Highway Farm

BOOST APPEAL update

2012-01-13T10:17:00.000Z

We recently donated to BOOST, £1000 from the Xmas Wreath-making Workshop, here'e an update from Wendy Nightgale, the chairperson;

Since February 2011 BOOST, the Digital Mammography Appeal has raised over £460,000. As chairwoman of the Appeal I would like to say a big thank you to the people and businesses of Dorset who have been so generous with their time and money in helping raise this incredible sum for the Appeal.
The hospital intend to make up the rest of the money and after many discussions and demonstrations they have now decided which machine they intend to purchase. There is a lot of building work to be done on the Breast Assessment Unit to house this new equipment and hopefully work on this will start in the very near future.

The hospital is hopeful that the newly furbished breast assessment unit will be up and running by late spring or early summer which means that diagnosis of breast cancer will be faster and more accurate, treatment will start earlier and more lives will be saved.
WELL DONE ALL!

Felting Day 11th Feb with Dennie Rose

2012-01-04T11:38:00.000Z

Sat 11^th Feb Felt-making ~ fibre landscapes ~ Colmers Hill

A therapeutic day experiencing the ancient techniques of creating fabric from fleece, can be from cobweb to carpet quality and inspired from our beautiful Dorset landscapes. £38 +materials supplied at cost approx £7.50 pay on day

More felting workshops dates see http://www.highwayfarm.co.uk/ for info.

More Felting..................................

24^th March Felt-making ~ beautiful felt and beaded nuno scarves ~ Dennie Rose

30^th June Felt-making ~A Wall Hanging “Come into my garden” ~ Dennie Rose

13^th October Felting in the barn ~ Funky felted hats! ~ Dennie Rose.

Also 7th March. More HATS ~ make a stunning felt cloche hat ~ Fiona Neylan, see attached workshop list and web page for photos of the hats we made at the last workshop.

Very best wishes for a fantastic 2012.

2012-01-03T22:53:00.000Z

2nd January 2012 ~ Cottage guests enjoy a family breakfast on the patio, in the pj's.
Can you beleive it!
Glorious sunshine, deers grazing on the hillside yonder, champagne, green grass, and roses and fushias in flower!

3rd January 2012 ~ Wild stormy night followed by a full battering of strong winds and stinging rain until lunchtime.
Over 60mph winds, trees unrooted, roads closed! Tree down in garden, decorations coming down, xmas cards to be packed away, cottage clean, garden strew with debris, lots of rain means muddy dogs, chilly walk in the wind. More like January......................but I think I'll leave my xmas wreaths on the door just a little longer!

Looking forward to HAPPY NEW YEAR and sending our very best wishes and much health and happiness to all. Love P

A magical Christmas...............with the family

2011-12-28T14:54:00.000Z

We wish you a Merry Christmas........................

2011-12-19T21:04:00.000Z

Cake icing with the grandchildren today. Didn't they do well! We're counting the sleeps to Christmas now and its only 6!
I hope you'll nearly ready or like me having just done a whizz around Bridport tonight at 4pm! That's the time to go, park right outside the shops, very few shoppers as its been rainy all day, helpful and chatty shopkeepers. You can get it all in Bridport!

Don't you just love the warm, spicy smells of far off places at this time of the year and the promise of a festive welcome and a glow deep inside, so cheers!

yer tis~ my cider punch recipe!

DORSET MULLED CIDER
1                       gallon cider (proper scrumpy cider)
1                       large bottle lemonade, optional but will make it go further!
1                       lemon, sliced
2                      orange, sliced
1½                    cups of brown sugar
4                      cinnamon sticks
1½ tsp               allspice
1½ tsp               cloves
1½ tsp               nutmeg
½ tsp                salt

Place the sugar, spices, cider and salt into a large preserving pan, heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain through muslin or fine strainer, and rinse out pan.
Return to pan and heat until piping hot, not boiling.
Warming, tasty and economical for large numbers- just double the quantity. Yum- Yum and very more-ish!

