January 2008 Archives

Unlike ballroom dancing, Morris Dancing seems to be going out of fashion.

So much so, in fact, that North Somerset Chalice Morris Men have taken it upon themselves to try and recruit new members.

The dancing involves using sticks, swords and handkerchiefs and is commonly associated with May Day celebrations. What do you reckon, chaps - there’s still time to learn the difference between a Fieldtown and a Hey.

OK, it’s not generating the feverish excitement that the new James Bond film, The Quantum of Solace, is - but apparently a new tractor pulling film is proving a hit in some quarters.

Tractor Pull – a 90-minute dvd – promises "spills, thrills and plenty of diesel", according to the makers.

We’ve covered ladies underwear and women's socks so I figure it’s time for something for the guys.

How about this – a range of men’s boxers and briefs with cheeky designs aimed at the farming community.

I feel like I'm in danger of turning this blog into a tv guide. So, before my self-imposed moratorium on tv-related stuff cuts in, here's one more.

We've had details of how you can apply to be on Britain from Above, the farmer who gave Noel Edmonds a run for his money on Deal or No Deal and stuff about 10 Years Younger.

Now the show How to Look Good Naked wants to hear from farmers.

Hell would have to freeze over first, I reckon...

Whether carp are worth eating is obviously a hotly debated topic.

Its fans say it's a delicacy. Its detractors say it tastes like mud.

If you do fancy trying it, though, here are some recipes. Now I realise I’m in danger of sounding like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall here (that if it walks, flies or swims I’ll scoff it) but I've also found two recipes for pike, which I've eaten a couple of times.

On the thorny (smelly) issue of gassy cows and global warning, it seems the Japanese could be stealing a march on the Swedes.

Talking of disappearing dogs, check out these lovely Glen of Imaals born in Berkshire. They’re rarer than giant pandas.

I went to a tiny village primary school. Three things stand out about it in my memory now: the portacabins, the mad headmistress who made us learn our alphabet backwards (seriously) and the day a dog got into the playground.

It had a lovely friendly, safe feel about it though - unlike my senior school which was a right bear pit. There'll be a lot fewer small village schools around soon though, according to this article in yesterday's Observer.

The annual Yorkshire 'Charity Big Farmhouse Breakfast' has raised more than £4,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

A total of 130 traditional farmhouse breakfasts were served up at the recent two-day event, hosted by Patricia Knox (seated, far left) and fellow members of Farm Stay UK, the network of farm-based accommodation providers.

Bearing in mind the bird counting didn't exactly go to plan, I decided to eat one instead.

I did briefly wonder about taking part in the RSPB birdwatch this weekend.

Stuck my head out into the garden but there weren't any there. Not one. there could be a reason for that. Two reasons, in fact.

Pests, everywhere.

The rat population has exploded, reader Matty tells me he's inundated with moles (the land is, not him personally - but I'm sure you know what I meant) and, according to Norfolk farmer and blogger David Richardson, the rabbit population is also on the up. David has been taking a peek at one possible solution to the problem - the rodenator.

Time to get counting, it seems.

If you’re interested in birds, then do it this weekend for the RSPB.

If you’re interested in moles, then do it for Molewatch.

Hiding a house in a bid to dodge planning permission - the crafty devil!

Talking about pets, farmers at one Welsh organic milk cooperative are helping dogs get re-homed.

Those nice guys at Calon Wen are running a campaign to match homeless hounds with new owners to coincide with St Dwynwen's Day today (the day of the Welsh patron saint of love) and St Valentine's Day (February 14).

This short video clip is amazing - it was taken in Scandinavia and shows a sea eagle attacking a pair of capercaillie.

I know someone who knows someone who's Norwegian so I just got a rough translation of the narration.

Unsure about which dog to have as a pet in the face of the disappearing traditional breeds news?

Well you could forget dogs altogether and go for this critter which has been in the national media today: a ‘designer bunny’.

