Page 80 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK FOUR Volume 1 "Northcote 1984 to 1998"

We toured the establishment, duly met all the horses and ponies and I explained our
objectives and parlous situation.
Francis proved to be an amazing man, despite his terrible experiences he appeared almost
every day and between us we achieved the impossible. Apart from the fact that with his
help buildings could be repaired, he gave me the encouragement to stride on once more.

We badly needed a tractor to replace our aged and decrepit 1950’s model Fordson Major.
Francis persuaded me to write to all the local tractor dealers and ask for help.

On the Christmas eve of that year the sales manager from a tractor dealers in Sleaford
telephoned.

Picture caption:
The little red tractor four years or so later about to spread fertilizer on the paddocks.

“I have your letter on my desk,” he said, “and I do so want to help”. He continued.

“I have just traded in a little International tractor that would do you fine, I am going to
service it and make sure everything works and then it will be on its way to you!” he
concluded.
We were truly amazed and good to his word within the week this beautiful little machine
was delivered, our Christmas gift.

Francis loved that tractor and all the next year he was its only driver. He collected hay from
as far away as Mablethorpe and moved all the stable yard manure to dumps in local
farmer’s fields.

Tragically, Francis suffered a relapse of his dreadful illness and decided he could not
continue working with the horses. After a further major operation he spent more time at
home with his wife, only to find that she herself contracted cancer within that year and died
quite quickly.