End of an Era - The Charman’s leave Southwater

By the time you read this we will have said Goodbye to the last remaining livestock farm in Southwater.  Great House Farm, in the centre of what was once a small village, is being gradually taken over by Berkley Homes to make way for the new housing.  No more the sound of cows calling to their calves, no more the sweet smell of manure being spread on the fields to improve the pasture. No more the neatly trimmed hedges we have been used to seeing and, indeed, in time there may be no more hedges at all, which will be a great shame for the birds and wildlife.

Aubrey Charman at the farm in 1969

Great House Farm has been tenanted by the Charman family for over 200 years through five generations, the current tenants being Barry Charman and his wife Freda who, on retirement, would have handed the farm on to Owen and Adam, two of their three sons but sadly this is not to be.  It was Barry’s father, Aubrey Charman, who created the milking herd, building it up to 100 head of pedigree Friesian cattle.  Barry took over the farm in the 1970s when Aubrey retired. 

Aubrey continued to be active in Southwater where he was born and grew up.  He was a staunch member of the local church and sang in the choir for many years.  One of the stained glass windows in the church depicts three of the farms that were active in Southwater: Great House, Easteds and The Chase. Aubrey passed away in 2011 at the grand old age of 101.   

Barry and Owen in 2012

Great House farmhouse itself dates back to the 16th century, probably being built on the site of an earlier building, as continuous occupancy of the site can be traced back to the 13th century.  There have been several additions and improvements over the centuries to result in the picturesque building we all see today.  The house itself  is Grade II* listed, which means that it cannot be demolished, extended or altered without special permission via a planning application to the Secretary of State, neither can its’ setting be encroached upon.  Let us hope that Berkley Homes are aware of these regulations and respect them.

Earlier this century, when milking a relatively small herd of 100 cows became unprofitable, Barry decided to make the change to beef farming.  Together with his sons he has now built up a naturally reared beef herd and a successful business selling to local outlets and the public.  Owen, his wife and two children and Adam and his wife-to-be, together with all the cattle and farm machinery have now relocated to a similar size farm  in Scotland where they can continue their love of the land and farming without fear of their farm being built over.  Barry and Freda will follow them shortly and hopefully the Charman name can live on as successful farmers in Scotland.

We wish Barry, Freda and their family every success and happiness in their new venture.