A REAL PAGE TURNER
How do you read The Field?
Are you a front, middle or back person? I am definitely a sportfirst reader so always start from the back. This might sound like a simple point, however, I have fine tuned my routine to ensure that I take as much as I can from all of the topics that open up to me.
So, the scene is set! Howard’s Way is my first stop (I am still sitting crossed-legged following the ‘phone charging cable’ anecdote in September). I then move into Motoring and, being the proud owner of a Land Rover Defender 90 Landmark 2016 – one of the last off the production line, I hasten to add – I enjoy the reviews. Then to the man who is on my Bucket List of those to have a drink with, Jonathan Ray. Not only does he make me smile with his no nonsense approach to consumption but I have taken his advice on a number of occasions and, as a result, I am the only Defender driver and rosé drinker in the village.
When I reach the Cookery section, I pass the magazine to my wife with the usual comment: “This looks nice…”
Now, at this point I flick to the front of The Field. I can sense the eyebrows twitching…
The Comment is always varied and interesting, with Sporting Artist a fascinating insight into some talented people. News and New in the Field are worth a bit of time to make sure you don’t miss anything, with the Letters section inspiring me to put pen to paper. I then fall into the never-never land of Property – we have all done it, “If we won the Lottery…”
If the Lottery question became a reality then my wife would be taking over at this point and looking for land with stables, ménage, etc. Yes, I am that rare breed, a ‘horsey husband’. My next stop, and I do have a childhood history with this, is the Editor’s column, Young in the field, and mention of his marvellous Sealyham terriers. My first dog as a 10-year-old, was a Sealyham, which we bought from a Mrs Porter in Devon and I picked up with my dad from the platform at Paddington Station. I’m not sure you could do this now but my eight-week-old Sealyham was in a small crate and sitting up front with the driver, where she had been keeping him company and nibbling on his ham sandwich.
At this point, I close up for the night and look forward to the meaty middle tomorrow.
The Day 2 ritual is now upon us and I open in the middle and start to flick through the absorbing topics that either I have enjoyed (fishing) or have no experience of (shooting). Although I have never shot this has not dampened my interest in and admiration for the gunsmiths who create these pieces of art and the dedication of the gamekeepers and farmers who support this sport.
Next, I get to the regular articles such as Sporting Dog.
We are now on our second black labrador, Goose being from a quality working line. We do not ‘work’ him but I have trained him to what I believe is a good standard, which allows him to be with my wife everyday at the stables, in all weathers, with impeccable manners.
Country Queries always fascinates me with the variety of topics that come in and that Rosie Macdonald always finds an answer even to the most obscure. Fair play. Under the Hammer comes next with some amazing finds and eye-watering prices. Then the Gun Review, which, as a non-shooter, I always read at least a couple of times to make sure I can appreciate the skill
and workmanship involved. I am probably doing myself a bit of an injustice – I did used to go out with the beaters behind the combine harvesters as a young boy and was friends with the gamekeeper’s son.
This routine of ‘front, middle, back’ takes place over three or four days and each time I see something new or understand better some of the advice that’s been offered.
Well, that is my ramble at an end. The Field experience is a monthly routine for me and I enjoy it. I am hoping some of your readers will share their approach. And despite the fact I don’t shoot, the depth and variety of topics covered keep this Defender-driving, rosé-swilling, horsey husband absorbed for at several days a month. Enjoy…
Paul Maywood
Orsett, Essex