West Ilkerton Farm News

Sunday, June 01, 2008

We had an action-packed half term. On Tuesday, Chris' brother, Brian married Suzanne (and about time too!) It was a great day, with a wedding breakfast at Powderham, followed by a coach trip to the marriage ceremony, followed by another coach trip to Haytor on Dartmoor for ice creams and a walk. Lots of family were present, and the grandchildren were bridesmaids and pageboys:


Thursday and Friday were spent injecting all the sheep against Bluetongue (the cattle have got this treat in store next week). George Rhind (who plays rugby, skis, sails....) broke his arm attempting to catch a lamb and spent most of the day with me in casualty, poor chap (poor chap for the time spent in casualty, not the company he kept, you understand). Working with sheep is now officially a dangerous sport. The photo is of Sarah injecting, George marking the injected sheep and Sophie keeping the sheep in the pen. Ironically, the first photo includes a marvellous 'before' study of George's left arm.

Sarah has also been busy making her 'scuffle' vehicle (with Chris' help) this week. She's hoping to get it finished in time for the Riphay scuffle in August. It's a unique combination of old Bedford truck, old Suzuki jeep and old oil tank. So far, nothing has been purchased, except a can of WD40.

On Saturday it was the Exmoor Foxhounds Point-to-Point. Chris has been promoted from car park steward to ring steward. He looked very smart and responsible in his bowler.
Sophie (my niece) and Betty (my sister) were staying with Mum for half term. Sophie was delighted to be re-united with the tame lambs. She sent me these photos of the farm which she took last week. Thanks, Sophie!

Cate, John and William Fade were staying in the cottage for half term. Cate sent us these lovely photos of William and Sophie with armfuls of tame lamb: