Bringing in the sheaves etc etc

To finish off the series of images showing the new versus old methods of harvesting. This is the Massey ferguson 25 which may be started by crossing the points with a screwdriver. (For those of you unused to elderly engines it's an electronic shortcut) The family are involved in gathering the bales, niece, sons and the lad who does the lifting, Dad and uncle.

900 bales, he was creased at 1130 when I saw him, he'd already cleared one and a half fields. Got to get it in before it rains. Wonderful dry grass scent, plenty of wildlife around, good to be alive and not having to hump bales around. :-))

The buildings in rear are part of a voluntary redundancy/early retirement package by BT way back when. You took your pension and part of the package was one of these homes. Most of the men are now long gone, a few of the widows are still here but the balance of the community has changed as young families get their first step on the ladder. £140- £150 k buys a tiny 2 bed home, but at least it's home.