Caroline Stocks on the obvious combination of journalism, media and farming
If I was living in Queensland I’d be starting to wonder who I’d annoyed. After much of the southern part of the state was declared a disaster zone earlier last month thanks to some of the worst flooding ever seen, northern Queensland is now facing it’s own disaster – Cyclone Yasi. When I was staying [...]
I’ve avoided blogging for a week or so, partly to give you a rest and partly because I didn’t trust myself not to just whinge about the fact that England is BLOODY FREEZING. In just 24 hours on a plane I lost 35 degrees. Seriously, I don’t remember it being this cold before. And what’s [...]
So this is it. After three countries, 101 days, 41 different towns and cities, seven changes in time zone and more than 100 blog posts, I’m on my way home. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, visited incredible farms and businesses, and seen some amazing scenery. I’ve nearly been kidnapped, driven around a [...]
A water slide: Climbing in rock pools: And a beach-side barbeque special guest (even if the locals did insist on spoling his presence with all the ‘vermin’ nonsense): Not a bad way to spend a lazy January afternoon, eh? Share: Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers [...]
When it comes to the sea, I’m a massive girly wimp. Whichever ocean I’m in I freak out about the thought that – regardless of distance – somewhere in the water there are sharks. And jelly fish. And those hideous scary anglers with massive teeth. Heck, I’m even scared of seaweed. Which is why going [...]
I’ve had a go at describing what the floods are like over in Queensland, but this email I received today from past Nuffield scholar Ronald Thompson gives a better impression of what farmers are going through over in the worst-hit areas. Ronald farms near Chinchilla, about 300km north-west of Brisbane. Chinchilla was just getting back [...]
I still look uncomfortable, but I’m definitely getting better: I had no idea what I was doing, but it seems I’m pretty good at sea fishing. You should see the bruises I have on my leg from yanking it out of the sea though. My arms are still wobbling from the fear I’d accidentally captured [...]
I can’t tell if I’m meant to be John Candy or Steve Martin, but I’ve had a bit of a Planes, Trains and Automobiles-esque escapade all in the name of coming to visit the farm of my Aussie bestest, Rob. Rob is a fellow Nuffielder who farms a few sheep and grows a bit of [...]
It’s been a real treat to have a couple of unexpected catch-ups with a friend from home during my two stop-offs in Sydney. He’s been super-generous in letting me stay, showing me the sights and teaching me how to live like a true ‘Stralian (complete with dodgy accent). A big thanks to Dan for a [...]
I’m in a weird lull between Christmas and New Year where I can’t crack on with Nuffield stuff as offices are closed and farming types are all off BBQ-ing hunks of meat with their families or desperately trying to get the rest of their crops in between showers. Having grappled with my Nuffield guilt, I [...]
