Skills

[Scroobius]

Hi all, been lurking here a while and taking note of all the prep in terms of things that has been mentioned but just wondered what sort of skills do you think would be good to acquire? I'm a give anything a go but not particularly master of anything apart from playing music tbh so I fear I wouldn't be much use in an actual crisis. I'm thinking of situations ranging from a minor power cut to complete breakdown of world order (dramatic I know but I am an incredibly anxious person)

Nobody has to be good at everything. Even in less technologically advanced societies, there were always people locally who had 'a way' with certain things or had learned a trade - informal barter was much freer and widely used - so I wouldn't knock the playing of music if I were you. People will always need some ceremonial or some cheering up.

How are you around the house on the day to day stuff?

Not too bad with organising the house but practical DIY things I just tend to get it wrong.

That's likely lack of experience or lack of the right tools.

You're doing well by just thinking about it. That's the big thing in my experience - that and challenging yourself.

I have been working on upping my sewing and knitting skills. My DP has been to some bike mechanic lessons, he can now fix all our bikes for just the price of parts. Bikes could be very useful for transport, so I think it's a great skill to have in the family.

We have been taking our children to wilderness classes and have all learnt to start fires, identify mushroom, berries, safe leaves and a smattering of knots.

I would like to learn to smoke meat and fish and would really be interested in proper canning of food which is very popular over in America. I have taken a basic first aid course but I just don't feel confident enough and would really like to work on getting those skills up to scratch. I in no way feel confident dealing with an emergency involving a small child, so I am going to look into that as my New Years resolution.

I can also do a spot of basic plumping, plastering, apple splicing, very basic gardening, map reading and the very basics of fixing simple old tractor engines (not the more modern ones).

Those are excellent skills, JustinBobby.

There's a certain amount of overlap/synergy in skills as well, I've found. I.e. If you've learned to do one thing - especially something which requires a tool use - you find the next thing easier because you're becoming used to working things out and applying basic principles. Hopefully, you'll find that also.

Learn how to make a rocket stove. Basic materials (old tins and cat litter or other insulating material) and enables you to cook with minimal amount if biomass. Made one this summer from a mini beer keg, very easy to do and fun to use. Also food preservation, foraging, sewing, basic woodwork are all handy

I can knit, crochet and basic sew, I've also had a little dabble in aromatherapy and have some books on natural remedies. I'm pretty good at cleaning minor wounds and think I could stitch a wound if necessary. Oh and I can gut fish. But that is the extent of my knowledge. I would like to know more though, where would I find wilderness classes? Were quite rural but would like to know where i would find any near me.

I'd learn how to 'dig' in your own garden first and become used to that.

In the event of ....difficulties, it's going to be physically very hard indeed. After all, growing things isn't just a case of throwing some seed in the ground and then collecting enough to last you over the winter. (Especially if there are no heavy horses, oxen or tractors.)

Where are you scuttlebutt? Autumn is the best time for those type of courses, or spring as there's more wild food around.

I found them through cubs and scouts classes (they are run separately but advertised there). If you have a forest school or scouts locally they might be able to point you in the direction of a good course. Whereabouts are you?

I'm in the east midlands, there is a scouts in the next village that I could investigate. Especially as I have 3 boys that could learn a thing or two.