Macmillan Cancer Support World's Biggest Coffee Morning - Friday 25 September 2015

Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 2015 – Friday. 25th September 2015.

In this 25^th Birthday year Macmillan Cancer Support has several Banbury events rolling out to raise much needed funds to ensure “no one faces cancer alone in Oxfordshire and across the UK”.

Macmillan Cancer Support and their “official partner, Marks and Spencer” have once again invited cake baking enthusiasts to host their own events inviting family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to raise funds over a slice or two of delicious homemade cake, even store-made cake, with that essential cup of steaming hot coffee, for Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

To this end, a brand new Coffee Morning Kit for 2015 has been despatched to all hosts comprising special invites to personalise, a cake duster for decorating your special bakes, a bright green table covering, money box for donations plus balloons, cake name tent cards, cake flags, their thank you table talker and all necessary paperwork to enable you to send in your Event cheque or Gift Aid form.  There is a Spot-the-Cake sweepstake game to enter and even a text-to-donate kit to apply for.

M & S – Est.  1884 – now in their 6^th year as official partner to Macmillan Cancer Support, have raised over £4 million to support people affected by cancer and this year, have produced a great range of store goods to buy with a donation from each purchase  going to Macmillan.  And customers may also treat themselves to an in-store coffee and cake and help raise even more funds for Macmillan in this 25^th Birthday Anniversary year, since beginning their fund-raising campaign in 1991 after a “first local charity coffee morning event donated the cost of their coffee to Macmillan”.

“In 1991 2,600 people registered to hold coffee mornings across the country” since when over £138 million has been raised in total, all based on the “simple idea of getting people together with family, friends or colleagues over coffee and cake to raise money for people affected by cancer.”

Go to macmillan.org.uk/coffeeshop for Macmillan online store to buy cups, napkins and bunting for your special event and post and share your event pictures to #CoffeeMorning then follow Macmillan on Twitter - @macmillancoffee for latest news of this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

I hosted a Coffee Morning Event myself a few years ago and was delighted to send them a cheque from funds raised with the help family and friends.  It was all great fun and very lovely to think we could help others just by making, eating and selling hot coffee and homemade cakes.  Regrettably I am just not able to host such an event again and when Macmillan called me to enquire about my event for 2015, I was delighted to tell them that I would do a Blogger Post for this year’s Campaign and follow up with photos of local events attended.

With photos to follow from all of those Events I attended, who very generously allowed my photo-shoots to happen, Blogger Posts to Macmillan and all local Event hosts and firms involved, I shall be posting again very shortly and look forward to sharing my photos with all concerned.

And to all Coffee Morning events still to happen today Saturday, 26th September, good luck wth your happenings everywhere and I'm looking forward to visiting more local Banbury-based Coffee Mornings today.

Daisy xxx

PS  Some promotional figures and facts have been taken from letter-posted Macmillan material  which my use of  will not, I trust, offend in any way whatsoever.

Daisy's Diary - Thursday, 24th September, 2015 - Update for September

Daisy’s Diary

Thursday, 24^th September 2015

Friday, 25th September 2015

Macmillan Coffee Morning Hosted by Leah Man at Pizza Express, 39 High Street, Banbury OX16 5ET – at 10am

Macmillan Coffee Morning Hosted by Sarah Payne at John Nicholls (Trading) Ltd., Overthorpe Road, Banbury OX16 4TB - at 10am

Macmillan Coffee Morning Hosted by Marks and Spencer 36 Bridge Street, Banbury, Oxon OX16 5YA at 10.30am

Formula One Racing – Japanese Grand Prix Friday 25^th – Sunday 27^th September

Saturday, 26th September 2015

Macmillan Coffee Morning Hosted by Philippa Button for Banbury Rugby Union Football Club, Oxford Road, Bodicote, OX154AF – at 9am

Deddington Farmers’ Market – September Market Day – 9am – 12.30pm – Market Place, Deddington, Oxfordshire OX15 OSE.   Contact: www.deddingtonfarmersmarket.co.uk

Next Deddington Farmers’ Market – Saturday, 24^th October 2015 - 9am -    12.30pm

JS AUCTIONS - Marine, Militaria & Motor vehicles Public Auction Sale – at - 10 am – at JS Auctions at Cotefield Auctions Rooms, Oxford Road, Banbury, Oxford OX15 4AQ. Contact: 01295 272488 or email: enquiries@jsauctions.co.uk

Viewing Day - Friday, 26th September, 2015.

