[SimonD]

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put this as i'm not actually selling anything, but I have a book just published called, The Self Sufficiency Bible - it keeps flashing up in the Amazon banner at the top of the page so i'm hoping the powers that be won't be too upset if i come out as the author.

It's a great book with loads of tips and heaps of enthusiasm for a very homely self sufficient lifestyle, no matter if you live in a flat or a rambling old farmhouse in acres of land. 

If you get a chance, please check it out, or if you want to pm me before you buy, please do (sadly i don't have any copies to sell personally as they're all through the publisher - but the Amazon price is a really good one).

I've had some great reviews on Amazon, and some very nice friends read it and gave me quotes for the cover including Gary Rhodes, Dick Strawbridge and Adam Henson from BBC1's Countryfile.

Simon Dawson

[doganjo]

There's another with a similar name - don't confuse them - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Sufficient-ish-Bible-Andy-Hamilton/dp/0340951028/ref=ed_oe_p

[SimonD]

Thanks doganjo, yeah, mine's just the plain old Self Sufficiency Bible, the one with the four different colours on the front - just click on the Amazon link at the top or bottom of the page and it's right there.

[plumseverywhere]

I'm going to order it Simon - will look forward to reading it. gone are the days of reading trashy novels in bed, nowadays I look forward to smallholding manuals!!

[SimonD]

I'm going to order it Simon - will look forward to reading it. gone are the days of reading trashy novels in bed, nowadays I look forward to smallholding manuals!!

Ha-ha, i know the feeling!

[valr]

Hi Simon congrats on getting published! I will definitely check out your book.
Can I ask what kind of pigs you have and what you do with them? 

[SimonD]

Can I ask what kind of pigs you have and what you do with them? 

Hi Valr,

I mainly keep Berkshire pigs (I also have a Saddleback sow), as i really get on well with them, and currently have five breeding sows and a very handsome dude (boar) called, The General.  They run in the woods and have huge big pens, live in communities and family groups for between 8 months to a year.  Then they go off.  We do all our own butchery and processing, and use every bit, including the blood for black pudding.  We make faggots with the offal, brawn with the head, sausages, burgers, cure our own bacon, make fresh and dried chiritzo, um, pretty much anything you can do with pork, we do.  Sadly though our pork is all pre sold, so we don't have any for sale.

If anyone is interesting in some really lovely pork though, I'm sure some of the members of this site will be able to help (I'm only a newby, but i have looked at the website to JulieS and i bet her pork is stunning!).

Do you keep pigs yourself?

Simon

[valr]

Not a bit wasted! Impressive. No, sadly I don't have space for pigs but would like to get some one day!

[plumseverywhere]

Hello Simon

well, the book arrived only yesterday and today I had to have a lie-in because I just couldnt' put it down last night so was still reading till the early hours!!!
its brilliant. I love the layout as you can either read it cover to cover or pick up an put down and use as a reference as and when needed. its clear and concise and the tips of veggie growing are aimed at my level (novice!!) and there's no complicated language - perfect.

I really felt like I was sat talking to you rather than reading a book at times. still much to go back and read and I will leave it out for Tony too as the section on wine making will be right up his street.

loved the opening pages too - very funny and not too disimilar to how we ended up with a small holding!

well done 

LIsa   

[suziequeue]

Well - I have just bought the book on Amazon.

Sorry Simon but I bought a used copy. I can't bear to buy new books these days

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Susanna

[knightquest]

I got the book a couple of days ago and I love it.

Already made myself some deodorant and used it today. Had a game of golf and moved near two ton of dog food and Diane tells me that it has worked...........it's been a hot day too 

Also made some fizz bombs for Di's bath so we'll see how they work out tomorrow I guess.

Ian

[suziequeue]

Really excellent book. I'm going to start growing wheat and making my own flour next!! :-))

Really very readable.

Thanks

Susanna