Christmas start here! Eype Makers Market

2011-12-12T21:44:00.001Z

There was tasty bacon cooking and the mulled cider was warmed and spicy, the Xmas tree decked with bunting, Matt played Christmas carols on the organ and beautiful Eype Church came alive with the hustle and bustle of another annual Makers Market. So many stalls, so colourful, lots of creative artists and a constant stream of lovely people through the doors. Thank you for coming and supporting this Community event.

Variety is what we wanted and that’s what we got! Beeswax and woodwork, baskets and knits, felting, felt hats, pictures, cards, cushions, candles, calanders, bread, beads, chocolates, cakes and xmas puds, all deliciously lovely and home-made of course!
It was a very social event with folks staying and enjoying homemade soup and cakes, and enormous amounts of coffee and tea were consumed.

Becki, on the left,one of our organisers.
I bought 3 driftwoods xmas trees from Becki, early presents, you can do all your xmas shopping in Bridport!

We raised money for the churches, Colmers WI, The Wallbridge Trust and Boost Dorchester scanner appeal.
PS I’m still selling Xmas Wreaths

Charity Xmas Wreath-making Workshop, over 50 ladies came along

2011-11-30T09:31:00.003Z

It's that time of the year, lots of festive cheer!

The weather was mild so very different from lasy year! Lots of lovely ladies came to help me make xmas wreaths. Thank you very much to everyone especially the 2 ladies who came all the way from Andover! It was fun.
We raffled some floral arrangements and my neighbour cooked bacon baps for lunch and very yummy spicy cider punch, donated by West Milton cider house!

Everyone made 2 wreaths, one to take home and one for me to sell
All beautifully individual and lovingly made, didn't they do well
This year its for Dorchester Hospital digital mammography scanner appeal and the wreaths are £10
Ring me if you'd like one 01308 424321 or come toThe Makers Market 3rd Dec, details on the last blog.

We raised over £200 on the day and I'll let you know the grand total soon
A very Merry Christmas and a New New Year
Love Pauline

PS sold all the wreaths, some were sold at Eype Makers Market, another successful Christmas Market, well supported and good weather this time! A raffle on the day raised £225, and with the £775 from the Xmas Wreath Day enabled us to send a huge £1000 to the BOOST mammogram appeal for Dorchester Hospital.

My grateful thanks to all who came along and their continued support is really appreciated. Pauline

Eype Makers Market, Saturday 3rd December

2011-11-21T22:08:00.002Z

You're invited to our Christmas Makers Market at Eype church for the Arts

http://www.eypechurcharts.co.uk/index.html

Array of local makers, bakers, growers, potters, painters, quilters, beaders, jewellery, photographers, the list is long and varied!

All coming together to show and sell their work in time for Christmas.

Please come and support, bacon buttties, cider punch, refreshments throughout the day.

Sat 3rd December 10am-4pm

Raffle for Charity. Free entry and parking. Enquiries 07969 920845 or 01308 420854

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eype-Makers-Market/177617938998614

Mushroom magic.................

2011-11-21T21:42:00.000Z

Never have I seen mushrooms growing here. Our field is littered with mushrooms, white bulbs bursting out of the ground in fairy-circles appearing daily, very exciting.

Well we think they're mushrooms but I haven't fed them to the guests, not yet but John and I are enjoying daily feeds and giving them away.

Soup recipe below, very easy and quick and the field mushrooms are so much tastier. Mushroom risotto today!

Easy Mushroom Soup

Melt some butter in a saucepan, slowly soften half a chopped onion, then add 2 handfuls of roughly chopped mushrooms. Add half and half, milk and chicken stock to cover, you'll have to guess!

Bring to boil and simmer with lid on the 15- 20 minutes, season.

Cool, then liquidise. For a nice nutty flavour add some chopped walnuts.

39 shopping days to go!

2011-11-15T21:22:00.007Z

but we're still enjoying the winter sun. Coffee outside with a friend, laundered all the summer duvets, still outside! Arranged moss/rings/ribbon for my workshop ladies, we're making Christmas Wreaths again on the 26th. Then walked to Thorncombe Beacon with Yuki from Japan, v. nearly dark on our return but wanted her to see the wonderful setting sun and expansive coastal views and the rabbits that live on the cliff edge!

