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Interview with Annie and Tom Qualtrough of Ballafesson farm about wool production, weaving and farming

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Date(s): c.1955

Creator(s): Duggan, Dorothy

Scope & Content: Annie Qualtrough and Tom Qualtrough talk about the production of wool, how it was taken to the dyer to be rolled before spinning; materials taken to the weavers (who would do the dyeing) in Douglas and St Johns; piece of wood with a mark on it to indicate who the materials belonged to; dyers collecting materials weekly; materials used to make Manx clothes, coats and skirts in different colours; men's wedding suits kept and used; trousers for work.

They then talk about Manx Loaghtan sheep and Mr Macleod's flock; taking goods to market in Douglas by cart amd train; 'buckies', shellfish, with a cart to Douglas, sold as bait for cod; shellfish collected in Port Erin; the journey to market through the trees; belief in fairies; story of giving a person a lift in the cart and knocking his hat off (!); beggarmen and John Thomas from the north; Tom's father who was a church warden and would collect subscriptions from people at Christmas and for distribution to the poor. Annie says that farmers would give beggars food and money.

Annie and Tom end by talking about old friends, Mr and Mrs Kirkpatrick; farming and lads who could pitch the sheaves up to the roof of the barn; workers on the farm; going to chapel; W.T. Kelly teaching scripture at Westminster College. Annie encourages Tom to recite some poetry.

Language: English

Extent: 23 min. 45 sec.

Item name: compact disc

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 0590

Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.

Subject tags : #UOSH

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