Les and Michael Musgrove are willow growers from Westonzoyland. They own around fifty acres of willow beds near Langport. Ninety percent of the willow they grow is Black Maul. This variety is popular with basket-makers as its generally seen as being the best working willow. The men use a small machine to cut the willow, which was traditionally cut by hand. As long as willow baskets continue to be made, both men see a future in the industry.
Somerset Voices: Les (b.1928) & Michael (b.1969) Musgrove
May 19, 2009 at 4:00 am (Biography, History)
Tags: Les Musgrove, Michael Musgrove, Somerset, Westonzoyland
Somerset Voices: Wallace Musgrave (b.1912)
May 16, 2009 at 4:00 am (History)
Tags: Aller Moor, Middlezoy, Somerset, Stoke St Gregory, Wallace Musgrave, Westonzoyland
Wallace Musgrave was a member of the Musgrave basket-making family of Stoke St Gregory, a village at the heart of the Somerset Levels. He made baskets and worked for the Drainage Board around Aller Moor, Middlezoy and Westonzoyland. Mr Musgrave attended Drainage Board meetings and collected rent from farmers; he was an expert on the history of drainage on the Levels.
