New Blackmore Vale, December 24, 2021 13
blackmorevale.net
History
mow a meadow at Ralph Downs Farm of elm trees from Road Lane Farm to Puxey Lane. Sadly, these magnificent elms were classified as unsafe in 1940 and were subsequently felled. Following the death of the other joint tenant, the tenancy for this part of the farmhouse, together with the adjoining land, was also transferred to my father. The land included a small orchard of apple and plum trees. A pathway through this orchard led to the river Divilish. The River Divilish was our only source of domestic drinking water. This meant the water was carried by the bucketful, from the river to our washhouse, where a large churn was used as a storage container. My mother must have carried the thousands of gallons of water over the years using
yokes, which hung from her coop of their own, made shoulders, with a bucket on from tea chests. The paddock either side. around our house contained My father built pigsties and chickens of all sizes. When poultry houses on his land old enough the hens were and later, builder Wilf Cluett, separated from the cocks and the landlord when the hens at The Three reached the point Roars Heads of lay they joined at Lydlinch, the laying flock, constructed allowing them to a stable roam free range. block. The cocks would Each spring ONE MAN: Mowing a meadow then be sold, my father except for a small would hatch around two number, which were fattened hundred chickens. He had for the Christmas market. rows of orange boxes lined One year we had two geese, with straw, with a sitting of which my father had reared fifteen eggs to each broody for Christmas Day, one for hen. After 21 days, the chicks the family and one to sell. would hatch and the hens Unfortunately a fox came in would be given 10 minutes broad daylight and killed to exercise and allow them both of them. As a result time to eat and drink. rabbit was on the menu for Following hatching the hens Christmas Day that year. To and their broods were given a augment his income in these
early years, my father mowed during the haymaking season. He bought a second horse, who also cut, turned and hauled his own hay. My mother also put in many laborious hours in the hay field and would take me in the pram to rake the fields. Eventually, she took all four children into the fields, where we would eat a sandwich lunch, or bread, butter and a huge piece of cheese to share. We would drink cocoa, tea, or lemonade made from Eiffel Tower crystals. The horses were tied up under a shady tree to have a feed and drink, while father joined us for our lunch. The afternoon session lasted until milking time and the evening session took us up to around 10pm.
A SPECIAL SEASON OF ‘GOOD WILL’ OFFER It could be argued that a Lasting Power of Attorney is more important than a Will, especially given in these uncertain times we find ourselves in. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that becomes effective if you ever find yourself in a situation where you are unable to act yourself. - It is not just for the elderly or those who have lost capacity. An LPA is activated (if needed) whilst we are alive, whereas a Will is activated upon death. Both are VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE IN PLACE to ensure that your loved ones know and receive what you want. Should you ever find that you need help or decisions need to be made on your behalf, then it is wise to have taken out an LPA, as this will put your mind at rest knowing someone you can trust will be there for you. Without an LPA in place, then the Court of Protection will have to appoint a Deputy to manage your affairs (even if you are married.) Your family and friends would be able to contest their decisions, but it would be a lengthy, costly and distraught process, and one that could be easily avoided by simply putting in place the LPA’s whilst you have capacity to do so. - Like insurance, an LPA is something we often overlook until we discover that with hindsight, it is something that we wished we had done when we had the opportunity. If you only keep one New Year’s resolution this year, let it be one that shows your loved ones that you are forward thinking and organised. To book your discounted price, please quote SEASON OF GOOD WILL when contacting Stephanie on 01258 268200 for an appointment or go directly to www.corintian-ltd.com A Standard Simple Will + Property & Finance LPA and get Health and Welfare LPA Free Normal cost £485 SEASON OF GOOD WILL COST ONLY £330 A Standard Simple Mirrored Will + Property & Finance LPA and get a Free Health and Welfare LPA Normal Cost £890 SEASON OF GOOD WILL COST ONLY £580 All LPAs exclude OPG registration fees (currently £82 per document, unless you are entitled to a waived or exempt fee) This Special Offer is only valid until 31st January 2021 Corinthian Advisory Services Work in Association with Stanford Legal Services