It’s called a Belgian hare.

It looks evil, if you ask me.

Being involved with blogging and multi-media is great fun - particularly getting the chance to meet people who write about a wide range of subjects.

Fans of Emmerdale will be sad to learn that Clive Hornby (aka Jack Sugden) is taking a break from the series because he's unwell.

I once met Clive and he's a thoroughly nice bloke. If you're interested, here's a copy of the article I wrote after meeting him in 1999.

I once slagged off pugs on this blog and got some extremely waspish emails.

As far as I’m concerned, though, they do look like maggots. Obviously a lot of people disagree with me though because figures from the kennel show small breeds like the pug, shi tzu and pomeranian are thriving.

We’ve talked about people eating roadkill before. And why not, I say. If it’s dead, there’s no point in it going to waste.

So if you fancy 40 minutes in front of the box tonight, check out Wonderland at 9.50pm on BBC2.

After the long-running 'Why is this sheep being thrown off a bridge?' debate, I've been shown another lovely old picture of a sheep experiencing a similar fate.

My healthy-eating ambitions have taken a definite step backwards today. I mean, it's not ideal is it: cheese for breakfast.

But this was no a special case - I've just been eating one called Tickler With Love.

We know cows are contributing to global warning (and that shooting a moose is a sound environmental move!) but our knowledge of the subject should be advanced thanks to new work at a Swedish University.

Just been invited to a Burns Night supper at a Scottish friend's house.

He's already decided where he's going to source the haggis from.

I've eaten the stuff a few times before and, frankly, can't see what all the fuss is about. I'm prepared to have my mind changed, however, so I'll let you know how it goes...

Floods may have hit parts of Britain again this month – but one farmer who escaped the effects having learnt a lesson during last year’s downpours was Judy Gardner.

After fightbacks by watercress, sprouts and potatoes, now it’s the turn of the pea.

Yes, the pea (another vegetable that it seems can’t be mentioned without prefixing it with the word ‘humble’) is making a bid for glory.

More pig news this weekend (like my ‘in other cats news’ comment, that’s not something you can imagine John Humphrys saying is it!)

First, there’s a full page advert by the Quality Pork Standard people in the national press encouraging people to sign a petition calling for fair prices.

It shows a suitably rustic-looking farmer with a pig and the headline: Save a rare breed from extinction. No, we don’t mean the pig.

It's becoming a bit of a habit this - silly stories on a Friday afternoon.

Thanks to reader Jill who sent me a link to this short clip of a comedy pig on Britain's Got Talent.

Nothing like a bridge to spark a debate.

Thanks to Field Day reader Martin from Tiverton who drew my attention to this story.

Seems the Paul Simon bridge rumour may, in fact, be no more than that.

I’m addicted to Radio 4.

I can’t get enough of the station - and often mention it on this blog, whether it’s in relation to The Archers (I'm afraid I not a massive fan), slugs (ditto) or hornets (definitely ditto).

Yesterday evening was a real treat then: I went to a recording of one of my favourite shows, The News Quiz.

Don't get the wrong impression here - I very rarely get taken out to lunch so yesterday's Best Rural Retailer Competition judges' lunch was a very nice exception.

We ended up going to the Vincent Rooms at Westminster Catering College near Victoria.

Smoked eel for starters, followed by roast beef and raspberry and pineapple pavlova. Delicious and, if you're ever in London and looking for somewhere affordable to eat, worth bearing in mind as it's very reasonably priced, too.

We like bridges here.

After the interest generated by the Peak District bridge, here's another one.

This is in Bickleigh in Devon and the picture was taken by my friend Jean who's been staying there.

The bridge has one big claim to fame.

Have you noticed how I haven’t been banging on about cats so much recently?

Well I figure the occasional mention won’t hurt and this caught my eye, especially as I’m prone to fussing on my two.