HAVE a HAPPY WEEKEND Everybody...

Daisy xxx

Saturday Morning Chatter for Saturday, 19th September - a Great Week for Anniversaries, Crab Apples and Damsons...

Saturday Morning Chatter…..and here’s one I wrote earlier, like last night because….I just knew by early Saturday morning my hands would be full of washed crab apples, perhaps like yours, for it's a compelling autumnal chore, this annual preservation of veggies and wild fruit into delicious larder goodies, which simply must be done right now…for those of a squirrelling nature, like me.  Our freezer is already happily packed with runner beans, ratatouille, soup and vegetable ragout, and shelf-stored jars of chutney next to those filled with the harvest of 2014 product.

elderberries and damsons...

my ratatouille mix bubbling away.....

crab apples and red currants cooking last weekend for jelly

In fact, they should have been washed, prep’ed and cooked on Thursday afternoon, dripped overnight thru’ a piece of butter muslin and suspended from an upturned stool, just like your Granny or Auntie used to do?  Or perhaps they might have used a jelly bag hung by three material straps connected to a ring holding onto a stout hook from the ceiling. I used to own one but it became lost in a house move somewhere along the line.  It had enjoyed a useful life of jelly making with crab apples, japonica and an array of other berries so I’m not too upset by its mysterious disappearance.

jelly-making equipment and...

dripping the jelly thru' the butter muslin using an upturned chair

Of much greater disappointment is the ending of the garden bean season with prize-winning runner beans, still hanging about but long-past their good-eating pot status, like those he cooked for supper last night….still tough and sharp after a long spell in the microwave…!

my runner beans are not allowed to get too big!!

And cooking….did you see Matt win last night’s round of TV’s Great British Menu for the North West round against fellow-competitor Eva whose dish “Twinset and Pearls” had me wondering what those ‘lemon pearls’ were.  Apparently, they are balls of flaked agar-agar plus flavouring and colouring, squeezed into still partially frozen oil, forming tiny ball-shaped pieces as they sink to the bottom of the pan; and as we all know, agar-agar is a thickening agent from seaweed!   I’m sure we shall meet up with Eva in the future.

I’ve not yet seen this week’s Great British Bake-Off episode but I’m looking forward to watching their game pie, Tennis Cake and Charlotte Russe challenge, while my crab apple mixture still drips out.

It’s been a big week for anniversaries with the Women‘s Institute Centenary celebrations happening everywhere.  Our local group were part of the massed gathering of about 750 members of the Oxford Federation at their special Christ Church Cathedral Service on Tuesday, with Banner-bearing Ladies processing about the Quadrangle and into the cathedral to rapturous applause, which was simply amazing.

processing outside Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday...

Battle of Britain 75^th anniversary flight of Spitfires and Hurricanes, a Tribute to the Few from Biggin Hill in commemoration of their brilliant performance in 1940 when Britain’s young pilots were up against Germany’s air power and won, putting an end to Hitler’s invasion plan.   

Also for last week, the anniversary to mark the beginning of The Blitz of 1940, when many of our towns and cities suffered Luftwaffe bombing by Heinkel bombers, with London under constant air attack for a period of 57 consecutive nights of bombing plus daylight raids too.  We had a family garden shelter which my grandparents and elder sister used, but hiding under the kitchen table when they simply weren‘t fast enough to make the shelter.

