Sheep
We had a few sheep at Lower Greenbank Farm, but I was too see a lot more when I got back to Marshaw in the Trough of Bowland in third assignment as a Land Girl.
Mr Kidd also had a small flock of sheep that were kept on the slopes of the fell across the road. This was my first experience with them. With so few the work was not so intense, as it later became when I had moved to Marshaw, but it was work enough and under Mr Kidd’s tutelage I soon learnt what to do. But what I do recall about them was that first snowy winter at Lower Greenbank Farm having to dig the sheep out, the ones that were buried.
Pigs
We also had a few pigs, and I dealt a lot with them. I liked the pigs, they are very intelligent animals. And when one was killed, I stayed well away. Fresh pork, home cured bacon, and home made black pudding I enjoyed, but I tried to forget the individual I was eating.
Sows are very good mothers to their piglets.
Animal Helpers and Companions
Three working dogs were housed in barrels in the yard and fed porridge and scraps from the table in their own heavy metal food dish. Often I would take one with me going round the hens, getting the cows in, and dealing with the sheep. I liked their company. In the barns were several cats that were always about at milking time, licking up any spilt milk. These were fairly wild, wary of any approach, and always having litters of kittens, similarly wild little things that you could not pet. None of the dogs or cats were permitted in the house.
I am grandaughter to the Kidds. It was interesting to read about being at Greenbank. My father is still alive. Thank you
Hello Irene,
It was very nice of you to contact me, I’m only sorry it has taken me longer than I hoped to respond.
I have very fond memories of Greenbank Farm; how kind to me your Grandmother was and how patient your Grandfather with a young Land Girl virtually straight from the Liverpool streets and knowing little of farming. From your grandmother I learned much about management of the household and from your wise grandfather much sound advice, and help, in learning the practical side of hill farming.
I have not been back to the Trough for over 25 years as I left the UK in 1990. John is my husband and we have two sons also resident in the USA, one here in Montana the other in Utah. Both have American wives and I have three teenage grandchildren, one girl and two boys. We are very happy here in the USA and I’m in reasonable health in my 91st year.
Whereabouts are you living?
Also I’m curious as to how you came across the reference to your grandparents?
It was very kind of you to write and make yourself known. I appreciate it.
All good wishes to you and your family,
Jeanne.
hello, i am dulcie drinkalls grandson, she is still alive and kicking in lincolnshire,uk.
would be nice to hear from you. regards, matthew
Hello Matthew,
What a pleasant surprise to hear from you, Dulcie and I knew each other from our childhood days in Liverpool, we trained as Land Girls together at Hutton and then met up again at Marshaw where she was married to Edward. Thank you for getting in touch.
Our ways parted when I left Marshaw at the end of the WarII and I left my days working on the land behind. So after seventy odd years it’s very pleasing indeed to meet up again-though several thousand miles separate us-and to renew the acquaintance. And to learn she is, as you say, “alive and kicking”. I think that too might be said of me.
Please give your Grand Mother Dulcie my kindest regards and very Best Wishes,
Jeanne.
Hi, I’m Gwen Baxters daughter, I remember Mum and Dad talking about you. I was raised and lived at Moorbottom for 37 years, farming it myself with my (now)ex husband for a few years untill we sold up and gave up the tenancy in 2001. I dont know how up to date you are but sadly Mum passed away quite a few years ago and Dad last year. I hope you are well. I’ve only had a quick read of your story and will settle down and read it properly once lambing time is over! Ann Rossall nee Baxter
Hello Ann,
How nice to hear from you particularly at such a busy time-lambing! Thank you so much and for your news.
I was in touch with your mother Gwen over the years and gathered that things were not all that well and when her Christmas cards ceased I did wonder why. And now I know.I’m flattered too you knew of me from your mother and father and Gwen was always fun to be with. There was not that much fellow female company of our ages in and around Abbeystead. I did hear occasionally about things from Vera, who came later as fellow Land Girl to Marshaw but she sadly died a few years back and I had not heard anything until recently when my website attracted attention. The wonders of the internet age and me in my 91st year. Who’d have thought it back then
Your mention of lambing brought back many memories of that hard work often in bad weather, but the lambs were always a delight and to bring one back to life in the Aga was an especial occasion as was introducing them in the skin of a dead one to a foster mother. And then to see them gamboling about. Allow me a little nostalgia. And going to bed very tired with it all to go through again the next day. Happy and fulfilling days that I was enabled to spend through the kindness of so many, like your mother and father, in the Trough.
I do appreciate your getting in touch and hope you will enjoy my website.
My regards,
Jeanne