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What a glorious day – we went along to Tremenheere and were able to find a spot with some shade – there were 5 of us in total and it really was a lovely meeting.   We discussed two books, the first of which was ‘Unheard’ by Nicci French. In fact this is the pseudonym of husband and wife team – Nicci Gerard and Sean French – the book club has enjoyed many novels by this couple.  They write psychological thrillers together.   Apparently one writes a piece then this is followed on by the second person.    On most occasions this has worked very well for us but in this book many of us felt it was disjointed as situations in one chapter did not follow through into the next and you were left wondering why that particular thing happened.   Saying all that, it was well written, full of suspense at times full of twists, turns and red herrings.   Some were a bit disappointed at the reveal.   I am pleased to say that a couple of our members who have not read them before are looking forward to reading their other books.  In one instance a member read the book in 2 days ‘just one more chapter’. I do urge you to try one of their books.  This book was rated a 6 out of 10.

Our second book was The Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch. In this novel Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in Metropolitan Police.  Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut.   Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost.   Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of DCI Thomas Nightingale who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny.     As a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.   The River Thomas is a prominent feature of the story.  Several members felt that this story would have come across well on audio.

We did enjoy Gail reading a passage to us – it brought the characters alive.  This book was marked 8 out of 10. (Report by Pat G)

We had so many requests for instructions for these, so Gail has put together an easy guide.

 

Sticky Toffee Apple Pudding

Ingredients

85g butter, melted

140g self-raising flour

100g golden caster sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

200ml milk

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 Bramley apples- peeled, cored and sliced

For the topping

50g pecans, roughly chopped

140g dark brown sugar

Method

STEP 1

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Grease a 2-litre/3½-pint ovenproof dish lightly with butter. Tip the flour, sugar and baking powder, along with a pinch of salt, into a large bowl. Mix together the milk, butter, egg and vanilla extract and stir into the dry ingredients until you get a smooth batter. Arrange the apples in the dish, spoon the batter on top and smooth with a knife until the apples are covered.

STEP 2

For the topping, pour 250ml boiling water over the sugar and stir together until smooth. Pour the liquid over the pudding mixture, then scatter over the pecans. Bake for about 40 mins until the pudding has risen and is golden. Use a big spoon to serve the pudding, making sure you get some of the gooey caramel sauce covering the bottom of the dish. Serve with pouring cream, warm custard or vanilla ice cream.

Note – the topping appears to be a lot of liquid but it is necessary for the sauce.

This recipe from BBC Good Food was chosen by Di – let us know if you try it!

A misty damp morning greeted us at Botallack at the start of the walk.  However, the remaining iconic land marks of mining in Cornwall were just visible despite the mizzle. Our destination was Cape Cornwall where we found a sheltered spot to eat our picnic while watching a brave swimmer dive into the sea . 

We returned in the sunshine to Botallack and ended the day with tea and cake in the Count House Cafe.  (Shirley)

Meike Weiser was the speaker for our July Monthly Meeting. Meike is Project Officer for the Cornwall Council initiative ‘Forest for Cornwall’, which encourages and enables individuals, businesses and communities in the planting of trees. A particular focus is to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right place. Meike also reminded members of the multiple benefits of trees, to humans, to biodiversity, to communities and the planet. The ultimate aim of the programme, also known as F4C, is to cover 8,000 hectares of the county with new trees, whether it be individual trees in gardens, hedgerows, urban planting or in parks by the year 2030. Every council area is also being offered a free tree for their community. You can read more, and find out how you can get involved, by clicking the link below.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/forest-for-cornwall-programme/

At their latest meeting Gail’s Craft Club made Lavender Wands. Traditionally used in drawers and wardrobes to keep away moths and other insects, these pretty, fragrant wands are simple to make with just long stemmed lavender, ribbon and a decorative button.

This year members of CLWI travelled to Plymouth to see the Mayflower exhibition.  We were awakened to a new understanding of the purpose of the voyage  and how the exhibition is changing to reflect the view point not just of the passengers but also the experience of the indigenous peoples they encounter . It was an excellent exhibition and we all learnt so much from the things we saw and were told about. With a very enjoyable boat trip and of course plenty of opportunities for lunch, it was indeed a Great Day Out.

It was smiles all round at the CFWI Platinum Jubilee Garden Party at Tregrehan Garden near St Austell. Members enjoyed the sunshine, stalls and music, and of course the beautiful gardens, and then took the opportunity to have their photos taken with Her Majesty (CLWI President Wendie Leo above with husband Cas).

Our very own member Helen Kestle, who holds the position of County Chair, pictured below.

The annual display of poppies in fields at West Pentire was this month’s destination for the Crowlas and Ludgvan Camera Club. Though the mist was rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean, the impact of the scarlet poppies in the summer fields was stunning.

Members and a couple of guests joined Dick Cole of Cornwall Heritage Trust for a fascinating walk around their newly acquired site ‘Caer Bran’. Dick not only gave members an insight into how the site might have looked in ancient times, but also explained about the mining and quarrying that took place more recently. The group also learned that archaeology is not just about digging, but starts with looking at clues above ground; how the vegetation has grown and how the land has been changed by human use over hundreds and thousands of years. Members are looking forward to visiting other sites managed by the Trust and learning more about Cornwall’s past.