I will be trading at the Stoke Bruerne “Village at War” weekend on 10th and 11th September. This annual event looks back at the impact of the Second world War on life in an English village. Several people have asked me what herbs have to do with war, particularly World War2, and are surprised to hear of the crucial role the humble herb played in our nation’s health and survival.
Before moving onto my boat, I previously had a gardening business, for 20 years, and ran a small herb nursery. Probably the only thing I miss since moving on board is working the land and growing plants, though I have a small roof garden.
Well, spring has sprung … though it doesn’t feel very spring like here in Lancashire. However, seeing all the new shoots, blossom and early daffodils means my thoughts have turned to planting seeds for the coming year. The Herb Boat roof doesn’t allow for much gardening, but it is amazing what you can achieve in a few pots and containers.
Whatever you celebrate, the cold, dark nights of winter are a great time to gather with friends to eat, drink and be merry. Wassailing is an ancient, Saxon (or probably earlier) custom that was celebrated on Twelth Night when the feudal Lords would give their "serfs" gifts of food and drink, in exchange for goodwill. The word 'wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', which means 'good health'. Originally, the wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, spices and sugar. There are many recipe variations, but I like the one here
Well, I gave myself a bit of a stern "talking to" last week ... about my packaging, as I use far too much plastic. Whilst my carrier bags are biodegradeable, none of the packaging I use for the herbs and spices is.
So, over the next few months I am going to experiment with some new packaging types, all of which will be fully recyclable, re-usable and / or biodegradeable. I want to be sure that the new packaging maintains the quality of my herbs and spices and I would value any feedback from you lovely people on whether the packaging is "user friendly".
I am also gradually increasing the number of Certified Organic and Fair Trade products. Whilst many of the herbs and spices I sell are grown using organic methods, not all are "Certified Organic", which I know is important for many of you. Latest organic additions are Marjoram, Bay Leaves, Poppy Seeds.
New labelling, with green hearts, allows you to see which herbs and spice are Certified Organic at a glance and I will be adding more as I source more top quality Certified Organic produce. Don't forget my stock is non-irradiated and GMO free.
Meanwhile, I am looking forward to trading at the Saltaire Festival this weekend 17th to 20th September
and either LIKE the page or SHARE the GIVE AWAY status to be in with a chance to win a selection of my "Taste The World" Spice Blends or a selection of Satya Incense Sticks
If you are not in, you can't win ... watch out for me trading in Shipley over the next few days
There seems to be something exciting going on in Hebden Bridge every weekend ... festivals, parades, workshops, exhibitions ... it really is an inspiring place to be. I will be trading here again tomorrow, 30th of June, weather permitting.
We also met fellow boat trader Crafts Afloat and will be trading with them and some other local craftspeople over the weekend of the 6th and 7th June when the legendary "Hand Made Parade" takes place.
http://handmadeparade.co.uk/hebden-bridge-parade/
Crafts Afloat not only sells exquisite handmade glass jewellry, but also offers a range of craft workshops and parties on board "The Crafty Snail" narrowboat.
http://www.craftsafloat.com/
We traded together last weekend in the blustery sunshine
.Well, yesterday saw the launch of my new "Taste the World" exotic spice and herb blends ... each 60ml jar containing a burst of GMO free, non-irradiated flavour from far off lands, bringing the world to your kitchen.
I will be adding more but currently have;
Warm, floral flavours of North Africa in Ras El Hanout, Fragrant Harissa Spice from Tunisia, Punchy Cajun Spice from Louisiana, Hot but mellow Jamaican Goat Curry spices (equally good with lamb and veg), Birmingham / Pakistani fusion flavours of Balti Spices, Desert flavours of Arabian Z'atar, Eye-wateringly hot Jerk Seasoning, marrying the flavours of Africa and the Caribbean, And a fragrant taste of summer in the Thai Stir Fry blend
Mmmmmm ... more coming soon. Available only on the towpath at the moment, £2 a jar but mail order soon
I am a member of a wonderful organisation called The Roving Canal Traders Association. Members sell all sorts of things; crafts, artwork, homebrew equipment, hand-made jewellry, candles, sweets, pens, antiques, boating equipment, teas, cakes ... the list is endless .... oh, and HERBS and SPICES of course!!
They support all of us who trade on the canals and rivers, and have, in recent years, started to organise Floating Markets around the canal system.
It is no mean feat to get a group of boats in one place at the same time, and the next Floating Market will be at Burton On Trent over the late May bank holiday. If you are in the area, take a look .... you will certainly find something of interest.
There is a link to the website on the poster.
Meanwhile, I hope to be trading in Hebden Bridge over the Bank Holiday weekend ... watch this space!!
