Blast from the past: A turf fire was truly hearth-warming
The inclement weather of recent days will have had many of us cranking up the thermostat on our central heating.
But before double-glazing, electric blankets and well-insulated homes, folk, in rural areas especially, would huddle round an open turf fire for warmth,
In recent times, turf (or peat) may have fallen out of favour due to environmental concerns, but many of us will have fond childhood memories of the black stuff, of sitting in front of the cradling warmth of an open turf fire, or the range, drinking stewed tea with some equally stewed old relative (for turf and whiskey were perfect partners), telling stories about walking to school in their bare feet, carrying a sod of turf for the classroom fire.
Those involved in the process of ‘footing’ turf from the bog will recall the laborious, back-breaking work, which was rewarded by being eaten alive by midges and clegs, then stacking the rough hand-cut sods in an outhouse to fuel the winter months.
The sweet aromatic smell of turf is truly intoxicating. It speaks of thatched cottages and simpler times. Of wild nature and cosy indoors. So evocative is the scent, that people try to recreate it with ‘turf-scented candles’ and room sprays, proof, if any were needed, of our burning desire for nostalgia.