Flowers are my favourite sign of Spring! Have you seen the beautiful snowdrops in Painswick? Have you noticed the tiny violets in our Churchyard? We called Ashton Court our Country estate because in ten minutes we could lock our Post office and be there, walking through the carpets of blue bells. My son and daughter-in-law have given me white hyacinths. I long for the bulbs to bloom and fill my flat with their “heady” scent. I have several very expensive perfumes, and not one of these can match that natural aroma!

I love all white, blue and purple flowers, but not all of you share my preference. My father loved wallflowers, my granddad liked pansies (penseés in French, which means “thoughts”) and Madi, my granddaughter adores daffodils. Hils, my fellow alto in the Choir chooses poinsettias because their brilliant red lightens the gloom of winter! Jean who heads our talented team of flower arrangers, loves sweet peas and pink roses. I wonder which is your favourite? This morning someone told me that he really likes red roses. Many of you know this gentleman as he writes the gardening column in our magazine!

Ray Cripps born in Cheltenham, came to live in Frenchay because Hilda, his Bristolian wife, wanted to return. On December 18th 1974, whilst moving into their house in Park Crescent they were serenaded by some carol singers from our Church! Their large garden descends to the River Frome. Growing mainly flowers, Ray also produces enough vegetables for his own consumption.

By 1975 Ray was already involved in village activities, principally the Frenchay and Hambrook Horticultural society of which he is now President and Life Honorary Member. This Society ran the Frenchay Flower Show for many decades and still acts as a Support Group. Ray shows geraniums and fuchsias, usually getting 1sts or 2nds.

Ray enjoys coach holidays especially to Portugal and Italy. I was glad to hear that he shares my admiration for Monet’s garden in France! Weather permitting, he often sits in his own beautiful garden. It’s only right that hard work should bring pleasure, so I wish him many years of just that!

Have a superb Springtime!

Esmé

I love Christmas and hope that you do too. My one regret is that it doesn’t last long enough. It’s lucky that the New Year celebrations follow it so that the elated “buzz” is extended. This year we plan to welcome 2014 in France!

My son was here to visit me last week as it was “half term” and he comes to spend some time with me every school holiday. His general knowledge is far better than mine. On reading my article in the October about my young French friend thinking that Welsh rarebit was rabbit—Rowan told me that originally the English called it “Welsh Rabbit”. They were mocking the Welsh for using cheese as they couldn’t afford rabbit!

When he read what I wrote about Luke Howard naming the clouds (see previous post) he told me that  Luke named one special cloud — cloud nine — which led to the expression “I’m feeling on cloud nine”.

I feel on cloud nine when I buy new clothes! I’ve had a new dress for Christmas ever since I was born! Every December my grandmother, aunt, mother and myself went to Bath and we all bought our dresses from Jolly’s—a large dress store in Milsom Street. Then we had a cream tea in “the Red house”. I don’t know if these two establishments still exist! This year I’ve bought yet another L.B.D (Little black dress).

It’s made of lace, and no I didn’t go to Bath. I bought it from the comfort of my lounge - as I am a fan of Q.V.C. (television shopping). Little black dresses (or navy ones) are so useful as they can be dressed up or worn casually. If you want to change one of yours without spending much—why not buy a necklace/collar? Many shops have them this year. I’ve seen them in white pearls, black stones, rhinestones or in gold and silver colours.

Another idea is to wear a pretty scarf. I’ve made some wide floaty ones that can be spread out, then belted to look part of the dress. You need to feel confident so that you forget what you are wearing and just enjoy yourself!

You may already have planned what you will be eating on Christmas Day. If you will be on your own—SPOIL YOURSELF! Last year several people said to me “Oh, it was no different from every other day!”

MAKE IT DIFFERENT. If I was catering for myself I would have my favourite box of chocolates and not feel guilty if I ate them all! Breakfast would be mid-morning, probably some smoked salmon with champagne or rosé wine. I would eat it in bed as I am not fond of getting up early! There would be a good book waiting to be read and a pile of favourite magazines.

Lunch would be simple, no feeling of having to cook for one. I would open up a tin of M&S white crab meat to eat with some rocket, an avocado, mayonnaise and mandarin marmalade (Bonne Maman). Do I hear you gasp with horror? Mandarin is no more odd than the grapes that are often eaten with a salad—and much less “sharp”.

I would make certain that my dinner was prepared the day before. I’d just heat up a duck casserole and fry some sliced potatoes (already boiled when I made the duck dish) in butter, olive oil and garlic until golden and crispy. Then more chocolates and my favourite wine.

I like “Moulin á Vent” (Windmill) for several reasons. When my son and his friends did grape picking to earn some pocket money, the family who produced “Moulin á Vent” treated the young workers very well and they sat down with the family each evening to share the same meal! Actually, it also tastes very good.

