WEST NORFOLK: Short stories of a long life down on the farm
A farmer well-known in West Norfolk has published a book of short stories based his experience during his years on the land.
David Brasnett, 90, farmed at Manor Farm in Blackborough End and then at Hall Farm in East Winch before moving to Aylsham.
He has reflected on his lifetime in farming in the book – Tall Stories and Short Tales of an Old Farmer – which he has penned to help a charity, the Aylsham Care Trust, which has volunteers working to alleviate loneliness in the community.
Born in Norfolk in 1922, Mr Brasnett is the last in a long family line that can trace its farming roots back to the 1560s. He is still involved in farming and is believed to be one of the oldest members of the National Farmers’ Union, having joined in 1949.
His daughter, Mary Harboe, who was a reporter on the Lynn News and Advertiser in the early 1970s, said: “He found that he had not just one but scores of stories and anecdotes around the colourful characters and happenings of a rural world long gone.
“After a highly active life, it took a heart condition in his 80s to slow him down and allow him to sit still long enough to concentrate on mastering the basic computer skills necessary to assemble his imagination and recollections.”
She said the resulting stories were initially aimed only at friends and family. However, after the positive reactions he received, along with a wish to contribute to the Aylsham Care Trust, the concept of the book took shape.
The book looks back with fondness at the countryside of yesteryear, while not shying away from the sense of isolation and relentless hard work that made for a farming life in those days. It contains 18 tall stories and short tales peppered with unforgettable personalities – both two and four-legged!
All proceeds from the book are going to the charity and copies are available from Tim Clayton Jewellery in Lynn or by post from alanholland@aylshamcaretrust.com
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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