39 shopping days to go! Xmas shop in Bridport?

Oh yes you can! Unique and desirably different, try our Saturdays Market Days and discover our vintage scene!
B&B £80 per room per night, min 2 night stay. and special 4 night midweek £280.

Cottage stays too.................
Cosy short breaks from £225 ..... all included, can be self-catered or B&B.
Ganders Cottage - Free 18th-26th, any 3 nights only £200.
The Boardwalk stunning Apartment at West Bay 22nd - 28th Nov, also free Xmas from 22nd-29th Dec

Celebrate the New Year at Ganders and Chideock Cottage, from 30th Dec, festive pub nearly!

The New JURASSIC Fun Centre!

2011-10-31T23:08:00.000Z

The New JURASSIC Fun Centre at Freshwater Holiday Park.http://www.freshwaterbeach.co.uk/

On a very very wet day last week we took grandson Dan to the new Jurassic Fun Centre at Burton Bradstock.
Most impressed, the new building blended into the hillside behind with it's grassy roof and stylish design addding a fresher look to the whole site. Well done Freshwater, I know you've worked long and hard to get this new facility.
It's great for the whole community, lovely not to have to travel far to access ten-pin bowling and super fun filled pools, a fitness suite and I'm sure it will be well used.
Only closed to the public for the summer holiday 20th July- 31st Aug.
The bowling was a great success Dan only threw the ball backwards on 2 occasions improving as the game porgressed, the bumpers helped! Next time we won't take Grandpa he was trying too hard and got topscore! Dan very excited now about having his birthday and tea party there on the 4th.
There's a restaurant, bar, and terrace with views for the better weather. Good value.

Jurassic Fun Centre. For a ROARING good time whatever the weather, we've got it covered. Fireworks at the JFC Saturday 5th November.

so you think its all over.............?

2011-10-23T14:53:00.001+01:00

well its not in Bridport. Maybe the days are getting shorter, the nights and morning dark but we're still busy here in Dorset.
There's always something to do and see. Our Tourist Office produce a monthly 'What's On' which you can ask them to email to you to keep you updated on all thats happening in West Dorset. www.westdorset.com

Try these...........

Visit the Floodlit Abbotsbury Gardens, open daily until 8.30pm lighting up the beautiful trees and surrounding in a magical way, spooky too. Until 30th October, so hurry along, adults £10 or £12 on the door, and if you take the Bridport News there's free children's vouchers.

http://www.dorsetfoodweek.co.uk/
22nd- 30th October Munch your way around Dorset! All listed on the website.

THE BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL is now in its 7th year and a feast of events and a galaxy of writers will intrigue, excite and entertain audiences at venues all around the town, including The Bull Hotel, The Electric Palace and The Riverside at West Bay.
Everyone involved with THE BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL is passionate about books and have established an excellent reputation with writers and publishers, as well as with audiences, to provide a wide range of talks. Tickets are selling fast 6th-22nd November , you'll find something to please all tastes during the dark and gloomy days of November.

Staying on the Book Theme....

Saturday 19 November - Saturday 26 November 2011

Bridport Open Book

a celebration of reading and writing

The Arts Centre is really keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved,has ideas or suggestions for the festival. Email The Arts Centre.

www.bridport-open-book.com

And have you heard about the BRIDPORT PRIZE?
The Bridport Prize International Creative Writing Competition was founded by Bridport Arts Centre in 1973 and has steadily grown in stature and prestige and attracts many thousands of entries from all over the UK and from over 80 countries worldwide! Fay Weldon is Patron.
Results for the 2011 Competition Results will be published on the website after 26th November.
http://www.bridportprize.org.uk/history.htm
Open Book Blog too

HAPPY READING

PS

2011-10-13T10:26:00.003+01:00

PS.
At John's 60th Party with the help of brilliant Auctioneer, friend David, who was armed with a microphone and top hat borrowed from the band auctioned all the produce from our Church Harvest Festival.
Many thanks to our lovely family and friends who rose to the occasion and over £650 was raised.
£200 for Symondsbury Church and the rest to Lucy's charity in Malawi, The Open Arms Orphanage in Blantyre.
Big Thank You to everyone. Happy memories..................

