A Sussex Farm during the 1950s

Ian Everest’s interest in the history of Sussex farming dates back to his childhood, spent on a 1,000-acre downland farm where his father worked.

In his teenage years, Ian worked on farms in the River Ouse Valley before attending Plumpton Agricultural College. After further practical farm activity, he worked at a farm animal disease research centre before entering farming-related commercial activity.

His talk looks at life on Manor Farm, Bishopstone, during the 1950s and is based on a cine film made by farmer John Willett. After attending the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, John was keen to start modernising the farm by adopting new techniques and acquiring modern machinery. His father was reluctant to change with the times, and the film gives an interesting insight into the demise of the old ways of farming and the gradual change to modern labour-saving machinery. Twenty men were employed on the farm throughout the year, and up to thirty at harvest time. It was a tough life with little financial reward for the workers, but the men were highly skilled in many aspects of their work. Skills not learnt at school or college but passed down to them by their forbears.

Members £8  / non-members £10. Why not join as a member and enjoy discounted events and support the ongoing work of Arundel Museum? To book, call into the Museum, or email [email protected] and we can give you the details to pay.

Ticket price includes refreshments before the talk, from 2pm. The talk will then start at 2.30pm.

Please note, there are no refunds for events if you are unable to attend.