Cat behaviour experts are warning the UK’s 9 million cat owners they are stressing their pets out – by loving them too much.

Preparations are gearing up for Farmhouse Breakfast Week events.

The annual Yorkshire 'Charity Big Farmhouse Breakfast' bonanza takes place next week – hosted by Patricia Knox at Mill Close Farm, Patrick Brompton, Bedale.

Patricia and fellow Yorkshire members of Farm Stay UK, the country’s largest network of farm-based accommodation providers, will be serving up traditional all-day Yorkshire farmhouse breakfasts on Wednesday and Thursday.

Another exhibition well worth a look...

Am off shortly for a get-together with the other national judges of the Britain's Best Rural Retailer competition. By the end of today (assuming any differences in opinion are reconcilable!) we should have picked our winners. Will let you know how it goes...

Would you know how to make this?

I’ve got a feeling I’m going to get a “That’s enough bird stuff – Ed” comment any time now.

In the same way there was a spell when squirrel-related posts seemed to dominate this blog, it seems to be our feathered friends are making a lot of news lately.

OK, it’s not news in the sense that the American election is or what’s happening with Northern Rock is, but it’s interesting – like this new study showing the change in the distribution of species due to climate change.

Now this is what you call a bird!

Forget the white-crowned sparrow and the white-breasted robin, if you're going to get excited by a bird, I reckon it's got to be big and impressive like these majestic whooper swans.

Village shopkeepers should concentrate on improving stores rather than fighting to keep their post office counters open, according to the Rural Shops Alliance.

RSA boss Ken Parsons, quoted in The Grocer magazine, reckons it’s “inevitable” that many post offices would shut as part of the government’s plans for re-structuring the sector.

Just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder.

We've had the oyster feast, the worm charming, and the World Conker Championships and now it's a straw bear festival.

Now as you know, I like sausages.

I’ll therefore be keeping an eye on what happens at The Great Hampshire Sausage, Pie & Ready Meal Competition on February 14.

Herefordshire farmers son Robert Hall is making quite a name for himself in the motor racing world.

This seems like an awful lot of fuss over something so small.

Yes, first we brought you news of the white-breasted robin, now it's the white-crowned sparrow. White is obviously the in colour for birds!

Apparently this species has only been seen three times in Britain before. Good job my cats are nowhere near it!

Everyone’s at it – trying to get us to walk more.

And a good job it is, too, after that Christmas excess.

If you don’t fancy any of the National Trust’s month-by-month walks, you could join Natural England’s Outdoor Gym.

Farming is on the tv a lot at the moment and Kill It Cook It Eat It is certainly causing a controversy.

If you feel you’re a budding star and would like a chance to make a screen appearance - on a less controversial show - a new BBC 2 series could be just the opportunity.

Life in the countryside is on show at a photography exhibition that opens this weekend in County Durham.

He’s back. After a brief absence due to a bad back and a bit of bother ‘downstairs’, Farmers Weekly’s fictional agony uncle is back dispensing homespun rural wisdom.

He’ll appear in the magazine this Friday, but I’ve persuaded him to let Field Day readers see his musings in advance of then.

If you're offering farm-based B&B or self-catering accommodation, then you've got an advantage if you're in Yorkshire, it seems.

A bit juveline this, I know, but this photo made me smile - so hopefully it will you, too.

A group of Welsh farmers have said goodbye to their “welly bellies” after embarking on a special diet using their own milk.

The four dairy producers followed ‘Rachel’s Organic Yogurt Diet’ – which, they say, demonstrates how a dairy-based diet can help reduce weight and boost health.

The four supply organic milk co-operative Calon Wen and the co-op is now urging others to follow the plan and send in their own “before and after” pictures to be in with a chance of winning two cash prizes of £500 – one for the best male and one for the best female. (It'll cost you £4.99 to buy the diet book.)

Anyone been watching this? If so, there's an interesting debate on the FWi forums about it, including a post from one of the production team.

