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Bugs
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 10744
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 45676 Location: Essex
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 45676 Location: Essex
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Tracey Smith
Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 37 Location: Rural
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Posted: Mon Nov 01, 04 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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Do take a look at John Seymour's site who recently passed away (cant find address sorry) - I am not sure of the plans for further courses (which I believe were in Ireland), but his book on self-sufficiency (recently updated) is a brilliant addition to the downshifters bookshelf.
This summer, I ran a few "Downshifting to France" courses and they were lots of fun to present.
They covered many aspects of downshifting, frugal living, skill and food barter, growing/rearing your own, you get the idea.
In truth, they were more popular than I ever imagined they would be and I ran them on an individual couple basis, as everyone has different expectations and personal circumstances.
Next year, I am thinking about condensing it and running something in the UK on practical ways to downshift. If I get to that point, I will post details on site.
I might be presenting a series on ITV/Ch4 about "How to Downshift" and will definately post details if that is going to happen! |
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mbeirnes
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 100
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 45676 Location: Essex
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Tracey Smith
Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 37 Location: Rural
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Posted: Tue Nov 02, 04 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, the practical skills are great to build on. We did lime pointing, small wall building, explaining plumbing and the fosse, that sort of thing.
Electrics can be a nightmare over here, so it is best to seek professional advice, unless you are very competent.
If you think of the thousands of pounds you could save with a little investment in a course or with good books, it is money well spent in your research period, when you are still earning a regular salary!
For anyone thinking seriously about France, this is a very good read.
"How to Renovate a House in France"
https://www.frenchentree.com/fe-bookshop/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1241
When money is limited, you steer away from picking up the phone and just finding someone from the Yellow Pages. In truth, there are not many things you cannot do or get your head around - even though they might take you a little longer - and the feeling of self satisfaction is great.
Don't be frightened to ask neighbours or friends for advice either, there is no substitute for experience. |
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anneka
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 158
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Sarah D
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 2584
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alison Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 12918 Location: North Devon
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Posted: Thu Nov 11, 04 2:10 pm Post subject: |
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Our local Smallholders club organise courses all year round. It is Dash, Devon Association of SmallHolders.
Other half went on an evening course, before we moved, while we were property hunting in Maidenhead at the Ag college there, on basic Smallholding legislation and various aspects of.
Practical experience of pluming is essential, but even if you have to have these people in to do jobs, be there while they do it, and look and learn, asking questions. You can pick up a lot from this.
As for bees, the local bee groups in the area will have meetings and hands on trying to give you a taster. |
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jema Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 28239 Location: escaped from Swindon
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alison Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 12918 Location: North Devon
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mbeirnes
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 100
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High Green Farm
Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 349 Location: Mid-Suffolk
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 45676 Location: Essex
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