Sad News ...

As the new decade has dawned we have to say good bye to a special lady, Audrey Kelley ( 1931 - 2020)…

“Audrey looked after her Father's 'Kelley's Iron Monger's Shop' on Lowther Street until retiring.

She adored her garden at Biskey Howe, Hayton and kept filling it with her favourite plants year on year; then digging up clumps and giving them away! One of her favourite outings (apart from EVERY VGC holiday and outing) was to the Hardy Rock Garden Plant sale at Penrith, which she never missed.

2018 - Mary & Audrey enjoying the orchard in Cate Bowman's garden, Crosby -on-Eden

Audrey (and my Mum) were very early members of the VGC, when it convened at Wetheral Methodist Chapel, venturing over to France on their first gardening holiday foray! From then on she never missed one, enjoying every minute.

She 'only just' coped on the Fife trip, with much help from Fiona Gibson, who took her under her wing and 'attempted' to look after her - she was SO independent and stubborn. But that stood her in good stead until the very end - we will miss her very much.”

Written by Lesley Norman – thank you

Audrey's Garden in Hayton

Audrey’s funeral is at Carlisle Crematorium on Friday, 17^th January at 2.20pm

A Cumbrian lass can cope with a spot or two of rain!

The following link gives you an opportunity to donate to Eden Valley Hospice, in memory of Audrey

https://audrey-kelley.muchloved.com/?fbclid=IwAR0K4OuMuKSLQeQgW4mfpwmlc-9RXaQm1iJb5Z5XxtyuOsWd1Y0Qag_gxm8

(By 19th January, £1,039.30 has been donated)

New Year Party - 9th January 2020

We welcomed the new decade with

our first New Year Party

at the refurbished

Down-a-Gate

Close Shave returned after seven years to entertain us with their ‘a cappella’ songs and recitations.

This barber shop quartet comprises Derek Heyes (bass), Gabriel Blamires (baritone), Peter Jones (lead) and Michael (tenor & music master). They are members of the highly-regarded Dalston Male Voice Choir.

Our competitive natures were stirred by a mini garden quiz, which was won by Sue Tranter. The delightful floral arrangements (provided by Pauline Hudson) became appreciated raffle prizes.

As usual a plentiful savoury feast was brought by all who attended. And desserts were provided by our skilled committee members.

Many of us particularly enjoyed the cheese short bread biscuit’s and Ann has kindly given us her recipe:

Cheese Savoury Shortbread

Ingredients

6oz plain flour, 5oz butter, 2oz Parmesan grated, 2oz cheddar grated, salt, pinch cayenne pepper, 1 egg yolk, 1 egg beaten for brushing.

Method

Preheat oven 180c (fan - 160c /Gas 4).

Line baking tray with parchment. Rub butter into flour, add grated cheeses, salt and cayenne pepper.

Mix into paste with egg yolk until soft dough texture.

Roll out on floured surface and cut into desired shapes.

Put onto prepared baking tray.

Brush with beaten egg, prick with fork.

Bake for 15 mins until lightly golden.

(I suspect that the real magic is in Ann’s baking skills)