Walnuts & the Womens Institute

Since Escape in Time with Ben Fogle has been on air my smallholding/traditional crafts courses at Acton Scott have sold like the proverbial hot cakes and enquiries are coming in from hither and yon about my other (Appletree Theatre being the one I'm best known for) love. There is a massive resurgence of interest in growing and making for ourselves which I welcome with open arms. When we were into self sufficiency properly in the 80's and 90's, everyone had us down as yogurt weaving nuts so its with a wry smile that I'm now greeting enquiries for W.I ( & gardening clubs etc) talks and workshops. Country Cures & Curio's is proving very popular indeed, I suppose it appeals to a wide audience and is attainable for even the enthusiastic urbanites with no real garden to speak of. Making a basket of homemade gifts for Christmas presents is something that many people want to try, not just for economic reasons but also because it means so much more to the maker and the recipient. So what with the workshops at Acton Scott Working Farm and smaller workshops/demonstrations at

W. I.s and even for groups of friends in private kitchens, the autumn and winter evenings are booking up quite quickly.

This morning I've been picking Walnuts from the tree across the field for pickling. The tree is wild and very old, last year there were very few walnuts but this dry weather obviously suits because this year its laden! So far I've picked a basket full, there are tons left so I'll see how many jars I fill and go back for more. Pricking the walnuts to soak them in brine is a laborious task made more pleasant if you can sit in the garden listening to the radio whilst doing it. Do I sound like a boring old maid?! Ah well, if I do what can I say? Tomorrow I'm back to my busy Appletree Theatre life and this little bit of contrast works just fine for me.