A Chronicle of Cannington
We would like to introduce you to our Book – A Chronicle of Cannington.
We decided that as the old college was moving forward with new masters then a mark of 80 years of history of SFI/SCAH/CC was appropriate.
About The Book
'The first Students of 1921 - Ernest Hebditch from Over Stratton was the first student to stay at SFI, emigrated to New Zealand and was still there within the last couple of years. He was over 100 years of age at that time.'
'Five Principals - including Messrs W.J England; W.D Hay OBE; P.H Keen DSC; A.J Marval; W.W Ballardie'
1934. On the load: Maurice Heywood, Jack King;
Walking: Tom Burge
Two Percheron mares: Sabobile and Joyce
(The mechanical hayloader behind the wagon delivered continuous large rolls of hay - very difficult
to handle}.
'Presentation of A Chronicle of Cannington to Fiona McMillan OBE, Principal of Bridgwater College, by members of COSA'
Here we were lucky to secure the talents of an agricultural historian – Geoff Loxton Esq. BA (Hons); NDS; NDD – to compile our disparate collection of historical fact, anecdote, photographs and dare we say – gossip!
Geoff has assembled a big production with an 1100 name index and some 350 place names. Not to mention some very early photographs. It is 214 pages long and A4 in size.
It is a collation of early fact, maps, photographs from across the years, articles, extracts from farm diaries, personalities and opinion.
The book takes one from experimental advisory work, hand milking Shorthorn cows to the thrice times daily machine milking of modern times, commercial vegetable and flower production to ploughing with horses, war-time involvement with the Land Girls’ during WWII, landscaping parks and gardens and student activities which produced some cracking Gilbert and Sullivan productions.
Plus of course, prowess on the hockey and rugby field, the tennis court and the cricket square. In short, here is a snapshot of Somerset land-based academic and social education during the twentieth century!
Money was raised with help from The Royal Bath & West Society and through local Agricultural Societies, District Councils and the Somerset County Council. Bridgwater College also gave some financial support.
We are currently into the second edition having found more money through the Levels and Moors Project in Somerset.
Altogether this book is a home grown product!
The Curator of the Somerset County Studies Library has said that
(the book) fills a real gap in the history of Somerset.
And the people at ‘Common Ground’ who specialise in all things English have added their positive thoughts to the Book’s production. They feel that it is in keeping with their ethos of the common place, the local, the vernacular and the distinctive.
Other Testimonials received from those who have read A Chronicle of Cannington:-
John Symes (1944 – 45 Ag.)I am without words (not a regular occurrence!) to adequately express my praise and thanks for a magnificent record of 83 years.
W H Batten TD ChairOn behalf of the Yeovil Agricultural Society …. you have, with your team, done a great job.
Bob Scurlocks (1938 -39 Ag.)I thank you for what involvement you provided. I consider it (the book) to be an invaluable memory.
If you would like to purchase a copy please contact Caroline Woolley on +44 (0)1934 732661 or email: caz@rackley.fsworld.co.uk
The cost is £10 GBP with £2.50 postage.
We hope you will purchase a copy for your personal library.