After talk of snow last week, it's back to talk of warmer weather. The Independent is predicting this morning that climate change will see various new species of birds colonising Britain, including the beautiful cattle egret.

There have been some good ads on tv recently - and one of my favourites has been the one for Walkers crisps featuring Gary Lineker getting very muddy with a group of farmers.

Remember the photo competition I was involved in? Well we've now picked the six category winners from the 36 shortlisted entries.

You can look at them and then disagree with our choices. You can even, if you're so minded, vote for which of the six should take the accolade 'winner of winners'. It's a bit like The X Factor, what with all this voting, isn't it!

The episode of Deal or No Deal starring the farmer has just finished a few minutes ago.

As I was anticipating, Clive Keam didn't get to win the £250,000 top prize - but he did go home to Cornwall with £9500 (well, actually £9501).

I was tempted to boycott The Guardian after it published that diatribe by she-who-can-not-be-named. But this story about country pigeons coming to town is interesting.

So, we haven’t seen any snow here in the south east – but parts of the country certainly have.

It’s got us talking about previous bad bouts of snow: there was 1987, 1963 and 1947.

Around 25 vintage and classic tractors gathered recently at Broughton Hall near Skipton for a tractor road run organized by local tractor enthusiast, Sam Chapman.

Lots of things have brought down governments in the past – never, to the best of my knowledge, squirrels.

OK this is unlikely, but the thorny subject of grey squirrels is increasingly becoming a party political issue.

Penrith and Borders Conservative MP David Maclean has tabled an early day motion setting out his concerns about the increasing number of grey squirrels – blamed for the downfall of the red.

I promised you something light and fluffy after my rant.

Well this is both those things (and actually literally on both scores, now I come to think of it).

We like pets here on Field Day, so was cheered by this story in the Daily Mail - a cat survives two months locked in a shed.

Apologies if this post starts slowly, but I'm angry and I’m building up to something.

Back in the 1970s, when I was bouncing around on a space hopper and wearing short trousers, there were lots of very rich farmers around.

During the 1980s, when I was a student listening to The Cure and drinking £1-a-pint beer, there were fewer.

And by the end of the 1990s, when I owned quite a few ties and was ensconced in the world of work, there were fewer still.

Now we’re in the so-called noughties and, yes, there are still a few very rich farmers around - but there are lots and lots of poor ones.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Britain, with winds from Siberia having sent temperatures plummeting last night.

Nice idea this - the National Trust has come up with a list of suggested month-by-month walks for 2008.

Shamefully, I haven't done a decent walk since the November Peak District trip. Time to get out the hiking boots again, I reckon...

Prince Charles has been speaking out in support of farming families again.

Just recently, he's backed the Year of Food and Farming and raised cash for rural charities.

If you’re interested in the heir-to-the-throne’s views on agriculture, then check out this message which he wrote for Farmers Weekly readers.

So, here’s the conundrum. Remember what I said the other day about mince pies and apples?

Well there are two things in front of me on my desk (actually, there are a lot more than two, but two exercising my mind right now).

One of the highlights of the rural calendar in January is Farmhouse Breakfast Week - and this year it runs from the 20th to the 26th. The website has details of events, along with some delicious recipe ideas.

Making the perfect bacon butty is, it seems, quite a scientific endeavour - so on the off-chance yours aren't up to scratch, you might be interested to read this guidance on how to do it.

Good to see quite a few people from the world of farming featuring on the New Year's Honours List.

Quite what the Order of the Bath is, though, I can't imagine. Sounds like what I used to frequently get as a kid!

It’s been a busy time for Young Farmers Clubs.

At their annual dinner and dance, Netherseal Young Farmers donated nearly £6000 to Burton Hospital.

The countryside is currently on show at a top art gallery - Newlyn in Cornwall.

Farming Families is a participatory digital arts project telling stories from the lives of three families who farm in West Cornwall.