A busy week with a little gardening thrown-in for good measure, cooking plus damson and crab apple gathering, my week ending on a high note with our WI celebratory Centenary party on Thursday evening, which was brilliant.  And Reflexology, we’ve been enjoying the effects of this wonderful treatment this week with hands-on usage for gardening self-inflicted aches and pains – ah well, on with life’s show!  See you next week...

Toodle Loo…

Daisy xxx

Oxford for Vintage Shopping & A Family Birthday Party - Saturday, 29th August 2015

Vintage Shopping in Oxford and 50^th Birthday Bash at Browns on Saturday, 28^th August 2015, and we had gone by car and bus from Pear Tree Park and Ride, riding on the upper deck for the inner man who drove us there; he simply cannot resist the impetus to watch everything going on around him and smile at what he views.

First of all a Latte at the coffee vendor in Cornmarket Street, just past St. Michael at The North Gate, on the corner of Ship Street, which was so handy when I realised that’s just where I needed to be.  Ship Street that is, for that’s where shop Unicorn - find them at - 5 Ship Street, Oxford OX1 3DE or via online at vintageoxford.com - I can find no telephone number presently;  full of vintage clothes and run by Eva, which is situated towards the end of the street and just past another handy coffee and food establishment.  I stood in the doorway of Unicorn and gazed in amazement for it was absolutely packed-out with clothes with customer standing room down to a minimum, for about two people, plus its owner and maybe one other.  That’s why I remained in the doorway, looking about me, quite dazed!  Well I was out of luck for 1940’s to 1950’s style items as Eva told me they were presently stocking 1960’s – 1970 style so that was rather disappointing.  However, imagine my delight at finding this rather good looking handbag in the window, squashed against several others of lesser quality.  Eva kindly took it out for me to check it out and yes, I thought, that just might do!  Well, I decided to leave it there for now  while we went on with my search for something suitable to wear, with the oddest of thoughts making themselves felt; perhaps I could make a vintage-style something to wear???  Here's my photos of Unicorn..

Thinking thus, we made our way to Darn It and Stitch in Blue Boar Street, off St. Aldates – find them via ‘phone – 01865 242779  and via online – www.darnitandstitch.com and at – Blue Boar Street, 6 St. Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DL - which was only open-closed because they were having their frontage newly painted a nice blue colour.  One of their team members was on hand and she very kindly showed me their Vogue Catalogue of patterns for vintage style items, of send-away-for-patterns.  Now I’ve used their patterns before and they are not made for overnight sew-ups which was another disappointment to deal with yet this kind lady made another brilliant suggestion that I go to the Covered Market and look for charity shop Katharine House Hospice who just might have some suitable vintage item of clothing in store for me to buy.  Well, that sounded a good idea, so off we went again with the dear SO wondering aloud how soon it might be before we could find some interesting lunch venue!!!

We also visited Crabtree and Evelyn, another fave. shop, for photos, their Blackberry Green Tea and a cup of their Chamomile Tea with a crunchy biscuit.....

The Covered Market was bustling and busy with other seekers of that 'something special category' who always seem to congregate in this fascinating market place.  We made our way past a few gatherings, that good corner china gift store, a nice-looking coffee place where I suggested He might pause awhile and then, turning another corner, I came face to face with a bright looking Fresh Clothing Shop, which is, reputedly, one of Oxford’s best independent vintage clothing stores and – wow – I now find myself agreeing with this statement.  Fresh is owned and managed by Angela, who with her team of enthusiastic staff, provides an excellent customer experience, giving helpful advice on her wonderful array of both vintage and contemporary stock, with shoes to match, and enjoyment from start to finish.  I can’t wait to visit Angela again in Oxford but, of course, there is her online site to view and buy from, for when one is just too busy to go a’visiting!   Well, Angela found me several lovely frocks to trial and of course I definitely came away with one, although I could easily have bought two or three but…..that would have been rather naughty of me to buy so many.  I mean, a girl can only wear one frock on any occasion and, it’s always good to leave knowing a future visit is a certainty!

