NOEL Bull is a bloke who knows a thing or two about struggle and people helping each other.
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The 55-year-old part-time Dartmoor farmer lost his father John to a heart attack in 1968, then watched as his mother Cecilia struggled to cope with four children under six, while trying to manage the family farm.
She leased out 300 of their 460 acres and managed the rest with the help of neighbours. The experience taught the young Noel a great deal about people helping each other.
Upon leaving school, Noel and his brothers, Leo and Anthony, took back the 300 acres and brought 550 ewe lambs with the help of a local agent.
Noel’s own turn to help others came when he became seriously ill.
He used his time to compile lists of seasonal jobs on the farm, together with his tips on what to do and not to do, hoping they would help his sons run the farm. Fortunately, Noel recovered and today he and wife Tracy, sons Mathew, David, and their partners; along with brother, Leo and wife Karen manage over 1550 acres.
But Noel didn’t discard those notes jotted down in darker times. They have been compiled into a calendar, Farming in Your Spare Time, illustrated by the photography of Astyn Reid.
It will be launched at Dartmoor on October 24, with all proceeds going to depression awareness organisation beyondblue. Why beyondblue?
Tragically, Noel’s father suffered from depression and back in those days help wasn’t easy to find.
Two people very close to the Bull family also suffered a mental illness which sadly resulted in suicide.
Beyondblue’s work is aimed at achieving an Australian community that understands depression and anxiety, raising awareness and ensuring that people have access to the support they need.
“I’ve had the idea of this calendar for a long time but it took the support of my family and friends to get me putting pen to paper,” Noel said.
“I would like to think that my small contribution makes a difference within family families.
“I hope that it serves as a handy calendar and monthly reference for other farmers in their spare time and raises money to support beyondblue.”
Copies can be purchased online for $22 from www.farminginyoursparetime.com