Here comes the bride......

2011-10-12T21:10:00.000+01:00

Weekend of celebrations!
Wedding of daughter Lucy to Mr Simon O'Neill

in the words of the bride...................................Oh my - we had the best wedding day ever! It was so fantastic to see so many family and friends with us. A fun, happy and memorable day that we will always treasure and remember! Thank you everyone for your support, help and smooth dance moves - legendary!!!! lots of love, Mrs O!

From Mum, that's me......Nearly there, spent yesterday and today taking things back, lots of thank-you's too!

So many people came together to help us make it a very special occasion, and we all loved it, kind of Africa meets Dorset, very organic and home-made and unique.

Sunday was brilliant too, John’s 60^th party, all friends, and tea on the lawn again, how lucky are we, followed by paella, wonderful puds and a barn dance in the amazing tipis.
I waved Lucy and Simon off on the train today, had a few tears, then flowers on Dad's grave, had a few tears, everything else was joyful.

and the sun shone................!

2011-10-02T12:47:00.001+01:00

We're in a heat wave, its just glorious! A beautiful misty start again today surrounding our valley with the promise of another sunny day ahead. I can't quite believe and neither can the guests.

I have a group of 8 men staying for B&B this weekend, well-behaved and middle-aged, they said? and they have been well-behaved, no problem, can come again. They all went clay-pidgeon shooting with our neighbours at the farm across the road and loved it, great fun, good tuition and all turned into competitive markmen! They ate at our local pub, the Ilchester Arms at Symondsbury for a taste of the local atmosphere on the first night, its a nice walk especially with our starry unpoluted skies and the foods good and the beer local. Then an evening at The Stable bar in town for cider sampling and speciality pizzas and pies, all up for breakfast this morning!

Lucy and I swam in the sea yesterday, how bizarre. A little chilly to get into the water, very cold but at Eype you have no option as it dips steeply and you are swimming in an instant, the best way really. Loved it, and it's my first dip for 2 years, not been tempted before.
The beach was littered with people enjoying the late warmth, 1st October 2011, we'll remember this one.

Wedding day next Saturday, so hoping for a fine day but it can't last that long.........................can it? It has been lovely to have this time to get things ready, the ground is hard, the garden is still looking good and the flowers may last until next weekend. Lucy and I busy ticking things off the list, fingers crossed. xx

Don't forget Bridport's wonderful HAT FESTIVAL this weekend

2011-09-13T14:09:00.000+01:00

www.bridporthatfest.org

There's some great photos on this website and lots of info.
It was a great success last year and such fun with a wonderful array of festival hats wearers,
.................so find yourself a hat and come along and join in.
16th-18th September

I'm going on workshop to make a fascinator, or attempt to, under the skillful guidance of Oonagh Stewart, and there are talks and music and stalls and exhibitions and competitions and art and dancing and children's entertainment and more!
It's great showcase and the Uk's only Hat Festival! Well done Bridport!

These beautiful cloche hats were made at a Highway Farm workshop with Fiona Neylan

Lets all wear Tea Cosy's together! 22nd Sept national wear a tea cosy on your head day!

2011-09-11T15:18:00.000+01:00

National Wear a Tea Cosy on your Head Day, mark the 22nd in your diaries and stock up with Chikondi Tea!! x

Lets all wear Tea Cosy's together! Get the tea cosy out - stick it o your head! Take a picture! Brilliant! x

national wear a tea cosy on your head day

Supported by www.whitestuff.com

Fashion lifestyle clothing & accessories for men and women

Daughter Lucy lives and works in Malawi and has set up a small specialist tea company, Chikondi Tea, everything is made in Malawi, very fairtrade supporting the locals in many ways. All the good quality tea is exported, so Lucy sells her products to the guest lodges, hotels, airports and gift shops in Malawi.
Chikonda means ‘love’ in Chichewa, love your cuppa! Cheers.

Tea fields in Malawi

chikondi tea

Lucy and I are supporting a new small project at the Thylo Estate and the Anglian Communtiy, We have donated money to repair 8 old singer sewing machines that had been donated but were not working. We also supplied materials and cottons and the plan is to set up a workshop in the Community Hall selling the things they make. There is a tailor on site to help and train, and Lucy will help to market and buy her pretty tea bags made in bright beautiful tetnnje materials.

