This remarkable picture courtesy of The Belfast Telegraph,
& NASA
A blog of events ideas and thoughts from Turnip House - a craft business in the Mourne Mountains
Monday, May 02, 2011
Plumes of smoke from Northern Ireland seen 700km above Earth - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
The Mournes Ablaze
We're in the unfortunate position of being able to see all too clearly the fires - caused deliberately - on the Mournes these past few weeks.
As the Belfast Telegraph said:
Embattled firefighters have had to deal with more than 1,100 gorse fires in Northern Ireland in the last two weeks — a staggering 97% of which have been started deliberately
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/fires-sweep-northern-ireland-countryside-15149750.html#ixzz1LC5LB24t
Meanwhile life settles down in the New Turnip House, we are now open every weekend, and are delighted to say that people are finding us! Some of you who follow the blog have come down, and new visitors who just find us in passing.
We are heartened by all the lovely comments that we're getting, and are so pleased to have established 'base camp'. This gives us motivation to continue onwards!
In the pipeline for the next few months:
As the Belfast Telegraph said:
Embattled firefighters have had to deal with more than 1,100 gorse fires in Northern Ireland in the last two weeks — a staggering 97% of which have been started deliberately
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/fires-sweep-northern-ireland-countryside-15149750.html#ixzz1LC5LB24t
 |
| smoke form the fires on Lamigan yesterday pour over Slievenaglogh |
 |
| multiple fires on our side of the mountains this morning |
 |
| this seems to be from the wood at the top of the Trassey Valley near Fofanny reservoir |
Meanwhile life settles down in the New Turnip House, we are now open every weekend, and are delighted to say that people are finding us! Some of you who follow the blog have come down, and new visitors who just find us in passing.
We are heartened by all the lovely comments that we're getting, and are so pleased to have established 'base camp'. This gives us motivation to continue onwards!
In the pipeline for the next few months:
- get making again!
- build the composting toilet
- start the vegetable beds
- plant more trees
- finish the barbecue area
- get ready to replace the roof in the Big House!
 |
| Furby's just worn out by the thought of it all! |
 |
| The red kite |
 |
| another great sunny day |
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Sunday 2011
Day two - plenty of friends to sample the view and the lemon drizzle cake - still on form I'm told.
We had Red Kites in the sky all morning until 10.30, but then annoyingly distant until after lunch (when most people had gone!)
Much chat, history, philosophy, stories past and future. Just what we're here for.
We had Red Kites in the sky all morning until 10.30, but then annoyingly distant until after lunch (when most people had gone!)
 |
| Now the silage bales are away the 'car park' is in use. Perfect timing! |
 |
| good friends, old and new |
 |
| two kites catching a thermal, just after lunch |
First Day open again!
It was a cold start today 9 degrees C, not looking too good, as the days before were hot.
Elaine was at the Easter Craft fair in Castlewellan Forest park (our 24th Year!) and today we were open for the first time in Benraw.
we've spent many hours at work preparing the place, it's like the closer you get the further away the goal becomes.
A stone wall in a piggery may look OK, and pretty sound. But when it comes to making it real internal space suitable for living and working, then the true extent of the work becomes apparent.
But at last we are now at the moment where we have a new workspace.(There's still more to do, but we are now inhabiting the space)
And it is fantastic! We have tried to keep the best of the old work, the stone walls, floor and, most important, the beautiful granite quoins and lintels.
Thanks to all who came to visit us today, and inaugurate our new home!
New double doors let in the southern light and give us unbroken views over the Mountains.
Elaine was at the Easter Craft fair in Castlewellan Forest park (our 24th Year!) and today we were open for the first time in Benraw.
we've spent many hours at work preparing the place, it's like the closer you get the further away the goal becomes.
A stone wall in a piggery may look OK, and pretty sound. But when it comes to making it real internal space suitable for living and working, then the true extent of the work becomes apparent.
But at last we are now at the moment where we have a new workspace.(There's still more to do, but we are now inhabiting the space)
And it is fantastic! We have tried to keep the best of the old work, the stone walls, floor and, most important, the beautiful granite quoins and lintels.
