After two TV series and two films I sometimes wonder if the James Herriot books themselves get overlooked. Anyone stopping at the screen versions of the stories is really missing a treat.

The books have been described as having a mixture of ‘Warmth, Wisdom and Wit‘. We all know how warm and witty the stories are, the (late) Queen Elizabeth II said they were the only books that made her ‘laugh out loud’. But what about Wisdom? Well, I am minded to think that some of the stories contain a very strong element of Wisdom. In fact, I wonder if Alf Wight might have included some chapters especially to emphasise some of the lessons in life that we all come across and have to deal with.

Here a a few that stand out to me….

Compassion

‘When Blossom comes home’ [Vets might Fly] Farmer Daykin saves his old favourite cow from the knacker man Mallock. In another chapter a farmer carries hay through the fields every day come rain or shine to feed his retired old working horses. And then in another chapter the lads at the Fox and Hounds Pub club together to pay for Alberts dog ‘awd Mick’ to have an eye operation to fix Keratitis . The dog that’s “allus been subjeck to it“.

These are all uplifting lessons on the power of compassion. It is a precious gift, both to those giving it and also to those receiving it. And it can often be found in the most unlikely places and circumstances.

Determination

The story of Terry Watson and his cow in ‘It shouldn’t happen to a Vet’ shows how determination pays off. Terrys cow has mastitis for which James prescribed ’rubbing and stripping’. So Terry gets on and works on it right through the night. When James drops round early in the morning he discovers Terry has been working all night and he advises him to take a rest but instead Terry sets off to do a full days work!

Just like Terry we are sometimes called to put in an ’extra shift’ and find that determination.

Mental Health

One chapter is centred on Paul Cotterells dog Theo, the ’pub terrier’ that sat by his bar stool in the pub. This is perhaps one of the most important chapters of all because it addresses a topic that affected Alf in his own life… maybe even inspired the inclusion of the story?

James starts out admiring Paul Cotterells apparent calm and measured approach to life. And he marvels at his calm reaction when his beloved dog Theo has to be put down. Paul doesn’t show his anguish at the time but sadly he takes his own life afterwards and it is revealed that he suffered from bad depression.

This story shows that people aren’t necessarily what you see on the outside. Mental Health is often ‘invisible’ to others. These days there is much more help and recognition around Mental Health thank goodness. Alf himself was able to get help from those around him when he himself suffered from depression. He is a great example of how you can come through a mental health crisis with the right help and support.

And if anyone reading this is struggling then talk to someone and get help just like Alf did. Or contact one of the many organisations that can help such as http://www.mind.org.uk

Wealth and happiness

In chapter 30 of ’it shouldn’t Happen to a vet’ we meet the Taverners and Rudds. The Taverners are very wealthy but the kind hearted father is berated by his precocious daughter and disrespectful wife. In stark contrast, on the very next visit, he meets the Rudds who are very poor. James finds that they are content with their simple life. The daughter shows her love and respect for her father by cycling to the nearest village to buy him a bottle of Guinness. Pondering the stark contrast of these two families James Herriot decides that, given the choice, he would prefer the Guinness.

This touching story is one of my favourites because it illustrates that wealth does not necessarily buy happiness and contentment.

Love and courtship

The courtship, love and marriage of James and Helen is a strong feature in the books and spans several chapters. It is also a highlight of both TV series.

It illustrates that the course of love is seldom easy or predictable. The awkward first dates. Other girl and boyfriends getting in the way. Meeting the parents etc. The books describes a simple wedding. No flashy ceremony and reception. No elaborate stag and hen do’s. No exotic honeymoons. It is a true Love story. And it all reminds me of the famous Corinthians ‘Love’ verse; Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

Yes, the James Herriot stories describe a traditional courtship and a true and touching love story between Alf and Joan which stood the test of time.

Kindness

A story in ‘Let sleeping vets lie’ describes a visit to a gruff and ungrateful farmer early on Christmas morning. It looked set to spoil Christmas for James. But soon after there was another visit to a Mr Kirby whose goat has eaten his summer underwear! They laughed and he kindly invited James to enjoy a slice of Christmas cake, cheese and a whisky. This causes James to cheer up and forget about the previous visit.
All of us meet unkind people from time to time. But kindness always wins out in the end.

Disappointment

The story of Frank Metcalfe is a touching story that reminds us that things don’t always work out as we want. Frank Metcalfe worked in a steelworks on Teesside but dreamed of being a farmer. He took on a farm in the Dales and worked so hard to make it work. He became friends with Herriot as he built his herd and farm up. But his herd got infected with brucellosis which stops cattle calving successfully. Despite Herriot’s best efforts, no cure is found and Franks cows slowly die. The final sad scene on the original TV episode shows Frank calling in at Skeldale House and telling Herriot that he was selling the farm. Alf returned to Frank’s farm later after new people had bought the farm. Poor Frank’s new cow byre that he had built himself was now just used to store feed etc. for the new owners animals. Alf writes “It was all that was left of a man’s dream”.

Sometimes life just deals us a bad hand. Things don’t always work out. We have to dust ourselves down and move on.

Thank you Noreen Mcglen for reminding me of this sad story and how beautifully Alf described it in the books.

Your thoughts…?

These stories represent the Wisdom of Alf Wight. Have you got a favourite chapter? Or one that has a special meaning to you?