Wickhambrook Local History Society News September 2021
What a marvellous evening we had with Neil Catchpole! His talk was billed as ‘Tales and Songs of the Countryside’ but it was so much more than that.
He started by telling us of his family’s history of farm work and gamekeeping in East Anglia and the talk encompassed such things as how to make food for pheasant chicks, how to doctor a horse, how everyday tools and utensils were made and how life on the farm has changed in that time. Neil brought a collection of interesting tools he had amassed and we were able to have a closer look at them before the end of the meeting.
The talk included several songs – ‘All Jolly Fellows That Follow the Plough’, Pretty Little Sarah’ a fisherman’s song and a haunting hunting song from the Lake District – all delivered in Neils’s fine voice.
A flagon of ale would have been more appropriate than our cups of tea as Neil patiently answered all our questions.
An excellent evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all and rounded off with a final song in the car park!
Next month on Tuesday 19th October at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, we welcome Geoffrey Kay who will talk on The Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Crystal Palace.
More information from the secretary on 01440 820052 or from our page on the website