Micklepage Memories - Caring for Animals by Joan Linsey

Later Ken might say "Get in a good big barrow-load of fodder beet, won't you"! How I struggled to push the iron barrow through the mud from the pile of immense roots nestling stickily in their clamp. The mud was notorious! It stretched in a thick glutinous layer from the road to the Chapel, invading all footwear but wellies.

On Thursdays pupils from the school arrived for a Communion Service. If possible we all joined them and all sat in the straw. It became a happy oasis of peace in our busy lives. Once a month the Nuthurst Parish Communion was held in the Chapel.

Later I helped when some of the older pupils came to learn more about farming. I assisted Margaret, the herdswoman, with the calves, pushing their wet little mouths onto the udders of the nurse cows, and hauling them off protesting when they had had enough. There were agonizing days of responsibility when Margaret was away, and inevita bly things seemed to go wrong. Then Joan would remember her farm training and help and advise.

Later Ken might say "Get in a good big barrow-load of fodder beet, won't you"! How I struggled to push the iron barrow through the mud from the pile of immense roots nestling stickily in their clamp. The mud was notorious! It stretched in a thick glutinous layer from the road to the Chapel, invading all footwear but wellies. On Thursdays pupils from the school arrived for a Communion Service. If possible we all joined them and all sat in the straw. It became a happy oasis of peace in our busy lives. Once a month the Nuthurst Parish Communion was held in the Chapel. Later I helped when some of the older pupils came to learn more about farming. I assisted Margaret, the herdswoman, with the calves, pushing their wet little mouths onto the udders of the nurse cows, and hauling them off protesting when they had had enough. There were agonizing days of responsibility when Margaret was away, and inevita bly things seemed to go wrong. Then Joan would remember her farm training and help and advise.		One of the most special memories was an evening at the Farmhouse. It was a mixed international party - good food and good cheer and much laughter; then all fell silent, tables cleared and David Ashforth led us in a simple re-enactment of the Lord's Supper. Round the table in the kitchen of that ancient building we knew ourselves as 'one Body'. Other animals included for a time, horses, some rather formidable, 18 hands! and bossy 'Muffin' the Shetland pony. Gaveston boys helped look after them. At times we had glorious gallops in the woods, and jumped a bit in the front paddock, and learners bumped painfully up and down the farm road. Visitors over the years, including my daughter and family, love to come; 'Micklepage Magic' they call it. What is it? Caring, Healing, Love? Come and See... The Hostel, ca.1950

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