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Sybil’s Hut Book

Shepherds’ Huts of the Coombe Bissett Steam Plough Works.

Winter Scene: Early 2021

The interior of an 1880’s John Farris of Shaftesbury Shepherd’s Hut.

(taken from Sybil’s Hut Book)

John Farris of Shaftesbury shepherd's Hut in Buttercup Meadow.

Winter Scene: Early 2018

Sybil's Hut Book

A history & appreciation of Farris Shepherds' Huts

Shepherd's Hut Book

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Sybil's Hut

 

A practical book on the sympathetic restoration and preservation of historic

Shepherds' Huts, made by Farris.

 

Rollin Nicholls

 

£17.95

Shepherds' Huts

 

 

Sybil's Hut

​

A practical book on the history, and sympathetic restoration and preservation of historic Shepherds' Huts, made by the Farris family.

£17.95

Photo: Historic Shepherds' Huts, by John Farris of Shaftesbury (front)

and George Farris of Coombe Bissett (rear).

Sybil's Hut

A practical book on the restoration and preservation 

of historic shepherds' huts.

I wish to thank the continued support of customers

who have kindly purchased copies of Sybil's hut.

 

Books have reached countries such as

Australia, USA, Canada, France, Austria, and even Dubai.

                Thank you.

​

        Best wishes, Rollin.

​

 

Written by a shepherd's hut enthusiast, Sybil's Hut includes historical information on the Farris family who made shepherds' huts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delving into the restoration and preservation of historic huts made by the Farris family, there is also a brief overview of some of their competitors. With original B&W and many new colour photos, Sybil's Hut is profusely illustrated throughout!

 

 

 

Photo: Historic Shepherd's Hut by G. Farris

Sybil's Hut Book 

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     Myncen Farm in Dorset

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Well known for its archaeological interest and discoveries, shepherds' huts and cider making.

Myncen Farm

83 Minchington

Blandford Forum

Dorset DT11 8DH

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  01725 552715

  07752 155442

Please phone to arrange collection

now available from 

              Shepherd's Hut

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I wish to thank the editor of The Light Car & Edwardian Section of the VSCC for including an excellent book review on Sybil's Hut in their splendid enthusiasts vintage car magazine.

(No: 154 June 2016).

 

 

With a 3/4 page article, snippets of the book review have been included below,with the kind permission of the editor of the LC & ES.

 

'This book has been inspired by the author's involvement with one particular hut and so has nothing to do with motor-cars at all, yet your reviewer feels that it might well be of great interest to members'.

 

'The shepherd's hut is fast becoming the 'must have' for some sections of the chattering classes,

but do not let this put you off this publication'.

 

'Whilst it concentrates on the Farris huts, there are also references to the descriptions of those from other manufacturers'.

 

'There are detailed references and descriptions as to the restoration of this particular hut, and many of the techniques and methods used will be familiar to anyone who has been involved in fettling, rebuilding and maintaining an old motor-car'.

 

'Emphasis is given to sympathetic restoration and in particular conservation,

a theme that will gladden the heart of many section members'.

 

'Profusely illustrated, much in colour, and thoroughly recommended'.

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Book Review

 A history & appreciation of Farris Shepherds' Huts

 

          Sybil's Hut

 

                              now available from the 
   Weald & Downland Open Air Museum

 

              Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU.

           T: 01243 811363
           E: office@wealddown.co.uk

 

           Price: £17.95

Shepherds hut historic image

              Shepherd's Hut

Vintage Spirit Book Review

 

I wish to thank the editor Brian Gooding and his team, of The Vintage Spirit magazine, for the excellent book review on Sybil's Hut.

 

Books will be available through The Vintage Spirit magazine from February 2016 onwards.

 

I wish to thank Jim Cook and the Editor of the Ringer's Review magazine for kindly including an excellent book review of 'Sybil's Hut' in their splendid Australian enthusiasts magazine.

 

Jim regularly writes for the Ringers Review that is published in Australia, and is extremely knowledgeable on early shepherding and sheep related collectables. He is intending to restore one of his original Tasker (of Andover) historic shepherds' huts, previously used by his grandfather who was a shepherd on the Hampshire Downs during the late 19th century.

 

Book Review by Jim Cook

Shepherds Hut Sybils Hut

              Shepherd's Hut

Shepherds Hut Sybils Hut

"Book Review. Jim Cook.

 

I think this is a really good book, quite technical in places if such can be technical (he goes into quite precise details of construction, sizes, etc. etc), but it is also a lovely reading for the likes of me who has experienced using one of these huts. 

 

He also has included an interesting section on shepherding tools, etc. (I was hooked immediately I started reading because I personally know the hut which is centerpiece to his story, although I didn't know this until I started to read his book). At 192 pages it is quite good value for today."

30th March 2015

 

A professionally designed and beautifully illustrated book in colour, about historic shepherds' huts built by the Farris family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

               Sybil's Hut  

 

                                                                           1st edition

 

                                                                  NOW ON SALE

 

                                                                       Price: £17.95

 

                                                                          Plus P&P. £4.40 (signed, small parcel)

 

 

 

A minimum of...... £5.00 per book sold...... will go to a diabetic charity.

 

 

 

 

Stockists:

* Grange Farm Nursery. Guarlford, Malvern. Worcs. WR13 6NT.

                   Tel. 01684 562544. grangefmnursery@btconnect.com

 

  Malvern Book Co-operative. 2 Saint Ann's Road, Malvern, Worcs. WR14 4RG.  

                   Tel. 01684 564788.  www.malvernbook.coop

 

  Butterfield Ironworks. 1 Shitterton. Bere Regis. Dorset. BH20 7HU.

                   Tel. 01929 471277.  info@butterfieldironwork.co.uk

 

I wish to thank the Malvern Book Co-operative & Butterfield Ironworks (Shepherd's hut specialist) for their kindness in stocking my book.

 

 

* Signed copies available on request from the author at rollinspublications@gmail.com

* Copies available by post

 

 

Also included in 'Sybil's Hut' are details of the Farris Shepherd's Hut Register.   

 

Shepherds hut historic image

15th March 2015 

Sybil's Hut is now at the printers and due for release w/c 23rd March 2015.

 

Sorry for the delay.

Best wishes, 

Rollin

1st January 2015 - Sybil's Hut


'Sybil's hut' is a story about the discovery of a historic hut owned by George Farris's granddaughter and its subsequent restoration by the author. Comparisons with other shepherds' huts, made by both George and his brother John Farris of Shaftesbury, provides a fascinating insight into the subtle differences between them.

Including an authoritative historical guide and account on the Farris family told by Sybil Spinks, granddaughter of George Farris, who enjoyed visiting her grandfather's foundry as a child.

Construction detailing, observations, and practical advice on a sympathetic approach to the restoration of shepherds' huts made by Farris, emphasises the importance of preserving part of our historic and rural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Including some of Farris's competitors and shepherd and sheep related items.

My book is due to be published in January 2015. 

I'll keep you updated of details once its released.

 

Thank you and best wishes,

 

 

 

Rollin

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