Here’s a few of my photos of Angela’s smashing shop which you may find at – 3&4 Avenue One, The Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DX – on ‘phone 01865 243242 or via their email at – freshoxford@yahoo.co.uk or via – www.freshoxford.com....

Leaving Angela at Fresh we finally walked off for lunch, finding it at Morton’s of New Inn Hall Street, where he had a savoury Panini and I plumped for their polenta orange cake – Mmm. Delicious – plus two Lattes, watching the world saunter by from their open windows…find them at - 22, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DW …'phone 01865 721673 and online via - www.mortonsatwork.co.uk.....

Departing Morton’s we walked down to St. Michael’s Street to Arcadia for the prettiest of greeting cards, books, gifts, photo-frames etc. which they stock and display with great style.......

Find them at – 4 St. Michael’s Street, City Centre, Oxford OX1 2DU – on ‘phone 01865 241757 and via online at – www.yelp.co.uk/biz/arcadia-oxford.  I absolutely adore visiting Arcadia and once, long ago, found a pink chintz jug which I coveted and which my dear, late departed, sister gave me as a Christmas present that year.  Its presence now graces my grandmother’s Welsh Dresser alongside other precious bits and pieces…….

Well, we had now walked full-circle, finding ourselves once again by Ship Street, close by Unicorn’s jam-packed premises.  OK coffee time again for him while I fly down Ship Street to claim my super handbag.  Luckily, he’d finished his coffee in good time to rescue from me the embarrassment of no cash and no signature on my card, preventing cheque payment, which he solved by offering cash.  Phew…the handbag was mine and it was just about time to dash off to Brown’s for our family party’s birthday bash for my 50-year-young niece who arrived fashionably late but ready to party.

The party was great, we had some good eating and a lively atmosphere to enjoy and Annette enjoyed opening her many presents and…… suddenly it was time to come home.

We’d had a great day, enjoyed great shopping, great food and great photographic opportunities but after all that, it was jolly good to get home and watch TV for a while!

I shall be wearing my Fresh vintage frock this week for our WI Centenary Anniversary celebrations at Oxford and at our own Adderbury WI Centenary social evening for is very exciting for all members.  It's going to be a splendid week...

Daisy xxx 

Saturday Morning Chatter - Saturday, 12th September 2015 for Bodicote. Adderbury, Charlbury and Oxford

It's a grey start to our busy weekend of activities and reflections on the week which has been as busy and and full as ever.

Three cheers for HM The Queen on becoming our longest reigning monarch on Wednesday, surpassing her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria - what a splendid achievement.

With the end of summer in view, there'll be a mountain of garden clear-up to do which I really must make time for, for it's amazing how long it takes to put everything away for the winter, compost the dead summer plants, clean the tools and store them then dig up and rake over the earth.

The runner beans have been very good so too the tomatoes and tiny chilli peppers.  The sweet yellow peppers remained green from lack of bright sun but grew to a good size and there are still growing baby peppers which might prosper if the summer lingers.  My aubergines suffered from an attack of red spider mite causing their failure which was interesting to watch; on Tuesday morning the fruit was still black and glossy but by the evening, the glossy black had been exchanged for mottled brown.  Ah well, better luck with next year's trial.  The miniature cucumbers are still doing well although the lower leaves have sported white spots this last week which I must investigate.

Gardening is all a learning curve to be enjoyed outside in the fresh air, therapeutic and calming and very good for body and soul.

Television hasn't featured too heavily because I've been out to two book club meetings, one to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver on her family's year-long quest to eat only locally produced food, eschewing the delicacies brought over via long distanced flight paths.  How does this make me feel with my breakfast bowl of Kallo gluten-free puffed rice cereal

with Arla Lactofree milk garnished with blueberries from Poland - I'll let you know!

