What a CRAP 24 hours.
For those expecting to met up at the usual place at Goodwood tomorrow, please don't look for the blue truck - I won't be there - look for the car sporting baloons instead!!
A noise woke me at 11.30 last night and, on looking out of my window, I was pretty horrified to see our barn, which was full to the rafters with this year's hay crop, well alight. After an infuriating conversation with a truly moronic woman at the end of the 999 phone via the land line - I actually had to put the phone down on her, pick up my mobile and run like shit in my nightie grabbing a rope and headcollar on the way to get BLACKDRAFT out of his box, as he was only 30' from the blaze. Another 999 call with gelding now attached to one hand and me trying to describe how to get to the farm - believe me, I'm way out in the boonies- and I am reassured to know the tenders are on their way. Put Regger in field and phone Phil who is then on his way. I start hosing down the stable block opposite the now well blazing barn.
Suddenly deciding that nightdress slightly unsuitable gear for receiving fireman in (don't want to frightent hem....) and leg it back into house to dress. Mwanwhile Phil arrives, finds hose running, bales falling down everywhere and goes into overdrive as can't find me..... much yelling.
I hear, motor back out at speed and reassure him am not under hay bale (we use large bales 3 to a tonne). Brigade finally turn up. Bastard neighbour at end of ane erected iron girders many years ago to protect his banks so super-douper tender can't get down. Bastard, bastard neighbour .. Eventually have four tenders on farm and after several hours, the blaze was confined to that barn only, thank heavens and especially the Fire Brigade. They were bloody fantastic., We had three shifts in total and fire tenders from seven different stations. We must have served up over 250 cups of tea and coffee!!
They finally left at about 9pm and the NFU and asssessors have already been in. Luckily, I'm well-insured but the mess and work has to be seen to be believed.
The best bit is none of the animals were injured - or human beings of course - but it brought home to me just how very terrifying a fire is.
Managed to cook off all the stuff for the Goodwood picnic today, in spite of all the chaos and being a short order cook and met Thorman at Sparkford this evening to hand grub over, so anyone going tomorrow should at least get a reasonable lunch! Jon is very kindly stepping into the hostess breach for me, as there's no chance of us going, blast it!
I am now almost out for the count and am heading for my pit. Have told the the two very imminent heifers to cross their legs, as Phil hasn't had any sleep in 24 hours and I only had a couple of hours kip and neither of us can face a midwifery crisis tonight....
For those expecting to met up at the usual place at Goodwood tomorrow, please don't look for the blue truck - I won't be there - look for the car sporting baloons instead!!
A noise woke me at 11.30 last night and, on looking out of my window, I was pretty horrified to see our barn, which was full to the rafters with this year's hay crop, well alight. After an infuriating conversation with a truly moronic woman at the end of the 999 phone via the land line - I actually had to put the phone down on her, pick up my mobile and run like shit in my nightie grabbing a rope and headcollar on the way to get BLACKDRAFT out of his box, as he was only 30' from the blaze. Another 999 call with gelding now attached to one hand and me trying to describe how to get to the farm - believe me, I'm way out in the boonies- and I am reassured to know the tenders are on their way. Put Regger in field and phone Phil who is then on his way. I start hosing down the stable block opposite the now well blazing barn.
Suddenly deciding that nightdress slightly unsuitable gear for receiving fireman in (don't want to frightent hem....) and leg it back into house to dress. Mwanwhile Phil arrives, finds hose running, bales falling down everywhere and goes into overdrive as can't find me..... much yelling.
I hear, motor back out at speed and reassure him am not under hay bale (we use large bales 3 to a tonne). Brigade finally turn up. Bastard neighbour at end of ane erected iron girders many years ago to protect his banks so super-douper tender can't get down. Bastard, bastard neighbour .. Eventually have four tenders on farm and after several hours, the blaze was confined to that barn only, thank heavens and especially the Fire Brigade. They were bloody fantastic., We had three shifts in total and fire tenders from seven different stations. We must have served up over 250 cups of tea and coffee!!
They finally left at about 9pm and the NFU and asssessors have already been in. Luckily, I'm well-insured but the mess and work has to be seen to be believed.
The best bit is none of the animals were injured - or human beings of course - but it brought home to me just how very terrifying a fire is.
Managed to cook off all the stuff for the Goodwood picnic today, in spite of all the chaos and being a short order cook and met Thorman at Sparkford this evening to hand grub over, so anyone going tomorrow should at least get a reasonable lunch! Jon is very kindly stepping into the hostess breach for me, as there's no chance of us going, blast it!
I am now almost out for the count and am heading for my pit. Have told the the two very imminent heifers to cross their legs, as Phil hasn't had any sleep in 24 hours and I only had a couple of hours kip and neither of us can face a midwifery crisis tonight....
It sounded absolutely terrifying. Thank goodness you and your animals all escaped unharmed. A shame you won't be able to make your annual pilgrimage to Goodwood but I am sure Jon will keep the troops in line for you. I am sure everyone will appreciate your efforts in producing a feast bearing in mind what else was on your mind today.
