Countrywoman's Guide

20/03/2024

A life in the country is often governed by the seasons.

Each one brings with it new opportunities, waves of work and of course, challenges. Life is much the same, we each go through different seasons at different times, we all know ourselves life is very rarely in full bloom all of the time, it is not sustainable, just as nature needs seasons of rest and recuperation through Autumn and Winter to recover, ready to bloom once more the following Spring and Summer so do we…

Holly Thomson interviews eloquent style icon, leading digital creator and now author, Lydia Millen following the launch of her debut book; Evergreen, a comforting guide to the seasons of nature and life.

Click the link below to read the interview, and grab yourself a copy of Evergreen. 🤎🌿

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/lifes-seasons-with-lydia-millen

17/03/2024

Helen Rebanks joined Holly for a Zoom chat recently to talk all about the often invisible life of farmer’s wives and her new book and Sunday Times Bestseller: The Farmer’s Wife 📖

A farmer’s wife is by definition just that. The wife of a farmer. Though many of us know that you, they, are much more than that. They are often at the helm of the family, organising, navigating storms, cleaning, caring and cooking. Wearing many hats, that of wife, full-time mother, friend, business partner, and too often their own hat is forgotten in the business of life as a farmer’s wife.

Read Helen’s interview and discover more about her brilliant book (the hardback of which sits proudly on Holly’s shelves) by clicking the link below: 🤎

https://open.substack.com/pub/countrywomansguide/p/helen-rebanks-the-invisible-life?r=2k57ns&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

First image credit: Imogen Whiteley 📸

08/03/2024

This is the first International Women’s Day since Emma and I launched CWG and started working together. 🤎

And so it’s also our first chance to celebrate all the incredible countrywomen who subscribe to CWG, who’ve shared their incredible stories with us and/or who follow us. You each inspire us in different ways.

We’ve so enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that coming together and uniting as business women has offered us both professionally and personally, and we cannot wait to continue creating something special for you all as Countrywoman’s Guide.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure so far. Today we’re celebrating country women for all their grit, compassion and resilience! 🤎

AND it gives us an excuse to share one of our favourite photos AND to shout of our brilliant photographer Rachel Collins Photography this day too! 📸

04/02/2024

Help us shape the future of Countrywoman’s Guide 🤎

Being in the infancy of CWG, gives us so much freedom and scope to evoke and mould the brand and our content offering to suit you, our readers.

You’re the core of the publication, the heart and soul of Countrywoman’s Guide. We want to create something that you not only enjoy and love reading and interacting with, but that you value as part of your life.

So, we have put together a short survey which we would be hugely grateful if you could fill in.

It shouldn’t take longer than 4 minutes (max) o your time, the perfect task with a freshly brewed cuppa in hand we reckon. ☕️

The link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W8C7SKF

Thank you in advance. Love Holly and Emma x

29/01/2024

Easing into the year…

Both Emma and I (Holly) approach January slightly differently, but a common theme of casting our eyes and imagination ahead is ever present.

Emma has written a piece over on CWG which we’d love for you to read. We’re talking future plans AND we’d be hugely appreciative IF you could take part in a short and sweet survey we’re putting together this week, which will go live on Sunday. The aim is to try and understand you guys a bit better, to discover what you’d like to see/read/experience from us and weave this into our plan.

After all, Countrywoman’s Guide really is about YOU. The country women. Our core goal was to bring countrywomen together through CWG, how we do that will naturally evolve and we’d love your input. 🤎

The link to the piece is below.

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/easing-into-the-year

Image taken by Rachel Collins Photography within one of the serene Blackdown Shepherd Huts - the ultimate place to switch off and goal set.

22/01/2024

Trees talk if only we listen, oh the stories they would tell if only they could.

I (Holly) wrote this piece over on my own personal Substack but felt it may be of interest to some of our CWG readers.

I adore trees for so many reasons, their raw and unwavering beauty throughout the seasons, the way the soar and tower above us, the richness in their age and subsequent history.

The fact it takes a tree so many years to grow into what we admire makes them all the more spectacular to me.

I may sound like a hippy-dippy tree hugger, and I’ll take it because I am captivated by these natural wonders. In this blog post I share a couple of lessons trees have taught me, from stopping to listen. 🌳 Click the link in our bio to read.

Image sourced via Unsplash.

19/01/2024

Something we are passionate about is bringing countrywomen together through the sharing of our stories and our growing community.

In adulthood, making new friendships and maintaining them can be difficult. The effortless ease of childhood friendships doesn’t quite work nowadays as life and its demands battle for our attention.

