A Year in my Fenland Kitchen

    I have a book on my bookshelf, one of many now, which has been with me for decades. A book which has moved house with me over the years; packed into a box, along with other volumes, to re-emerge into its new position, on a new shelf, in a new home. Firstly in halls of residence at university, then in a rented flat when I started my first job. Next, after I was married, it found a spot on a shelf in our first home. For a while, it was relegated to a box in the attic when space was at a premium, but for the last 15 years, it has been on the bottom shelf of a wall of bookshelves in our little snug. The book in question is Good Housekeeping's New Basic Cookery. A certificate glued inside the cover states it was awarded to a young girl in her second year of secondary school as Eaton House prize. The young girl was me; the prize was for all round achievement for the previous year. I was asked what sort of book I would like as my prize and I requested a cookery book. To be honest...

Saturday May 6th 2023: London resonates to the beat of a hundred drums and the clatter of a thousand horses' hooves on the ancient cobbles. Ranks of soldiers in their crimson uniforms fill the streets, the vanguard to the golden carriage carrying King Charles and the Queen Consort to their coronation. Even watching on tv, the sense of momentous occasion is palpable. In Westminster Abbey, scene to so many royal occasions, the awe inspiring music fills the cavernous space, reverberating through the rafters. Whatever our views on the place of the Royal Family in the 21st century, it's a day for rejoicing in community, friendship and all things good. The following day, Sunday, the country celebrates with street parties. Sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls and cake; fizz, beer and endless cups of tea; the British afternoon tea! And my own contribution for a celebratory tea at home, some buttermilk scones with cream and jam; jam first of course!