We received a warm and beautiful welcome from Wonderously, yes that is his name! He greeted us on arrival and proudly introduced us a large group gathered in the open classroom. Mostly 3 – 5 years olds with large brown eyes dressed in an assortment of colourful clothes, together with teachers and many elderly who walk in daily for food at lunchtime, the oldest was 92!. They happily sang to us, it lifted our hearts and made us feel very humble. They proudly talked about their project and the work they do and then showed us around the village and their beautiful little white church. It was a memorial visit and I hope the link continues.

Recipes.............

2011-08-16T12:57:00.001+01:00

Here's a some very easy and tasty recipes that I made for a supper party on Friday, very quick to prep, looked good on the plate and tasted delicious too.
For David and his parish mag!

STUFFED CHICKEN

Oven 200C, gas mark 6, and the Aga – top shelf in top oven.

You don’t need huge chicken breasts as its quite rich & small ones will cook quicker.

4 chicken breasts, skins removed

2oz/55g strong cheddar cheese

One ball mozzarella, chopped into small pieces

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

4 rashers back bacon or 8 of streaky

Mix the cheeses and mustard together. Stuff into chicken pieces and wrap with the bacon to hold it together. Place in dish, season and roast for 25-30 minutes.

Serve with new potatoes, carrots and runner beans from the garden!

STICKY SCOTTISH RIBS

Recipe from the Paterson Family from West Lothian, them with the lovely accent! They decided to holiday in England and spent a week in Dorset using us as a base.

Using a pestle and mortar grind some peppercorns, rock salt, mustard seeds, chilli flakes and garlic, you will have to guess the quantities!

In a bowl put some chilli sauce, cayenne pepper and a good splodge of tomato sauce and mix together with a handful of brown sugar, then add Coke Cola (NOT diet, hate the stuff!).

Add to ribs, (I used belly pork), and marinate for 4 hours. Pour off sauce.

Cook ribs on top shelf of the oven at high heat for 20 minutes, then turn down to 150C/gas 2, or put in the bottom oven of aga on top shelf. Baste occasionally with extra sauce. Ready in 2 –4 hours! and so lovely.

BAKED RICOTTA

Oven 200C, gas mark 6, and the Aga – top shelf in top oven.

A tasty Mediterranean starter or light lunch and can be made the day or 2 before which is a great idea.

2                      tubs of ricotta
2                      eggs
4oz/110g         parmesan, finely grated

Beat ricotta and eggs together, add parmesan, and season to taste.
Place mixture into a lined loaf tan, level scatter with a little more parmesan.
Bake for about 35 minutes, or until set. Cool then turn out and refridgerate.
Slice and serve with sliced tomatoes that have been tossed in an olive oil dressing, add some chopped black olives and fresh basil, and a little drizzle of dressing.

Sorry no photos we ate it all!

Vintage Market in Bridport

2011-08-04T10:35:00.000+01:00

Bridport Vintage market has become a fun interesting place to hunt for a quirky items and you're bound to find a bargain! Enjoy simple local organic food at the cafe, come and soak up the laid-back and bohemian atmosphere. The locals love it as a place to meet and visitors love it because they meet the locals.

Located at St Michael’s Trading Estate, now Bridport’s Art and Vintage Quarter, vibrant with local artists and vintage sellers and home to many businesses too. Monthly Vinatge Market held on the last Sunday monthly 12-4pm, but open daily Monday- Saturdays.

Dolphins sited from the hive beach, Burton Bradstock

2011-07-25T22:12:00.000+01:00

Last week Mark and Nicki were thrilled to see dolphins in the bay while enjoying the gourmet delights on the fishy menu at The Hive Cafe. Everyone got up to view and here's the proof!

Mark and Nicki's second visit to Highway Farm this year and they caught the weather just right! Breakfast starts the day on the patio, sunny walks along the coastline with a lovely breeze and supper in a different pub each night! Discovered new pubs this time and they really enjoyed the meal at The Half Moon at Melplash.

