Meet the Cows
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Most of my cows live at Lilac Farm, Burtle. We also rent some land at Godney so some of them live there, but mainly through the summer months; during the winter they all return home to the warmth and comfort of the barns at Lilac Farm.
You would be surprised how some cows have so much more to say than others - like people, I suppose. A very noisy cow can really try your patience when she keeps on for no reason at all. She’ll say things like, “Just letting you know I’m still here.” “I’m happy enough and full up with silage.” or “I’m just off for a lie down now. See you in a while.” But normally, no noise would mean happy and contented cows. Trust me to have a few that are different!
The cows pictured below are most of the cows featured in the stories of my book: ‘Cows Can Talk’. They are special for no other reason than the fact they have a story to tell about themselves and others. The only exception being, of course, my very Special Old Granny Cow. Now she is special - very special. She and I have come a long way together through life, as you will have gathered if you have read my book. Normally we get along real fine, but the other Monday we had a professional photographer come to take our photo for a magazine called ‘Chat’. Well we posed this way and that. Every time the gentleman set up the lighting equipment here, she moved over there, with a smile on her face she thought we couldn’t see! I don’t think she realises what a star she is becoming...
A Very Special Granny Cow: a story for our times! When the recession hits and financial problems are bothering those who care for them, young people can feel threatened and powerless. This empowering workshop helps children to maintain self-esteem and recognise the gifts they give to the family.
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I am the Luckiest Cow Alive: looking at fear of the unknown (hospital and dental visits, for example) and how panic can make us do thoughtless and dangerous things. This session deals with fear, guilt and forgiveness in a reassuring way .
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I was James and Millicent the New Calf on the Block: two very powerful stories dealing with death and bereavement. It's always best to consider these subjects before being forced to face them. However this workshop would also help those who have had to cope with death or terminal illness (Recommended for Year 5 and above only.)
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I'm the Very Famous Samantha: a cow who loses an eye to cancer will challenge the children's attitudes to disease and disability. The story also raises questions about safe boundaries and the need for rules. (A good workshop for the start of the school year, perhaps ...)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Joey and Spooky and I would rather not say: two stories about peer relationships. This workshop covers friendships and bullying - looking at the balance of power between young people, and how it can sometimes work fine, but also go very wrong. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Little Floie and Harry Pie and Puny:both stories deal with 'looked after children', albeit of the bovine variety. This session gives children a safe space in which to consider the effects of separation from a parent and how it could affect them.
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Little Joany and Now I'm Josephine: two tales of teenage pregnancy - in cows, naturally - but with plenty of discussion points for human youngsters. (Recommended for Year 5 and above only. Adaptations for younger children, using a story about the arrival of a new baby in the family, by prior arrangement.)