Our visit to "Cook" in Wells

All of the freezers had a very smart jacket on, as you can see behind Mary & Jean!

This was when we tasted the moroccan spicy lamb tagine!

Brett, who runs the shop - clearing away lots of empty dishes!

Seven of us went over to visit the Cook shop in Wells this evening. We were treated to some really gorgeous tastes of a range of their dishes, accompanied by a couple of delicious soft drinks. First we tried a couple of their galettes, then two moroccan tagines: spiced lamb and vegetable & chick pea. Finally, a slice of rich lemon tart, which was divine and a square of milionnaire's shortcake. All of the dishes are cooked from fresh, local ingredients in the kitchens in Cook's Kent head office. There are no additives or preservatives, everything is as if it was home made. It's really worth a visit to have a good look through the choices, or have a look on line at www.cookfood.net. They will deliver - so we thought we might let each other know when we're going over, or placing an order, to see if anyone else wants something. Saturday 19th May is a tasting day - put it in your diary! Thank you Sandra for organising it!

Intrepid Women of Leigh on Mendip WI Walk the World!

Today, despite the inclement weather, we took part in the world wide event organised by the Association of Country Women Worldwide. Walks took place in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, North America and .... Leigh on Mendip. To show solidarity with other women across the world and to raise some funds for the projects undertaken by the Association. Currently we are assisting the Water for All campaign. (which was very appropriate today, considering that one of the footpaths was blocked by a flood!). We ended our walk, perhaps somewhat curtailed thanks to the incessant rain, at the Memorial Hall with a lovely cup of tea and some gorgeous cake! Thank you Mary & Gill and to Caroline, Jan and Sue. A lovely afternoon! It was a good day to have begun our Big Walk Little Splash challenge, too, when you think about it!

Here we are, all ready to walk!

The first stile... still smiling!

.....and back at the Hall, a bit wet around the edges!

Have a look at the ACWW website for more information: http://www.acww.org.uk/  or look at their Facebook group which shows many photos of the women taking part!

April walk at Evercreech

Barbara joined about 25 other WI members for a  walk last Thursday. Here's her account:

It was disappointing that I was on my own but guessed I would chat to someone and in true WI friendship style, that was the case. 

I dressed up warm because it was a cold day. I thought 'I can easily take something off if I get hot'. I hadn't expected a route march where you don't stop! It spoilt it a bit because it was hard to find time to photograph the lovely views and stop for a drink or take a jumper off. 

The instructions said 5 stiles but it was more like 10-15  I lost count. 1 stile was really tricky and members had trouble getting over. 

However we got back to the pub in time for lunch where we had very good food. Then 12 members set off for another 3 mile walk. I went home and collapsed on the settee with a cup of tea!

Spring Roadshow at Henton! Lots of fun!

Chris Sperring and Beau, a beautiful (and aptly named!) barn owl.

We were very interested in Chris's talk about his conservation work in Somerset, but Beau slept through most of it!

In the morning Carole Smith, County Chair, told us all about the wide variety of activities and events available to us as members of Somerset Federation. Each committee gave a brief and amusing description of the work they do for us.

Demi Ladwa's cookery at Hemington WI's last event

Eight members from Leigh joined a packed hall at Faulkland for the final meeting of Hemington WI. The speaker was Demi Ladwa, who gave a fascinating talk and demonstration of Indian cookery. She made a delicious potato dish and onion bhajis - enough for all 60 of us to have a taste!
Potato curry
2 large Desiree potatoes, peeled and diced into small chunks
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp chilli power or 1/2 tsp garlic paste
2 tsp coriander-cumin powder
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
2tbs sunflower or vegetable oil
1/2 tin tomatoes or fresh tomatoes

Heat oil in large saucepan until hot. Add mustard and cumin seeds, wait to hear them make a popping sound. Place a lid on the pan whilst this happens.
Add the potatoes and stir. Add salt, chilli powder, turmeric and stir for a couple of minutes. Lower the heat until the potatoes are half cooked. Add tomatoes, coriander and a little water. Cook until the potatoes are done.

Add more chilli powder if you prefer the curry to be hot.
Use this method to cook any vegetables.

Onion Bahjis
6-8oz gram flour (chick pea flour, available in most big supermarkets)
Salt to taste
2 large onions
1/2 - 1 tsp chilli powder or garlic paste
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp coriander powder
Optional: fresh chillies
Fresh coriander
Sunflower or vegetable oil for deep frying

Peel and thinly slice the onions. Sieve the gram flour and add salt, chilli, coriander powder and mix well. Gradually add hand hot water and keep mixing until you have a soft but thick batter. Add onions and mix well until they are coated.
Heat the oil over a medium heat, test to see if it has reached the right temperature by dropping a little of the batter in. If it rises quickly to the top, the oil is ready. If it goes dark brown or black, the oil is too hot! Drop small amounts ( a teaspoonful or less) into the oil. Cook until golden brown all over. Lift out carefully and drain on kitchen paper.

Serve as a starter or snack. Can be frozen.

Add spinach to the mix, or any other veg.

Add your comment when you have tried the recipes!

Another successful village clean-up!

2012 collection

Once again, many villagers came out to help clear the rubbish from our lanes and streets! Thank you very much to everyone! There were plenty of children helping, too; all ending up at the Memorial Hall for tea and cakes.
It was interesting to notice that some areas had less litter than in previous years, but very sad to see how much waste has been dumped in the lanes around the village. (big lumps of plaster, blocks of cement and broken paving stones, old rabbit hutches, lots of soiled cat litter and many, many plastic bags of dog waste). This is clearly in part as a result of the changes at Coleford tip. A very sorry sight indeed.
What can we do? Inform our local and county council - and ask people to stop throwing their rubbish in the streets and lanes. We don't want it!

2011 collection - considerably less!

March meeting and a visit to the Strawberry Line

Our meeting on Monday was most interesting and informative; we listened to Ken Holdsworth who told us about his work with the charity for the homeless, Crisis. He began volunteering with them at Christmas 1986, so he had plenty of experience to draw on. He is committed to the charity and spoke passionately about it.
Linda made some absolutely gorgeous chocolate brownies for us.... Wonderful!

Tonight, Sandra and I went to visit Cranmore WI, the Strawberry Line. They had an open evening and had sent out an invitation to WIs in the area. The speaker was inspiring! She told us how she feeds her family, friends and a local restaurant from her vegetable garden and allotment - in addition to having a full time job and three teenagers! She follows a 'no dig', organic method which is clearly very effective and efficient. She had plenty of photos and examples of her produce to show us. We both came away determined to adopt her approach.... Time will tell!