They also did one of my favourite walks starting at The Walnut Tree, Langton Herring and walking along the Fleet lagoon then up through the old village of Fleet with it's tiny interesting church and back through the fields to the Pub and a well earned drink, the food is good too. Easy walk, rather flat with stunning views of the Fleet to enjoy. I've got the map if you'd like the route.

It's a record for the The Big Breakfast, brilliant weather too!

2011-07-05T20:24:00.001+01:00

We were so very lucky yesterday with the glorious weather, lots of lovely helpers, lots of happy people and 130 breakfasts cooked!

£1000 raised for Cancer Research from the Breakfast and £250 raffle for Symondsbury Church, plus cook book sales and donations total £1480, the balance will go to the Boost Appeal at Dorchester Hospital who are raising money for a mammogram digital scanner.

Brilliant, I'm delighted! Thank you to our trusty helpers, those who donated food, raffle prizes and tea towels to wipe up. It was a lot of plates!

Well done all.

Pauline and John xx

Stunning photos by Yuki from Japan.

2011-07-05T20:10:00.003+01:00

Just a sample of the many hundreds she took while staying at Highway Farm. She came to photograph the rabbits, there's rabbits galore in our valleys rather like Watership Downs and it takes dedication and patience to capture them like this!

WALK THIS WAY................

2011-06-29T15:17:00.001+01:00

This is the third morning for breakfast on the patio, some record for this month of June!
We love to have breakfast outside, you're almost sat in the fields with the birds offering a natural display of acrobatics and interest.

My guests have been walking the coastal footpaths in stages walking from Poole to Lands End. They stayed here for 3 nights. We're a good base with the bus stopping outside of our entrance every hour travelling the along the Jurrasic Coast to Poole on one direction and Exeter the other.
Jack and John walked and talked their way from Abotsbury to West Bay on the first afternoon putting the world to right no doubt! The ladies were the back up team allowing them time to discover places of interest locally. Then after a good hearty breakfast on Day 2 they walked back from Lyme Regis to West Bay, don't think it's any easier which ever way you go, still many hills to climb but the views are stunning! Not any easy footpath to follow from Lyme to Charmouth so beware or take the bus, that's my recommendation!
Day 3 saw Jack and Jack walking from Lyme Regis through the wilds of the Undercliffs and along the Devon coastline and the red cliffs of Beer, another major hike but they were lucky to have 3 good days, not too hot, clear views and a lovely breeze...........but then its always sunny in Dorset!
We bade them farewell on their way to stay at Branscombe with a day off for shopping, not too sure if the men thought that was a break?
From our visitors book 29/6 John & Barbara; Beware Walkers! You will fall in love with this accommodation, the food, comforts, and convenience of the bus transport on the door. Can't wait to start the Coast to Coast all over again! Many thanks.
and from Jack & Mavis; A lovely visit. Accom. and food excellent. Good company, lots of laughs!!

Check out;
http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/
The South West Coast Path National Trail - 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset it is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage.

Makers Market 24th and 25th June.

2011-06-15T07:46:00.003+01:00

Eype Makers' Market

This year it's 2 days- Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th

The increasingly popular Eype Makers’ Market with local craftsmen and women exhibiting and selling their wares. Eype Church is such a beautiful venue and with stunning views from the car park out to sea.You'll be impressed with the wonderful selections of Makers and all things made!
http://www.eypechurcharts.co.uk/ Sat 25th 11-4pm and Sun 26th 10-3pm

STILL STALLS AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY Ring Margarget McCelland 01308 459409

I'm selling Denhay Bacon baps on Sunday lunchtime with the help of committee members of Dorchester Hospital Appeal and we're raising money for a new Digital Mammography Scanner, please come and buy one!

The BIG Breakfast at Highway Farm

2011-06-14T07:34:00.000+01:00

Invite to.......................... The BIG Breakfast at HIGHWAY FARM
West Road Bridport DT6 6AE
Sunday 3^rd JULY 9am-1pm

We're pulling out all the stops again, roping in neighbours, friends and family for another friendly, scrumpy breakfast with plenty of time to relax and chat!

