LATEST NEWS...........
Michelle King came and gave a talk entitled 'Pudding and Tame' at our October clubnight. Michelle presented a fascinating talk about the food eaten at mediaeval banquets and showed us some slides of mouth-watering main dishes that had been recreated using ancient recipes, describing some of the ingredients and labour intensive methods used to cook them. To highlight typical desserts that would have been eaten she also brought along some tasty tarts she had baked for us to try - Maids of Honour. These were said to have originated in the royal kitchens at Hampton Court where the recipe had been rediscovered in an iron box in the time of Henry VIII. They went on to be a favourite of his. They are still popular today.The first shop dedicated to selling the Maids of Honour tarts can be traced back to the 18th century in Richmond with the recipe having been passed down through the generations. We can agree that these shortcrust pastry tart cases filled with a delicious sweetened soft cheese flavoured with ground almonds, lemon and nutmeg are delicious!
Following her talk Michelle also created two long and low flower arrangements with tallow candles that would typically have graced the banqueting table, with vibrant red//orange roses, pink lilies and masses of scarlet hypericum berries on a foliage base containing bay and rosemary and other aromatic herbs.
As she closed the evening, Michelle also told us a bit about Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT) disease, an hereditary genetic disorder affecting peripheral nerves that causes muscle wasting and weakness which sadly has affected her family. It is to the charity CMT UK that she donated her fee for the evening to.
COMING UP...............
At our November meeting on Tuesday 3rd November we have Brenda Bull coming to bring us a demonstration entitled 'Ancient Routes'. This is the first time that Brenda has come to our club. We are looking forward to welcoming her, she trained alongside our very own Duncan Ward. Please come along for an entertaining evening and bring your family and friends.
November Bring and Buy Table: This month we are asking you to look out Christmas Decorations. Take a look in the loft or the understairs cupboard and see what you can find. Maybe it's time to change your Christmas colour scheme, make room for something new. See what you can pass on and then pick up something new at the Bring and Buy table. Every bit helps to raise money for the club.
Our popular Christmas Wreath Making Event is taking place on Thursday, December 10th at 7.30pm at the English Martyrs Church Hall. Cost £30 including all materials and a glass of prosecco or non-alcholic juice.
There are only a few place left so if you want to join us sign up at our November meeting or contact janetaslett@hotmail.com to book a place and arrange payment.
Don't forget the Surrey Area NAFAS Christmas Flower Show - All Aglow - Saturday 28th November 10am to 4pm. Entry £5 on the door at the Dell Centre Ashtead KT21 1EJ - free parking
Lastly, Horley Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival Friday 4th - Sunday 6th December. Put the date in your diaries. Horley Flower Club are decorating a tree with hand made wreath decorations. Go along and spot our tree and look at all the others beautifully decorated by community groups.