Thanks to all who came to visit us today, and inaugurate our new home!
 |
| inside; old roof , new stove ; furniture modified to fit it's new home |
 |
| view from the sofa! |
 |
| from the outside - see the reflection |
 |
| Charlie in his element |
 |
| red kites showed up three times today - here's one soaring on a thermal. this is the same tree as in the 'view from the sofa 'picture |
 |
| old and new: the Acer planted in the picnic lawn contrasts with the May blossom by the river |
At the end of the day another 'gift'.
The bales of silage that have been our companion since August last year were taken away (without us noticing!) so clearing the upper courtyard.
This meant we could burn the last of the ivy cleared from the house.
 |
| an impromptu celebration fire perfect! |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Opening: Easter 2011
We will be open tomorrow Easter Saturday 23 April 2011!
Please come and visit us to see where we are and what we're doing.
We love our new home, and are sure you will too.
shift the work/life balance
gain more connection with nature and landscape
try to take less and give more
focus on life's real priorities
What does this mean in practice? Well, that's the journey!
In the next few years the plan is:
aim towards a more sustainable lifestyle
live in the Mournes AONBeauty
earn our living by means of craft
make and sell knitwear and knitted felt products
open a tea room and craft shop at the Turnip House
create an open, creative space for others to enjoy and participate in
We will be open anyway every Saturday and Sunday.
You are welcome other times. email or phone to check we will be there.
We will be open every weekend and bank Holiday until July, when we will be open 7 days, until the end of August.
We love our new home, and are sure you will too.
We will try to continue what we set out to do in 1987 -
What does this mean in practice? Well, that's the journey!
In the next few years the plan is:
Easter Holiday 2011
Home made organic vegetable soup,
wheaten bread
lemon drizzle cake
- back on the menu, and on the house!
wheaten bread
lemon drizzle cake
- back on the menu, and on the house!
We are also please to be back making again - our Unique Celtic Sweaters, from stock or made to measure, Felt hats, jewellery, bags, and many more new ideas! All made exclusively by us.
We are delighted to show you what we've been up to since we came up to Benraw. Very much a work in progress (that's the fun of it!) Please call in any time - if you want to make sure we will be there, phone or email.
We are delighted to show you what we've been up to since we came up to Benraw. Very much a work in progress (that's the fun of it!) Please call in any time - if you want to make sure we will be there, phone or email.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Felt Workshop in Delamont
Elaine held another felt making workshop in Delamont park near Downpatrick on Saturday, under the auspices of Down Arts Centre.
A beautiful day, coupled with beautiful work from the 10 participants!
There will be another workshop, specifically on felt bag making to come, check out the Down Arts site for news
A beautiful day, coupled with beautiful work from the 10 participants!
There will be another workshop, specifically on felt bag making to come, check out the Down Arts site for news
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Egg Production in 1967
Whilst clearing out the house we've found the receipts from Annie Stevenson's egg production in the late 1960's.
Our hens generally stop laying from November to February, so to have production in the winter months requires extra measures. The hens were probably kept in one of the outbuildings - now gone. Keeping them under cover would have helped with productivity.
Elaine reckons that Annie could have had up to 50 hens to produce this rate of eggs, in winter, when they will probably only be laying every other day.
This is another priceless insight to life in on the farm which is now our home.
 |
| a slice of farming history: dockets from 44 years ago, on a wire |
 |
| In the week of 21st December 1967 Annie's chickens produced 22 dozen eggs - pretty good for mid winter! |
 |
| January 1968. Still producing well. |
Our hens generally stop laying from November to February, so to have production in the winter months requires extra measures. The hens were probably kept in one of the outbuildings - now gone. Keeping them under cover would have helped with productivity.
Elaine reckons that Annie could have had up to 50 hens to produce this rate of eggs, in winter, when they will probably only be laying every other day.
This is another priceless insight to life in on the farm which is now our home.
 |
| Our two producers - one a day each at the moment! |
 |
| Complete with Cockerel - who knows he may come in useful sometime! |
Monday, April 04, 2011
Mother's Day
Today after some years, we were again years celebrating two Mothers in the family. As is right and proper, Motherhood moved down the generations, so Kate as well as Elaine now hold that honourable position.
