Countryside questions, tips and expert answers | The Field

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Country Queries

How to get rid of ants

This year we have been plagued by ants, in particular flying ants. At one stage we had three flying ants' nests in the house. How can I prevent a repeat as I believe ants won't do a timber-framed house any good?
BST, by email Read more

Where can I buy a men's cashmere mix roll neck?

Years ago I bought a roll- neck sweater made from 70% cashmere and 30% silk by Johnstons of Elgin. I have tried quite hard to buy a similar cashmere mix sweater but up to now without success. Could you give me details of a firm that can help?
JVanL, by email Read more

Where to service a vintage watch

I would like to have a decent vintage watch serviced and repaired so I can give it to my grandson. Do you know a vintage watch repair specialist?
WH, London Read more

How to repair a moth eaten Musto

I would be most grateful for some help. My second skin for the winter is a Musto Highland shooting coat, which I have had for many years. Over the summer months it appears to have been eaten by moths or other vermin. Is there anyone who could repair this Musto coat?
HFT, Northumberland Read more

An ideal walking cane or umbrella

Our shoot is very keen to present a gift to a member who is moving away. He has been an excellent and amusing part of our team and will be greatly missed, not just for his excellent choice of whisky. I have been searching for a smart walking cane or superior gentleman's umbrella at various country shows but no walking canes or umbrellas quite hit the mark. Any suggestions?
AJS, The Wirral Read more

Shotguns: to break or not to break

Have safety practices with shotguns changed over the years? I refer to the cover of the June issue of The Field. Her Majesty has a gentleman with a closed shotgun on her right and, it would seem, another behind her. Today when in company it is expected that a shotgun should be kept open thereby indicating it is safe. This cover photograph frightens me. Please tell me I am wrong.
JSMB, by email Read more

How to separate a stuck fishing rod

A few months ago I lent my wife a favourite carbon fishing rod while loch-fishing in Scotland. The fishing rod tip separated from the base section and a well-meaning gillie joined the pieces together again. Unfortunately, the two rod sections still remain together after six months despite brute force, ignorance and several old wives' solutions. Can anybody provide some advice on how the two sections can be separated safely?
DS, Devon Read more

How to deter magpies

Over the past 10 years I have become increasingly beset by magpies. Do you know of any solutions to deter magpies rather than a hands-on method to trap them?
DB, by email Read more

The best clothes brush to clean a hunt coat

I am struggling to find a clothes-brush to clean my hunt coat, which is often very muddy (although last winter was much kinder than most). Do you know a company that can provide an appropriate clothes-brush?
JCC, Hants Read more

Where to find a speed loader

My father saw a speed-loader in a magazine around Christmas time. I believe the speed-loader looked like a rope that had been joined together at its ends, then you slipped it over your head and it hung by your side. Can you help?
CH, by email Read more