Coulton Mill

11/06/2026

The first electric lighting to be installed at Coulton Mill in 750 years is still here. The aluminium fittings, made by the Glaswegian firm of J & G Coughtrie, were the preferred lighting for most farms in the Howardian Hills in the post war period. The firm was established in 1939 and combined striking Bauhaus design with simplicity and function.

I was both fascinated and excited to find out that the firm still exists, producing the same designs on the same machinery. They refurbish lights, so a trip to Glasgow is in order very soon!

Trusted, Timeless & Enduring Industrial Lighting J&G Coughtrie https://share.google/ocvknDG57hjjWre8g

07/06/2026

I have comissioned this artist, Elliot Harrison, to help me with a very special project. All will be revealed in due course but for now let's just say some really wonderful.progress is being made!

Byland Abbey 📷
Cycling this morning on a 40km loop around the beautiful Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire.
Bransby > Coxwold > Byland Abbey > Wass > Ampleforth > Oswaldkirk > Hovingham > Snargate Hill 🚲
I can recommend this scenic route and great road surfaces (unlike York!)

I quickly stopped here to take some photos and of the The Abbey Inn, Byland Abbey for a new drawing coming later this year.
I have great memories of dining at the Abbey Inn and must return for a pint soon and sit in the beer garden and enjoy this great view.

06/06/2026

The Hovingham Village Market I am back at my wonderful local market in Hovingham. Today I am sharing the stall with one of my neighbours, Birkdale Farm from Terringtin, regenerative farmers, who make fabulous charcoal using the age old traditional method.

02/06/2026

Another great school visit today. We worked on the apple trees and talked about soil, testing different parts of the orchard.

Many people aspire to gold; its shiny and doesn't rust but taste it and the enthusiasm wanes. Soil, on the other hand, is the basis of our existence and society. Look after it and we live long, healthy lives; disregard it and we lose everything.

30/05/2026

Market dates for June:

06 The Hovingham Village Market
07. Real Markets Ilkley
14 Real Markets Bedale
28 Real Markets Ripley Castle

June is the calm before the busy storm of summer!

29/05/2026

It's the wonderful Ripley Castle Market again this Sunday!

22/05/2026

Malton Market Place on Saturday, Ripon Market Place on Sunday and Monday- its going to be a busy Bank Hiliday Weekend for Coulton Mill Cyder!

16/05/2026

OTLEY SHOW 215 years ago the Wharfedale Agricultural Society had their first show. They have had one every year since then.

It feels wonderful to be on the Agricultural Show circuit once again!

13/05/2026

It was great to host Ryedale School again to help maintain the orchard and learn about it's biodiversity. The orchard is a special place for me, made so much more when shared with a new generation.

12/05/2026

Wonderful words from David Attenborough and exactly how I feel.

Today Coulton Mill will host another school visit to look at tree carre and natural diversity in the orchard.