl/Plofkip>
Left: A roadside Plokfip protest
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Horse Tails
Olivia Knowles
To continue on from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chiropractic
with Zac and Brandy. Our aim for this year is
work and Equine Pilates, I have kicked off
for the horses to build up extra fitness to keep
2013 reunited with the lovely Ted once again.
up with the kids that come through the Farm
Having had a visit from the saddle fitter (who
week in and week out. I am hoping this is the
has added extra cushioning to his saddle to
year I can get Ted out of the arena more and
accommodate riders of all shapes and sizes),
into the paddock for some more varied work
Ted is feeling a lot better than he was last year.
and a chance to stretch his legs. And having
We are hoping that his improved saddle will
started an instructors course, to eventually
have a lasting effect on his health when put in
bring the Young Farmers along with me!
combination with regular stretches and riding work that will build up both his fitness and
I feel very lucky to be involved with such a
back muscles. At the moment this simply
lovely group of horses, especially one as
involves a lot of bending, stretching, circles
handsome as Ted! Hopefully this will be the
and trotting exercises - but I am hoping we can
year for the horses to gain some more fitness,
move onto bigger and brighter things in the
education and confidence to all reach their true
near future.
potential.
By himself Ted is a pleasure to ride, but he is still struggling to get used to riding with a
Below: Teddy on his very first day at the Farm (image Olivia Knowles)
group again (having friends from other paddocks in the arena at the same time is a little too exciting at the moment!). And so came about the idea to ride regularly with other farmers Ainslie and Holly. Ainslie has recently started work with Tumby, a dramatic departure from her dear Brandy whilst Holly was reunited with her beau, Charlie Benson. Getting (the horse equivalent of) an older personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness back to a more youthful vigour after gradual decline will keep Ainslie occupied for some time. And I imagine working
on
some
of
Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
riding
eccentricities will keep Holly busy also! Volunteers from Riders for the Disabled (RDA) have also begun regular riding on Mondays
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Landcare Report
Bridget Bainbridge
We are very fortunate to have received funding from no less than three different sources. Funding from Citipower has been allocated to help us improve our pasture and shelterbelts.
This
project
is
looking
at
sustainably managing the soil and plants growing in our pastures to provide optimum food for our animals and decreasing the need to bring ‘food mile rich’ fodder onto the farm.
Above: New plantings grow in the shelter belts
too, as last time we spread lime if was using a trailer behind the tractor and a broom or wheelbarrows. We looked like a group of snowmen at the end! Port
Philip
and
Westernport
Catchment
Management Association have also provided us with funding to buy plants for the areas along the riverbank newly sprayed. This means that plants will grow quickly into the areas previously covered in Tradescantia weed, shading the area so that it cannot re-establish. And
finally,
Melbourne
Water
have
generously provided us with funding to continue the planting and spraying further downstream along the riverbank. Below: New seedlings await planting (image Bridget Bainbridge)
All in all, there’s going to be a lot of work done
Part of this strategy is to spread rock dusts that
on the riverbank over the next twelve months
improve soil pH and mineral balance available
and we are going to need all the help we can
to the plants. To this end we have purchased a
get. Planting Days are already organised -
spinner-spreader to spread dolomite and lime.
Planet Ark Tree Day is Sunday 28 July 2013
It is very cheerful looking (being bright yellow
(School’s Planting day is Friday 26 July 2013).
and red), and is making us feel quite cheerful
Make a note of it now in your diary!
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Winter
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family Fun Day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $16 Family $8 Adult $4 Child
The concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, both in class groups