Your page: readers’ emails and letters

FROM UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF THE DROUGHT TO HELPING MAINTAIN MEMORIES OF A FAMILY FARM, READERS REVEAL THE IMPACT OF OUR STORIES.

THE HEART OF THE ISSUE

I’ve never been reduced to tears while reading your glorious magazine but today the tears flowed. The last paragraph of Country Squire in the October issue cut to my heart. I’ve donated to Drought Angels over the last year and a half, but despite all the heart-wrenching images and stories of our strong, yet struggling, farmers, it has taken Rob’s words to make me realise that I should, can, and will do more to help fellow Australian families. So thank you, not only for another amazing issue but for making me see beyond the barren dust and to the hearts of other women who are doing everything they can to keep their families together. Mel Stinton, MAROOCHYDORE, QLD

OUT-OF-TOWNER

I’d spent my life on a working family farm until last December when sadly, after 129 years, it was sold. We’ve suddenly become ‘townies’, which is a completely foreign way of living. But receiving Country Style every month reminds me I’m still connected to the land. The magazine’s beautiful images help me remember — and many of the stories reassure me that even though I can’t be there, the farm I’ve loved for a lifetime will continue on with the help of the next generation. Hannah Mckerrow, TAMWORTH, NSW

A WELL-DESERVED READ

Since finishing our stone house on the fringe of Western Australia’s wheat belt, after seven years of planning and building, it is so nice to slow down and enjoy my home. There’s nothing better than soaking up the sun on our jarrah verandah with my copy of Country Style and listening to the sounds of the surrounding Wandoo bushland. To complete our house nestled in the bush, we hauled over 350 tonnes of granite rock by hand; man-handled every beam of jarrah; and hammered and fastened thousands of nails and screws. So it is with great pleasure that all I have to lift today is my favourite magazine. And that now I can appreciate other adventurous people striving to build or renovate their own dream homes that you portray so beautifully. Renee D’herville, TOODYAY, WA

WINNER HELPING HUG

Engrossing myself in the October issue, I was encouraged by the simple message of resilience and hope regarding the devastating drought across NSW. We live on the Hay Plains on a drought-affected sheep station and I am the stereotypical city girl who moved to the country to marry the farmer with a young bub on my hip. I have been finding it difficult lately to feel like I am supporting my hard-working husband and his family in these testing times. Thank you for reassuring me that a comforting hug, strong cuppa and an empathetic ear is all they really need to keep their spirits high. Oh, and rain of course! Cassandra Hooke, BOOROORBAN, NSW

In our October issue, we celebrated the revival of small towns, and the people and businesses breathing new life into hamlets such as Carcoar, Trentham and Gerringong. Plus, we visited a family in the midst of NSW’S worst drought in 100 years who are drawing comfort from giving back, and we went on the road with photographer @edwinarobertson who is giving a voice to droughtaffected farmers through her One Bucket campaign. Photography by @markroperphotography Styling by @lee_blaylock

Clearly our Instagram followers loved this kitchen that we featured in October. Meg and Neil Thumpston converted an old table into a kitchen bench by installing an @ikea_australia sink. The @bellingau range cooker from @harveynormanau was chosen for its functionality and vintage look. Photography by @mtwee1