LK.
Whilst my old man (and mother) were teetotal I didnt mention my Grandpa and Grandma (on my mothers side), who had a pub (Bulls Head) in a little village called Monyash in Derbyshire (Eng.)
He was also a great poacher who taught me how to set snickles and where to dig and set a mole trap. He would be up before daylight and off with his 12 bore, returning with a brace of ducks for my sister and me to pluck.
He also taught us how to milk the cow, and I would watch him stick a pig collecting the blood to make his black pudding. He cured his own bacon, I remember a lot of saltpetre being used. Baked gammon was one of our favorite meals.
As children, my sister and I had some wonderful adventures in that place. The inn was built in the 1600's, a thatched roof and passages within the walls with access through panels into the bedrooms for the chambermaids. (Enid Blyton stuff) The only water came from a well near the back door and the loo was a 2 seater pit!
Perhaps that partly explains my penchant!
mikel

I have had the privilege of a conducted tour thru mikel's sheds, I've fondled his little black pots and admired his collection of traps 'n bits and pieces picked up in the outback, a blokey thing sure but for anyone with an interest in these things pretty bloody good.

poddy dodger