Tania Coxon, founder of the women’s country community and Holly touched on this in Tania’s recent interview with us. She shared these golden words of wisdom which we are passing on to you.

The start of a new year, is a great time to make moves towards finding new friends and people to surround yourself with. 🤎

16/01/2024

Have you got snow? How are you all managing in this latest cold snap?

The countryside always has a romance about it that draws you in, with picturesque views everywhere you look. Though, would you agree there is a different type of magic in the air when covered by a blanket of snow?

Whilst beautiful, we do appreciate and agree that working in it, is less than ideal! So, for those of you who are still tending to livestock or heading out to work, please go carefully and stay safe. ❄️🌨️

For Holly, these chilly mornings and days down the yard are mesmerising but colllllldddd 🥶 For Emma, at home, looks breathtaking and she couldn’t be blamed for sneaking into to one of the huts to hide away and thaw by one of the log burners. 🪵

Image of this winter rural scene sourced via Unsplash.

14/01/2024

Thought provoking words from this Sunday shared during our interview at her breathtaking rural home in Northumberland. 🤎

What do you think? 💭

12/01/2024

One common theme for 99% of our interview conversations is… a cuppa! ☕️

There’s a few reasons why this is such an integral part of our conversations;

1) It’s delicious, warming and often a welcome break from a long journey to see them.
2) It acts as a tool to help relax our guests if they’re a little nervous, having a cuppa in their hands gives them a small and simple distraction, something else to think about rather than our impending eyes and questions.
3) Great way to get the conversation going, who has sugar(s)? 🫖

What is your perfect cuppa?

Photos once again taken by during our interview with 📸

10/01/2024

Hannah Russell, award winning, best-selling children’s author, devout animal lover and down-right inspirational countrywoman, began her entrepreneurial journey back in 2014, at just aged 17.

Whilst Hannah’s writing career may have kicked off in 2014, like all the best success stories, the inspiration for this was found in the most unlikely of places…

“A lady pulled up to the gate whilst I was poo-picking the horses,” Hannah began sharing, “would you be interested in another horse? He’s about way-big and she showed me with her hands. She went on to explain how he’s super tiny because he’s got Dwarfism, was 7 months old, and had been rejected by his herd.”

Though her story has not been without its challenges. Hannah has battled a fractured spine and being diagnosed with Stage 3 Sarcoma cancer at 23 shortly before finding out she also had skin cancer!

Hannah is an incredible woman, who’s dared to dream and built a magical life for herself, Little Alf, her animals and her family. Click the link below to read her story:

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/dare-to-dream-you-could-up-somewhere?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=271q5r&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

Some thoughts for 2024 from our Emma…

Advice comes in many forms, but when it’s from people who have already trodden a path through adversity, it’s probably worth listening to.

Telling people’s real stories is an absolute passion for both of us, but I don’t think either of us predicted how much commonality there would be across the broad range of diverse people we spoke to.

Their stories were uniquely theirs, but without exception, they were all extremely humble about their achievements, absolutely candid about what it had taken them to get where they are and were willing to be vulnerable in sharing their story to help others better understand how changeable life can be.

Link in our bio to read the full piece or visit our stories 💌

01/01/2024

Happy birthday to our wild at heart 🤎 One half of our CWG duo.

Happy New Year to all of our readers and followers, we hope 2024 is everything you hope it to be.

We are so ready for inspiring new conversations and stories to share over the months to come!

Photo by our brilliant friend and photographer 📸

29/12/2023

What is your favourite tradition around Christmas time?

Emma and I share ours in our latest piece over on Countrywoman’s Guide. We would love for you to share yours over there, or in the comments below. 👇🏼

This is a photo of Emma’s gorgeous candlelit Christmas table, a much loved tradition that’s been introduced by Emma and Mr W.

Click the link below to read and discover Holly’s. 🎄

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/your-christmas-the-beauty-of-family

20/12/2023

Last interview of the year complete! ✅🎄 And what a conversation to end it on, thank you to Adam Henson for hosting us at his wonderful, festive Cotswold Farm Park where we discussed all things farming, entrepreneurship and the importance of TALKING about how we’re feeling with a focus on the Keeping On Track podcast. 🧠

Emma and I are both off to do some last minute Christmas shopping on our way home from the Cotswolds, back to Somerset and Sussex.

We’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible and inspiring conversations with people this year, and have felt immensely privileged to have been entrusted with some sensitive topics and brave admissions.

So looking forward to 2024 with CWG!

