Grandad Butler
Throstle Nest Farm
Tom Butler is now proud to be in his 70’s but has no intention of retiring. “I’d prefer to drop dead in the harness” was his retort to such a suggestion!
Commonly known to the family as Grandad Butler, Tom and his wife Jean now live at Throstle Nest Farm – which is also home to the unique and characterful maturing barn for all of the rinded cheeses.
Born on Lower Barker Farm, now directly opposite Inglewhite Dairy, Tom lived and farmed there until he was 65, initially helping his parents Richard and Annie, then latterly running the farm himself. At 65 years old, he handed over the reins to his son Andrew.
A couple of miles up the lane, Throstle Nest Farm, with delightful stone buildings dating back to the 1600s, is now home to the “maiden heifers” which will be the future dairy cows at Lower Barker Farm – the future of the Butlers brand!
Tom thoroughly enjoys this important role and can still be seen ambling around the farm tending to the animals with Jess the dog, in the straw hat that he had when he was a young man.
Jean meanwhile has something much more important on her mind – the beautiful gardens that she keeps in this most idyllic Lancashire hide-away. With no shortage of favourite corners it is easy to see why she wants to spend so much time in them.