To mark the day, we forsook our 'hell for leather' renovation of the Turnip House for some future building: in the garden.
As we have not yet got to the greenhouse
(we've decided to build our own much more fun, but... takes time!)
In the meantime, we've cleared out and patched up the back porch of the house to act as a temporary potting shed.
As we said before, we cleared an awful lot of plant stuff from around the place in September and October, and composted it against the back walls. Some of this is already OK to use:
 |
| It's my Mum's first Mother's day! |
To mark the day, we forsook our 'hell for leather' renovation of the Turnip House for some future building: in the garden.
As we have not yet got to the greenhouse
(we've decided to build our own much more fun, but... takes time!)
 |
| we cleared the space for the future greenhouse- leaning against this wall |
 |
| looking to the south, it will get the sun most of the day |
In the meantime, we've cleared out and patched up the back porch of the house to act as a temporary potting shed.
 |
| tidied up the outside |
 |
| nice space - and a sink for the compost! |
 |
| the very fine - but totally woodwormed living room table is perfect for holding pots and things |
 |
| we patched the roof to the porch - our first work on the house proper. Pity this is the bit we'll be taking down! |
 |
| saves a lot of peat bogs! |
 |
| beautiful stuff! |
 |
| the compost heap - with a mighty fine view! |
 |
| a red kite - one of our daily companions |
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Weather For March
March ended with a blast - on the night of the 31st and the morning of the 1st April, we had 40 miles per hour gusts of wind - shook the pictures off the caravan wall no joke!
This morning the Mournes look majestic as ever in this chilly morning - 4 degrees C
Complete weather data for March can be downloaded from our website via the link on the right of this page
This morning the Mournes look majestic as ever in this chilly morning - 4 degrees C
Complete weather data for March can be downloaded from our website via the link on the right of this page
Sunday, March 27, 2011
When the Cows Come Home
Weather fine - working apace in the New Turnip House, with the doors wide open, the sun streams in!
A lot of commotion across at our neighbour Frank's place. Many vehicles and sound of vehicles, people, barn doors .. and cows. Time to let the cows out on pasture again after a winter under cover.
A lot of commotion across at our neighbour Frank's place. Many vehicles and sound of vehicles, people, barn doors .. and cows. Time to let the cows out on pasture again after a winter under cover.
 |
| driving down the road |
 |
| free again |
 |
| what joy! |
 |
| wide open to the sun - perfect! |
 |
| first fix electrics |
 |
| roof insulation |
 |
| no.1 assistant and cheerleader, complete with two new teeth! |
Thursday, March 24, 2011
turning 60
60 ahead?
I've got to share some great thoughts from our dear friend Roz about the next impending 'big birthday' not that she's anywhere near it yet.
She says:
"However I’ve still got 10 years to go to live up to the following:
Now I am Sixty
- I shall wear purple hats and spend all my money on chocolate. I shall collect ancient books and cultivate English roses.
- I shall stay up till two writing witty letters to my friends using curious words like “zounds”, “cotillion”, and “flabbergast”.
- I shall eat the bluest Stilton and drink the finest port. I shall dance all night and sew sunsets of silken fragments.
- I shall buy Christmas crackers and sing silly songs (to make up for the gravity of my youth).
- I shall go to Cornwall just to watch the surf then visit village inns and always take the best seat by the fire.
- I shall take to carrying a silver topped cane, just to whack any car that dares to cross my path.
- I shall always pause to hear the bell-ringers ring the changes and tell my friends never, under any circumstance, to worry about getting older."
That's the spirit!
Inch Abbey
John took Eleanor to Inch Abbey near Downpatrick today - spring in the air and the beauty of the stones warm in the setting sun.
 |
| this history stuff is fun! |
Charlie had great fun charging round the walls and through the reeds by the Quoile river, we went round and round a few times, communing with the stones.
 |
| just a quick catch up |
 |
| and home for tea! |
 |
| Charlie gets some careful attention from Furby - what a star - both of them! (pic thanks to Kate) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)