Working On A Farm, 1970's, Shepton Mallet.

A Memory of Shepton Mallet.

After leaving school in the late '70's, I went to Strode College in Street. During that time, I was offered a weekend job on Swain's Farm, on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet. I had been at school with his daughter, Lesley, who intended to become a vet.
As my mum was separated, money was a problem, & when Mr Swain offered me an ATB (Agricultural Training Board) Herdsperson apprenticeship, I took it up. It was ironic - my mum complained about the lack of income when I was at college, then when I worked on the farm complained about the smell of cow dung from my clothes! It was a dairy farm, with, I think, around 100 head of Ayrshire cattle.
It was a life few teenagers would recognise today. At 17, I was working 50-80 hours per week - for less than 50p an hour. I would be in work for morning milking at 5.30am, leave after evening milking finished at 7.30/8pm. I also drove tractors, there was a 'little grey Fergie' T20, an ancient Fordson Major, & a modern(ish) Leyland. Was given no tuition, just expected to get on with it. No safety cages or ear defenders in those days. There was also an old Humber car that was used around the farm.
The bit I hated most was putting the 10 gallon churns out. The farm did not have a bulk tank, so all the churns had to be put out in the morning on a stand for a milk board lorry to pick up. This was hard, physical work. I was the only worker on the farm, very occasionally we would have an additional worker in at silage/haymaking time. Some who had worked for him before said Mr Swain was known for cutting corners/costs. As I was an ATB apprentice, he probably had a subsidy/help with my wages.
I had a day off per week to attend college, & usually Sundays.
The 90 acre farm was, I think, rented from Showering's, of Babycham fame. Passing through the area recently, found most of the land had been built on. Guess there was more money in developing the land than renting to a farmer.


Added 07 May 2021

#691439

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