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Club tackling men’s isolation set to welcome members again

blackmorevaleApril 17, 20210 Comment0

A club for farming folk and outdoorsy types is gearing up for a welcome return to supportive fun as lockdown eases.

The Countrymen’s Club at Rylands Farm in Boyshill near Sherborne offers a vital lifeline for retired farmers and outdoor loving men to meet and support each other as they face life’s challenges.

For men who find themselves isolated, perhaps from deteriorating mental or physical health or changing social circumstances, the club offers a healing environment in idyllic countryside and a platform for fun. So when the coronavirus pandemic struck in March 2020, and the club was forced to cease its meetings, many of the club’s members were upset and anxious.

Jan Millward said: “What were we going to do? The farm had become a lifeline to so many and as well as providing a safe space for the men, it offered a precious few hours of respite for their wives and carers, many of whom had also forged friendships through links with the club. We had several frantic phone calls, many of whom were desperately upset and anxious. We responded by making weekly phone calls, writing newsletters, and sending out quizzes, activity sheets and links back to the farm. Nothing was going to replace welly boots on the ground, but we had to try.”

Even though most staff were on furlough, contact with members was maintained. On VE Day, two volunteers drove their vintage tractors and visited local countrymen with bags of Waitrose goodies.

Bird houses and planters were given to members to make up at home and most importantly, the volunteers listened.

Jan said: “By the summer, as a support group we welcomed back our first countrymen, with strict covid policies in place. The relief on their faces was palpable. The worst part? Stopping them from hugging us! “At the weekends, we arranged for two couples at a time to come for a cream tea and enjoy a farm walk. This involved a huge amount of preparation and disinfectant. Paper cups and plates were the order of the day. Our chair of the board, Liz Rose, was there to offer support and signposting for the carers.”

“We continued to support the whole group and as the second national lockdown loomed in November, we were able to tick over with just a couple of countrymen attending sessions at a time. In early January, Something Else fishy in Milborne Port brought out freshly cooked sausage and chips for everyone on site. A real treat and a great morale boost for the whole team as well as the countrymen who were there at the time. Many of the club members however had to shield, and those in care settings were still not allowed out.”

“Then that chink of light – vaccinations! One by one the countrymen got vaccinated. The complete despair was replaced with hope. We introduced zoom singalongs and drew up rotas so that we could get the men back when they could in small groups. Just by having a date on the calendar, however far away, gave them something to aim for.”

The Countrymen Club is now welcoming new members.

Jan added: “The need for clubs like ours is vital now more than ever and we are here and we can help. The countrymen are a resilient lot. Many of the group are retired farmers, others just have a love of the countryside. Most are also facing personal health battles including dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke. Some are socially isolated, others lonely with little or no company at home. The farm has a way of bringing them back.”

“Feeding and checking the animals, driving buggies across fields, and putting the world to right in the barn over a cup of tea is incredibly healing as well as a fun way to spend an afternoon.”

The club started in 2012 by Julie Plumley at Ryland’s farm. Her own father had Parkinson’s and he was missing the farm environment. At the start of 2020, 12 farms nationwide joined Countrymen UK.

For information about the Countrymen’s Club ring 01963 210789 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) or email admin@countrymenUK.org.