Have you subscribed yet? Click the link, we’d love you to join our growing community. 🤎

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com

15/12/2023

What I love most about sharing stories… 💭

“For me, it’s being able to create the space for people to feel seen and heard, to have their stories and voices crafted and cemented in time, through my writing, initially in print within the pages of In The Country but now digitally through Countrywoman’s Guide, where they’re evergreen and always available to inspire others or help those who read the stories feel seen and heard through being able to relate to the content.

I am also passionately curious about people, their stories, their lives, challenges and successes, being able to discover so many people’s story through our work at CWG only fuels this innate curiosity, in a way that’s turned interviewees into firm friends. That’s pretty special too!”

Words from one half of our co-founder duo.

To read the CWG stories so far, click the link in our bio. 🤎 Image by the brilliantly talented

08/12/2023

Countrywoman’s Guide 🤎 What is it?

We realised we haven’t really revisited what we’re about since we first launched. In the chaos that was The Journey we sort of forgot and just kept our feet on the pedals!

CWG is a digital first title focused on sharing real-life, authentic and honest stories of people living, working in or who have a genuine passion for the countryside and our cherished way of life.

Co-founded by Holly Thomson (me)
and Emma Warren 🌳 We are at two different points in life, I am in my late 20s whilst Emma is in her mid 50s, yet it’s a perfect balance that represents the reality of rural life.

We publish our stories on our digital Substack home and love love love the platform!

For now, it is free to subscribe, read and receive our stories so come on over and join our growing community of countrywomen by clicking 👇🏼

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com

Photo by Rachel Collins 📸

05/12/2023

December in the countryside, an update from Sussex and Somerset. ❄️

Whilst it heralds the season of Christmas preparations, December is a wholesome and busy month whether in the countryside or not.

Like many, and myself are grappling to stay ahead with our respective live and work, all whilst at the same time running Father Christmas’ errands ahead of the big day, tending to our animals all of which require a little extra work at this time of year and writing for CWG!

Click the link in our bio for a little update. 🎁

Photo 1) Unsplash, 2) , 3) Holly’s own!

22/11/2023

Talking cow crushing, courage and compassion with Louise Coster. 💛

Louise, also known as is a vibrant, hardworking country loving Beatkeeper in a prestigious sporting Estate in the wilds of Somerset with one hell of a story to share and it’s one that combines both adversity and triumph in the most empowering way.

Louise’s life changed in the blink of an eye, unexpectedly through a freak cow crushing accident.

Her full story is live now on our Substack, click the link in the below to read:

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/cow-crushing-courage-and-compassion

As always our subscribers have received this direct to their inbox, it’s free. 💌

First image credit 📸

15/11/2023

With such a powerhouse lady coming along to photograph parts of our recent ‘Journey’, we couldn’t resist turning the tables on and interviewing her…

If you’ve ever had those times of self-doubt and haven’t quite known what to do, this is a must-read interview for you.

Rachel is a wise lady and her insight into regaining control of the reins, personally and professionally is inspiring to say the least.

As always, hit the link in profile to read.

📸

10/11/2023

Thanks to we have two strawberry infused feel-good recipes for you to enjoy over the coming months 🍓

Now live on our CWG Substack, our free subscribers will have received this little gem straight to their inboxes 💌 You can click the link in our bio to read OR head to our stories!

Thanks again to Annabel and to for reaching out to us with this!

08/11/2023

When I first learnt about Saturn Returns it felt like an ah-hah moment, I felt like I had some perspective to my internal struggles, gave me that. ✨

“How open to astrology are you?” I remember her asking me, at this point I was willing to welcome the woo-woo of it might help alleviate some of the pressure and lack of direction I’d been experiencing.

Our latest Substack post is now live and you can discover your Human Design and what Saturn Returns might mean for you 🪐 Click the link below to read:

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/discover-your-human-design-and-what

Sign up for free to receive our posts before anyone else, direct to your inbox. 💌

05/11/2023

“You can’t go back to the person you were before…” , founder of the now international The Ladies Working Dog Group Group shares as we explore the life haunting impact of being told not only did she have a brain tumour, but that she needed a high risk operation to remove it within a matter of days… the first time.

Dogs and her late-father lovingly helped her navigate the now Jo, leaving ‘her’ behind. 🐾

Read Jo’s incredible story on our Substack now, by clicking the link below. 💌

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/learning-to-live-with-the-stone-in

Our free subscribers will receive this direct to their inbox before anyone else.

22/10/2023

For as long as 700 years, these majestic marvels have existed at Chillingham, but their story is fascinating and one rich in mystery...

Have you heard of The Wild Cattle of Chillingham ?

This formidable herd of cattle roam freely within the 300 plus acre park overlooking the rolling Cheviot Hills and have existed here for up to 700 years!