Better still. if you find that your choice of TV isn’t enough company—invite someone to join you for dinner! Make it someone whose company you know you’ll enjoy. I’ve never spent Christmas on my own—but if it happens—I’ll follow my own advice!

Finally why not join us at Frenchay Church  on Sunday December 22nd (it starts at 6pm) for “CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT”? It’s a lovely start to Christmas and you would be made very welcome. A bonus—you could have a hot drink and mince-pies afterwards. I’ll be helping to serve—so if you don’t know me (or if you do!) please come and say “Hello”-

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

                                                             Esmé

When I see television adverts for Haven holidays, I remember with great pleasure our nine years working for that company in France. Although I enjoyed teaching and we had a rewarding time running the Wells Post Office—working in the holiday business was most fun! Everyone arrived intending to have a wonderful time, so we did too.

The year before we retired, and moved to the Côte d’Azur, we won the prize for the best Camp Site managers. How was the decision made? It was determined by how many of your holiday-makers rebooked with Haven. We had many customers who became friends and followed us from site to site. Some of them still keep in touch with me.

I think that in our Churches, other places of worship, organisations and clubs, the same criterion exists. Newcomers fall into three categories. A few people never return. Some people still attend, but don’t really want to be involved or join in. Luckily, there are those folk who become regular members and are a great asset because of the amount they contribute.

The couple whom I am featuring this week are definitely in the third group! Diane and Derek West own and run the Riverside drive residential mobile home site in Frenchay Village. Derek’s father bought the quarry there and developed it to it’s present day use. Before that the family lived in Birmingham. After some years Derek stopped driving heavy goods vehicles and followed in his father’s footsteps!

How did he meet Diane—a Bridgwater lass? Well— after leaving the Grammar School there—Diane came to Bristol to train as a nurse at the BRI. However, most of her career took place at Frenchay Hospital where she became a ward Sister. Whilst at the BRI, one of her patients happened to be a friend of Derek’s and he arranged a ‘blind date’ for the pair of them—another case of love at first sight! They were married in 1964 and two more “Ds” arrived! Donna and Deborah have since given them the joy of three grandchildren.

Diane often came to ‘St John the Baptist’ with her mother Olive. When Olive died Derek came With Diane. An Alpha Course followed and in 2010 Derek was confirmed. Like me they appreciate the friendly family  atmosphere we share. One post has quickly followed another—they work together as Sidespeople. With their smiling faces and approachable manner, they are well Suited to this task of welcoming people as they arrive for services. They are also joint Secretary and verger for the Churchyard. This is a job needing compassion and understanding so they ’fit the bill’ again. Derek assists at Communion and has recently become a Server. He’s also on the Fabric Committee which involves many tasks—such as chopping down trees.

It is not only the big things that count—the zimmer frame of the lady I bring to Church wouldn’t fit into the boot of my car. What happened? Diane found one in their garage, so they brought it to Church  and Derek brings it out when we arrive and helps Iris into Church.

However it’s not a case of all work and no play. They are widely travelled—their best holiday being a month in Australia visiting extended family. They enjoy good food! Diane especially likes brown shrimps, so I hope to bring some back for her when I go to France next. Derek prefers a roast beef dinner. Talking of food—they are loyal members of my Lunch Club. After our Christmas Lunch at Tortworth Court for the last two years, they have stayed overnight. Who says that romance is dead? How lovely it would be if everyone used their talents for the good of others!

THANK YOU Derek and Diane!

Cookery Ideas

What do we enjoy eating in late Spring Time? Probably less stews and casseroles but nevertheless something tasty. Why not stuff some large field mushrooms? In the supermarkets you can buy 3 or 4 for £1. Clean them by brushing them—never use water as they are very absorbent. I often buy these large mushrooms in preference to button mushrooms as they have more flavour.

Slice some finely—fry in half butter and half oil until golden and scatter them over scrambled eggs or cheese on toast. The latter is now very popular in French Basseries. Instead of “Croque Monsieur” advertised in the windows, it says “ Le Welsh” or sometimes “Le Welch”. It differs from our version as they often add beer to a thick cheese sauce and pour it over the toast.

To make stuffed mushrooms pre-cook the mushrooms while you make the stuffing. Just sprinkle them with a little olive oil and cook gently. For the stuffing use some good quality sausages which you skin and mash with a fork. Add some very finely sliced shallots and your favourite herbs. I would add some garlic, but some of you may prefer chilli (That’s my worst thing)  Now fill the cavities in your mushrooms. Don’t pack it in too firmly. Scatter the top with breadcrumbs, dot with butter and cook gently in your oven. Watch carefully as you may need to protect them with foil. Usually they take about 20 minutes. They make a good starter with toast fingers. As a main meal I would add a cheese sauce, chips or rice and perhaps some baked beans! Enjoy!

My thought for May: Try something new. If your dreams are to come true  - you must wake up!

Have fun,
Esmé