At my other book group meet, we were discussing Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch which our group had discussed earlier this year; its a great page-turning read with an explosive beginning,several fascinating characters, an excellent section on art-history  but also rather over-long sections on the drug scene with Boris and Theo Decker.

The Thursday evening  meet for Adderbury's Community Food Market and supper with friends was good and we all enjoyed talking about our new granddaughter born earlier in the week.  We took home an excellent basket of market goodies including, for me, a loaf of gluten-free bread from Cornfield|Bakery - find them on www.cornfieldbakery.com - a light soft bake.

We usually just eat the dear SO's homemade organic flour bread but, as ever, it's good to have a variety to enjoy.

However, I certainly watched GGBO's pastry making event with three exacting items to be made but then pastry is exacting, delicious and very more-ish.  I thought the contestants did very well.

I've got thru' a huge amount of marrow, onions, plums, damsons with some elderberries over the last few weeks making chutney and at last l'm down to my last batch.

with the compost much enhanced by all the trimmings.

I'm off to Charlbury this morning for their Farmers' Market and also hope to call in to today's auction sale at JS Auctions, Bodicote and do a spot of weeding at various gardens.  But I must also get home to write up previous weekend jaunts to Oxford for shopping and a niece's 50th birthday event, for tomorrow we go to Oxford again, hoping to explore the city's Sunday markets and, if there's time, to visit Oxford's Botanic Garden and have lunch somewhere of course!

Happy weekending everybody and a good week to come!

Daisy xxx

Daisy's Diary Photo Update - Friday, 11th September 2015 - JS Auction House views

Dear Reader,  Feast your eye on auction items for tomorrow's  Antiques and Interiors public auction sale at JS Auctions at Bodicote...

I may see you tomorrow at Bodicote,,,have fun but before that I must go to Charlbury for the Farmers' Market for I must give back to the nice people running the Charlbury Hub, a book by   Barbara Kingsolver " Animal Vegetable Miracle" in which the author tells the story of her family's year of eating as locovores, eating local food only and renouncing food items which have travelled widely to get to one's own dinner plate.  I thought it a great book and I will definitely read it again.

One other diary update I must share with you for the second half of September...The MacMillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning for 2015.  I gave such a coffee morning myself, a year or two ago and it was a great success and great fun.  However, this year I shall content myself with writing about it,  finding out where such coffee mornings are to be held in Oxfordshire and passing on that information to you, dear reader,  and may you enjoy your coffee and cake for I certainly shall, with out doubt.


Happy days ...

Daisy xxx

Daisy's Diary - Thursday, 10th September 2015 - Update for September 2015

September 2015

Thursday, 10th September

Adderbury Community Food Market - 6pm - 8.15pm at The Institute, Adderbury.

Mr. Anson's fruit and vegetable stall at August's market

Kim Fowler will be presenting and cooking their hot Food Special menu of cherry and feta crostini + a slow-cooked mint and lemon lamb with Swiss chard and new potatoes or a vegetarian sweet potato and mixed vegetable tagine - Eat In or take away delicious food to enjoy today at Adderbury's splendid Community Food Market

Friday, 11th September

JS Auction;s Viewing Day for Saturday, 12th September - Antiques and Interiors public auction sale 

Saturday, 12th September  -  JS Auction's Antiques and Interiors public auction sale - 10am

JS Auctions @ Cotefield Auction Rooms, Oxford Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 4AQ

Contact: 01295 272488 / email: enquiries@jsauctions.co.uk

            

Charlbury Farmers' Market - Saturday, 12th September - 9am - 1pm - The Playing Field, Charlbury, Oxfordshire OX7 3RJ.  Contact: Nick Potter - 08702414762

Charlbury Hub stall at Charlbury Farmers' Market in June - I shall be returning the book - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - Our year of seasonal eating" by Barbara Kingsolver - a splendid read which our book club found very interesting.  My thanks to Charlbury Hub for the loan of this book.

Daisy xxx