These cattle are unlike any of the 800 breeds of commercial cattle and are survivors of their ancient ancestors who once freely roamed Britain’s forests and parkland, both in their behaviours, characteristics but most interestingly genetically.

Their genome is not closely related to any other breed of cattle to date and are extensively in**ed with an up to 92% similarity in animals.

How they are still here and thriving today is both a marvel and a mystery…

Click the link below to find out more and to sign up (for free) to our Substack to receive the latest articles direct to your inbox. 💌

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/the-mysterious-medieval-cattle-of

Photo credit to Rick Waddington 📸

———

If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland OR are looking for a destination for a long weekend this Autumn, then definitely check out Chillingham Manor NEXT DOOR to Chillingham’s Wild Cattle. Mhairi’s home is beautiful and she is a wonderful host. Not an ad* just a glowing recommendation. 🤎

20/10/2023

Holly’s hearty vegetable soup 🥕🍏

A rich and delicious recipe to comfort you after a day out in the cold and/or wet weather this season!

Our Substack free subscribers will have received this hearty recipe direct to their inbox, you can find it live now on our CWG Substack, just click the link:

https://countrywomansguide.substack.com/p/hollys-hearty-vegetable-soup-recipe

18/10/2023

If you’re in business, thinking about starting a business, or just want to read about a really inspiring business, don’t miss out on the article we’ve just sent out to our subscribers.

are one of the must-visit stands on the Country Shows Circuit.

Founded by Chris and his wife Melanie, (in the days when the only pitter patter of tiny feet in the workshop was the sound of Melanie popping out for a late night takeaway to sustain their late-night working) are known for their traditionally-made, stylish and classic leather belts and accessories.

But was the road to success paved with gold for them, or have there been a few skinned knees along the way?

You can click on the link below to find out.

https://open.substack.com/pub/countrywomansguide/p/behind-the-scenes-withmackenzie-and?r=2k57ns&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

(PS : You don’t have to have a Substack account to read)

18/10/2023

Well, it’s been a hot minute!

After the whirlwind that was the September Journey, landing back into our busy lives has been all consuming.

Add in a few changes at the livery yard (Holly) and a nasty bout of covid (Emma) and it’s amazing how time can fly by!

In between times, we’ve been writing up interviews and getting content ready to share with you and tonight will see the next article going out to our subscribers.

We know that many of you run businesses, so as part of our Journey, we wanted to get behind the scenes with some of the brands that you know and love.

So we were delighted when Melanie, co-founder of agreed to chat to us about the realities of starting and growing a business and a family.

If you sign up as a subscriber on our link in profile, each article will come straight to your inbox as they’re released.

📸

10/10/2023

Never underestimate the power of a cuppa ☕️

This still has us reeling from The Journey and the series of incredible interviews we had.

I’m writing this post after feeling inspired by ITV’s advert I saw last night.

One thing Emma and I noticed is before every conversation we were offered a cup of tea or coffee. I believe this was for two reasons:

1) Our interviewees were generous hosts.
2) A cuppa seems to give us the comfort, reassurance and confidence to talk.

So today, as we are all living our own lives, with our own perks and pitfalls, if you can, stop and ask someone if they’d like a cuppa. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, a colleague, an employee, a family member or even a complete stranger if you’re feeling brave.

And instead of setting it down beside them and carrying on with your day, stop and ask them, how their day is going? Are they doing alright?

And if you’re alone, with no one to make a cup of something warm for, stop what you’re doing, and make yourself one. Sit with your thoughts for a while. Maybe think about what you’ve achieved so far, what you’d like to achieve in the future or what’s good in your world instead of dwelling on the inevitable worries we all have like bills, or having people (or animals) reliant on you.

You’re doing fine, whatever you’re doing.

Photo credit: who’s hands (and BRILLIANT jumper) you can see and who was the woman with the camera 📸

01/10/2023

WE’RE DONE… for now. The Landy has been parked up, I’m back in West Sussex, Emma is home in Somerset and normality resumes.

What a whirlwind of a month we’ve had, this photo of us laughing with Maddie Beaumont of sums up so much of these past few weeks: connecting with countrywomen across the country, laughing, sharing stories and so much more!

Whilst we both reflect on an unforgettable experience, we thank you all for your support and donations towards our two charities and 🌾 We have decided to keep our Just Giving page open as we set to writing up the rest of the conversations we’ve had, ready to share their stories with you in the coming weeks.

Thank you to for capturing this brilliant moment. 📸

I can speak for us both, confidently, when I say, we are so looking forward to sharing more of the past few weeks on the road with you!

For now, head to the link in our bio and make sure you’re signed up to our Substack so you don’t miss an update. 💌