Katie Thear (photo from obituary online) she died from Cancer in 2010 aged 70She wrote several books about free- range poultry keeping and what was then the definitive book about keeping quail.I've only got one of her books now "The Family Smallholding"
The book starts with the story of how they got to their smallholding and started publishing the magazine and then there are chapters about all the animals and birds they kept. I like maps and plans so enjoyed looking at their plan of their holding.
We had hoped to go to another open day there but because of their popularity and crowds and complaints from the villagers and the police they weren't able to have anymore.
Gosh, those were the days. Fancy the term "self-sufficiency" falling out of fashion. I'm trying to think of the name of the magazine I got regularly for a couple of years, then the contents seemed to be the same old same old each time of the year and I gave it up.
Since moving here, last year seems to have been the first time ever I "haven't done" quite a few things along the lines of making my own - but priorities have changed.
I have never been much of a gardener and really not much for vegetables except for tomato plants. the past few years I have done a bit more. This year I hope to do more still with the prices of things. I am not interested in keeping animals at all. Cathy
Self sufficiency is a great topic and so much can be done. I love the smallholding layout and notice they even had bees and an orchard. I would have enjoyed the open house/tour of the property. Nobody in my area offers anything like this.
What a fun memory to read, Sue. I remember those days well, when the whole homesteading movement was in full-swing. I was in the middle of it too, buying basics in bulk & homeschooling my children & rendering beef fat to make soap. Those were such fun days... the best in my life, actually. I enjoyed reading this blog entry very much. It brought back loads of memories. ~Andrea xoxo
When we lived out in the country early in my first marriage I followed both these writers avidly - then teaching beckoned and other things took over but they were both so keen weren't they.
Thank you everyone for comments. Apologies for not replying individually. I'm glad the post brought back Happy Memories. We finally got our years of Self-sufficiency in 2012 !
I really like it when there is a sketch of the property or area in a book that I'm reading, it helps you to picture things so much more clearly doesn't it.
That's so very interesting, thanks, Sue. xx
ReplyDeleteGosh, those were the days. Fancy the term "self-sufficiency" falling out of fashion. I'm trying to think of the name of the magazine I got regularly for a couple of years, then the contents seemed to be the same old same old each time of the year and I gave it up.
ReplyDeleteSince moving here, last year seems to have been the first time ever I "haven't done" quite a few things along the lines of making my own - but priorities have changed.
Just looked on Amazon. She was quite a prolific author!
ReplyDeleteThat was a blast from the past. Remember her well and her books, how time flies.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of smallholders will be familiar with Katie Thear's books but not many lucky enough to visit her! They are often still recommended.
ReplyDeleteI remember her and the book. John Seymour was my smallholding guru. Probably still is.
ReplyDeleteI have never been much of a gardener and really not much for vegetables except for tomato plants. the past few years I have done a bit more. This year I hope to do more still with the prices of things. I am not interested in keeping animals at all.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Self sufficiency is a great topic and so much can be done. I love the smallholding layout and notice they even had bees and an orchard. I would have enjoyed the open house/tour of the property. Nobody in my area offers anything like this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun memory to read, Sue. I remember those days well, when the whole homesteading movement was in full-swing. I was in the middle of it too, buying basics in bulk & homeschooling my children & rendering beef fat to make soap. Those were such fun days... the best in my life, actually. I enjoyed reading this blog entry very much. It brought back loads of memories. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived out in the country early in my first marriage I followed both these writers avidly - then teaching beckoned and other things took over but they were both so keen weren't they.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for comments. Apologies for not replying individually. I'm glad the post brought back Happy Memories. We finally got our years of Self-sufficiency in 2012 !
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame, perhaps they could have held ticketed events. Seld sufficiency is certainly coming to the fore again now. x
ReplyDeleteI often think of all the skills that people simply haven't learned. How valuable self sufficiency is in these times! We need teachers.
ReplyDeleteWe had (have) Mother Earth News and a couple other self sufficiency publications I don't recall the name of. Very helpful
ReplyDeleteI really like it when there is a sketch of the property or area in a book that I'm reading, it helps you to picture things so much more clearly doesn't it.
ReplyDelete