The Bullock Team

Yesterday we travelled about 30 mins south to Oatlands in the southern midlands for an historic skills day. The bullock team was definitely a highlight for everyone. The team were part of a reenactment of taking wool bales to sale and came right up the main street.

There were people everywhere but quite by accident I took these two photos that collage together almost perfectly! There was a major frost in the morning and the temperatures were below zero but as always, a brilliant and dazzling day followed. 

These bullocks are trained by Brian Fish, this guy in front is named Major and he is 18 years old. 

They are so well trained and handled and Brian has a true passion for this skill set and an obvious affection for his team. 

Many farms in the district supplied a bale of wool for the "big load" reenactment carted on this wool wagon built in the 1880s. 

The team headed up the lane to the grounds of the famous Callington Mill where there was also a wonderful display of various carting and transport memorabilia.

It is quite probable that this very passenger and mail coach went past our front door regularly back in the 1840s and until the railway saw their demise.

Another valuable piece of Tasmanian history - the cart used by Campbell Pottery of Launceston to cart clay.

Oatlands made the perfect backdrop for the display and because we arrived early with the frost thick on the ground, I managed to get lots of photos before the crowds arrived.

How's this for a piece of branding!

Made by Ransomes don't you know...of Ipswich.

A beautifully made piece of equipment, not sure, but Craig and I speculated that it may have been a rock flicker type plough.

A wonderful day with more photos to bore you with another day.