Plus an option to walk Eype Downs from here to enjoy the wonderful valleys and glorious views coastal views.

WALKING?

Before or after Walk on Eype Downs, optional. Short or long walk.

I hour or 2 hour circular walk to Eype fro Highway Farm, and back for a well-earned breakfast!

It’s for Cancer Research UK & raffle for Symondsbury Church.

Please come.

Enjoy a 3 course leisurely farmhouse breakfast.

Full breakfast £10. Breakfast Baps £5

01308 424321 Pauline & John Bale

Bridport Food Fest , on this week. 12th-18th June YUMMY!

2011-06-14T07:18:00.000+01:00

Bridport Food Festival 2011.
Delicious, colourful and engaging. All sorts of FOODIE things, demonstatrions, visits for people of all ages. Whether you are local to Bridport or a visitor you’re very welcome and sure to find something to enjoy.

http://bridportfoodfestival.wordpress.com/

SPLASH!

2011-05-26T10:01:00.001+01:00

Christine fell into our fishing lake! Up to her sunglasses!

A very wet and soggy Chris arrived at my front door yesterday, with a smile on her face. This is one for your blog Pauline. Chris and Reg read my blogs regularly, so nice to know, made my day!

Chris was enjoying a lovely sunny evening fish with husbad Reg, she doing her supporting role, passing the bread and sweetcorn, admiring the captured fish, ooh that is a good size! When, she goes to unhook and rescue Reg's line, slips on the edge and slides in feet first just like the launching a royal barge! Reg can only laugh, some help, men!

No photo of The Splash, Reg too busy laughing!

I've had trouble with these two before, and a jolly good laugh about the laundry issue but that's another story but it does make Reg and Chris memorable!
This is their third visit, they've stayed in The Boardwalk apartment at West Bay, then here for B&B last year and now Ganders Cottage. Reg loves the fishing on hand and is up early when the morning is fresh and lovely and no one about, well except me.

Such lovely guests and a joy to have stay. They take pleasure in the simple things and always have a smile on their faces and enjoy themseves together. We hope to see you again.

and then Christine waddled off to shower................!

Recipe for Elderflower Cordial, very easy!

2011-05-24T10:11:00.002+01:00

Elderflower time! It's early and the hedgerows are blossoming with large white flower heads. It's so easy to think I must make some elderflower cordial and then the time slips by and the flowering is over. So here's a reminder and a recipe.
So grab a basket and a grandchild and go and gather some flower heads.
Easy to make and keeps well in the fridge, also freezes too. I'm drinking the last bottle found at the bottom of the freezer from last year, still taste good.

ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

A gorgeously refreshing summertime drink. I like mine diluted in a long glass topped up with chilled white wine or champagne and lots of ice! To be enjoyed on the patio while watching the golden glow of the evening sun settle over our little town of Bridport. Cheers!

20                    large elderflower heads
2½pt/50fl.oz    boiling water
2                      whole lemons, sliced
2½oz/70g         citric acid (you can get from your local Chemist)
4lbs/1.8kg        granulated sugar

Put all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and leave for 5 days, stirring twice a day.
Strain off and bottle.   Makes about 5 bottles.

ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE

Similar to elderflower presse and another delicious summer drink. Not made this recipe yet but will give it try.

8 litres (2 gallons) water
1.25 kg (2.5 lbs/5 cups) sugar
8 large elderflower heads
4 Lemons
4 tablespoons mild white wine vinegar

Boil the water and pour on the sugar to dissolve it.

Cool and add the elderflowers, juice of the two lemons, slices of the other two and the vinegar.
Cover with a cloth and leave for a day.
Strain with a fine sieve or muslin cloth, squeezing the flowers as you do to release more flavour.

Store in screw top bottles.

It will be ready in about 10 days to a fortnight and should be drunk within a month

Bridport Open Studios OPEN 21st- 30th May

2011-05-22T23:01:00.000+01:00

www.bridportopenstudios.co.uk

21st - 30th May
Just spreading the word............. opportunity to discover Art and Artists living and working in West Dorset. Explore relaxed villages, wander around the back streets of Bridport, enjoy the local pubs and restaurants along the way and celebration our amazing local artistic talent.

