This has little to do with Sticks, but please check out Big Picture VHS on my 'Links' page at the bottom.  You will see an amazing nostalgic gift idea, suitable for all occasions and recipients.  You may even want one for yourself! They are 'Out of this World'.  Please be sure to check them out.

There seems to be some misunderstanding over the use of horns.  Ebay have prohibited the sale of Ram's Horn on it's platform, along with any products made from it.  Although the UK has an extensive population of sheep they have identified Ram's as being an endangered species. They refused to listen to any reasoning and stood by their decision. Ram's Horns would otherwise go to waste when an animal enters the food chain. The same applies to Buffalo Horn, which is mostly sourced from India or China where vast numbers are used for work and food, and their horns would be wasted.  Deer Antler is similar to bone and is shed naturally every year ready for a new set to grow.  As a result there is a plentiful supply.  Horn handles, like timber ones, are made from a recycled natural, sustainable material and are a lasting legacy from the animal that provided them.

 You may be considering purchasing a Stick to enhance your daily exercise walk.  My wife and I are staying at home and only occasionally venture out to our allotment, which is only metres away.  We are fortunate to already have a regular delivery slot in place for our groceries.  We are scrupulously adhering to all the government advice and instructions to stay safe.  Before this worrying situation arose I already had a substantial stock of materials and packaging, which removes the need to order any more in.  All my Sticks are sent with Parcel Force who are operating a contactless delivery policy.  Please order with confidence or contact me with any questions for reassurance.
 The cheeky Sparrow Hawk in the picture has been 'stocking up' with small birds from our feeders.  
​                                                                    KEEP SAFE, KEEP WELL!

    I was privileged to hear from a customer this week who had bought one of my Ram's Horn Crooks as a replacement. His much treasured Crook had been presented to him by Prince Charles.  An opportunist thief stole it when he momentarily leaned it against his car at a very respectable event.  It had a Thistle carved on the nose and an engraved Solid Silver Collar. The assumption is that the reprobate  who stole it will have the inscription polished out and use the Stick themselves, or sell it on. If any one has any information or if the criminal perhaps has second thoughts, please contact me, or if you are the latter, send the Crook to me anonymously, I will ensure it is reunited with it's rightful owner. 

    I received an order today for 20 Buffalo Horn Crooks, 13 Ram's Horn Market Sticks and 20 Cow Horn Knob Sticks with novelty resin tops.  The customer was located in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.  Thank goodness I no longer send to addresses outside of the United Kingdom.

      Today I took delivery of some splendid Ram's Horn.  They came all the way down from the Isle of Mull.  I'm hoping I can do them justice and create some equally splendid Crooks.

Every now and again I send a stick to a destination, or customer, that conjures up a intriguing image of it in use. About a year ago the wife of the owner of Duntrune Castle ordered a stick for her husband, the head of the Malcolm Clan. The castle was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest continuously occupied castles in Scotland.  It is supposedly haunted by a piper who met a gruesome end and whose skeleton was discovered during repairs to the castle.
I was lucky enough to sell a Crook to the current Duke of Wellington and was asked to send it to Apsley House his address in Piccadilly.  The three Buffalo Horn Crooks that feature as the header on the 'Crook' page were made extra long to be used as Croziers. They were ordered by a lady Bishop in America ahead of her ordination.  She was coming over to stay in London, visiting Derbyshire to have her vestments fitted.  She travelled out of London and I picked her up from our local station, she selected an additional three sticks and I took her back to the station with a very large package.
Today I have dispatched two sticks to the Duke of Roxburghe at Floors Castle in the Scottish borders. What an impressive destination that is, a really spectacular house and estate.  I feel very honoured and humble that people get attached to their sticks using them in in a whole range of wonderful locations.      

I really must get on and replenish my stock of Ram's Horn Crooks now. I have a delivery of seasoned horns on the way to boost my depleted numbers, so I've no excuse. Good crop of onions though, keep us going through the winter. The Kite above the allotments looks as if he is choosing his dinner too!