Shepherd David's life is an open book!

2:00pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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AN Ibthorpe woman has finally published the life story-so-far of her husband - after many years of encouragement by her friends and neighbours.

Eileen Sullivan, from Horseshoe Lane, began writing about her husband David's life as a shepherd about 12 years ago.

She decided to compile the life story because many of her friends said she should write some of David's stories down.

"David has always been a shepherd and a story teller," said Eileen, aged 72.

"Everyone kept on at us saying we should put pen to paper with his stories and I've always been a great fan of writing so I thought oh why not'."

Eileen signed up for Andover Writers' Group to begin writing The Sheep's in the Meadow . . . Hopefully! and has never looked back. "David is quite bashful about the whole thing but he's thrilled it's all been written down for others to enjoy," she said.

David, aged 67, is pleased his wife has managed to complete her ambition of writing a book.

"She was almost dancing on the kitchen table when she had the finished product in her hand," he said. "I have to admit I do feel quite humbled that people wanted to read about my life and my interests in sheep farming.

"It was just something I wanted to do ever since I was a boy."

Encouragement for Eileen to become serious about her writing came when she was given several compliments for her articles in her parish magazine.

"I've had things published in the parish magazine, Farmers' Weekly and the Daily Mail," she said.

"It's nice when people come up to you to say they really enjoyed one of your articles."

David and Eileen, who have been married for 47 years, have spent their lives involved in sheep farming as well as the community.

While living in Hurstbourne Tarrant David has been lay pastor, school governor and delegate to the British Wool Marketing Board and he is currently parish council chairman.

"This book just tells the story from when David was a young boy and it just emphasises how much he adores sheep farming," added Eileen.

The Sheep's in the Meadow . . . Hopefully! costs £9.95 and is available at Hurstbourne Tarrant post office or from the Sullivans themselves on 01264 736514.