The Apple That Didn't Fall Far From The Tree
I recall how Craig Rattray would show me – and his kids – how to part the wool, hands out-splayed, to see the fineness or crimp of the fleece, and to grab it to feel the spring and oiliness or yolk. He’d point out to us the differences between the Brahman cows and the Herefords regarding the number of ticks they were burdened with and how the ticks could affect the skins or hides. With the odd cattle hide pegged out on the ground behind the stables, being salted and scraped, he’d tell us what and why this was necessary to make good bridles, reins, or riems or whatever.
She has gone into the leather industry making beautiful world-class quality handbags.
When we had lunch at Springvale, after working with his cattle, or gelding colts or testing rams, our conversation – after I’d inquired of the children how school and sports were doing - would invariably filtrate back to farm stuff.
The price per kg for weaners, the disappointing wool clip of last season, how much time there was left to get the polo ponies fit for the up-coming polo test series against the Argentinians, the surge in price for quality cattle hides …. that sort of thing.
The Rattray children have all grown up with families of their own today, 2020. What has really been thrilling is that one of Craig and Tony’s daughters, Corrieann, has developed her own business, obviously using her childhood teaching from her dad, and the artistic talent of her mum. She has gone into the leather industry making beautiful world-class quality handbags. As I wrote, this apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree!
The company is named Clan Rattray Bag Co. and that says it all.
- Tod Collins
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