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5 July 2009 Accessibility help Text only |
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TRIBUTE TO A DARTMOOR MAN There is a saying that "a prophet is not recognised in his own country", and this is still true today when someone has an idea or thought that does not conform with the accepted opinion, or latest theological ideals. This month I write about such a man. Born circa 1906 and died in 1988, he was a farmer who diversified - when it was just NOT the thing to do. In those days farmers farmed and anything else was not even contemplated.
After having a Grammar School education he returned to the family farm, but this man’s interests were so diverse that not only his peers sneered at him, but also his contemporaries, even his father did not realise his potential. Fifty years too soon He was a collector of geological specimens mainly relevant to Devon and Dartmoor, prehistoric tools and implements and even seeds of a vast variety of plants. His other interests included astronomy, science, photography, history and natural history. Many people listened with interest to his opinions but because he had not been to University or College and obtained a degree, to many people his ideas were not valid. "What could he know?" It is to be hoped that in this 21st century, people of individual minds and ability will get the chance of further education, but in the 1920s unless one had contacts or wealth, the opportunities were not available - he was born 50 years too soon!
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