Tom House was born at Whetley Farm Powerstock, Dorset in 1909. His father, Bernard House was also a farmer. The family moved to Shatwell Farm, situated midway between Wincanton and Castle Cary in Somerset, in 1916. They farmed Shatwell Farm for 12 years and then moved to the nearby Manor Farm at Yarlington in 1929.

This narrative is a fascinating document, most charmingly related and which truly reflects the village life, farming methods and practices of yesteryear. It will be of much interest to all who have an association with farming, and indeed, all country people and those interested in country ways.

This account is a most valuable record of the struggles and the ways of life of farmers in the West Country, and of North Dorset and Somerset in particular, during the 20^th century. It particularly reflects the problems of farmers between the wars - when so many went bankrupt, especially during the mid 1930s.

Unfortunately Tom died in May 1999. May he rest in peace.