For Artists, maps, dates and times see the website or get a free guide from out Tourist Office in South St.

Don't forget The Monthly Vintage Market next Sunday 27th May at St Micheals Trading Estate,
based in the 'Artistic and Antique Quarter of Bridport'. It's such fun and you might just find that bargain buy! 12-4pm

My knight in shining armour.......................!

2011-05-21T11:27:00.001+01:00

Mark, is my knight in shining armourr! My lovely guest arrived just at the right time last Sunday afternoon and rescued me. I was struggling with my new laptop. Desparately trying to get online and needing to access my emails after spending the week visiting all my neighbours to access and response to accommodation enquiries I think I had outstayed my welcome!

He works for Sony and travels the world sorting computer probelms. How lucky was I! He also added a filter and has speeded up my connection. I was well pleased, a very big thank you Mark.

Mark and Nicki stayed here one night last year, they were very lucky as I don't usually do one night stays! They stayed 2 nights this time, and the weather was glorious. They have booked to stay 3 nights in July. I'm saving up my computer problems for Mark!

Here's some views from their 550 photos! On a walk from Highway Farm to Charmouth, a quick bus ride to Lyme Regis to explore and home again on the No.53 Jurassic Bus.

MAY DAYS AWAY

2011-04-30T22:23:00.001+01:00

Hi All

Wonderful, wonderful Royal wedding, loved it all! Especially loved the trees inside the church, how many do you think I could get in Symondsbury church for my daughter's wedding in October?

From friend Jane;

Absolutely lovely wedding - and Kate looked wonderful! We now know what we are all wearing to this years weddings....Of course you can have an avenue of trees through Symondsbury church....

It's rather like the film, this summer we've got 4 weddings and an 'evening do'!

MAY DAYS AWAY...........................................................

Just had a 2 week cancellation in Chideock Cottage from 30th April -14th May.

http://chideockcottage.co.uk/ special price £395 for 7 nights

A short midweek break in Ganders Cottage 9th-13th May, not sure why I took a weekend booking? £295 http://www.highwayfarm.co.uk/

Also try The Boardwalk, it's a stunning apartment overlooking West Bay's harbour, you'll love it!

http://www.boardwalk-westbay.co.uk/ we book short break in the Boardwalk all year round.

Available weekend breaks in May 13th-16th, 20th-23rd, BH weekend 27th-31st

Nice now the Bank Holidays have passed and everyone is back to work!

All above sleep 4 people. Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Willow Sculptures with Andy Southall, next Sunday 8th May 10.30- 4.30pm, 3 places left. £40. 01308 424321 to book.

Highway Farm - International!

2011-04-25T18:58:00.000+01:00

This lovely Easter Weekend we have have welcomed guests from far and wide;
France, Brazil, Romania, Australia, Scotland and England.

What a great delight to show them Dorset in glorious sunshine! They walked to the coastal footpaths, discovered the gastro delights our local pubs and sampled the local beer, and some just sat, soaking in the view from our garden.
Full English Breakfast with all the trimmings on the patio everyday, and no-one wanted to leave this morning!

Easter Sunday we stayed home and along with grandchilden we hunted for easter eggs to the very top of Colmers Hill, attended the morning service at Symondsbury Church, enjoyed drinks in the Ilchester Arms in the garden, lunched on our patio, strolled in the hot afternoon sun seeking shade in the beautiful garden and grounds of Chideock Manor on their Garden Open Day. Finally a cooked family supper outside bird spotting in the early evening. A very Happy Easter.

The bluebells on Eype Downs are now in full brilliant bloom and their evening smell is heavenly.

Summer has arrived..........

2011-04-07T17:52:00.000+01:00

Walked along the beach from Eype to West Bay & back over the cliffs, stunning day. 7th April.

Goodbye to Jazz

2011-04-04T15:50:00.000+01:00

A fond farewell to our lovely cat Jazz.............RIP
He arrived as Jasmine, whoops had to change that to Jazzman. A beautifully marked tabby and the size of Bagpuss, he roamed the farm and ruled the roost, dogs make way! There's an empty space in front of my aga where he stetched out fully to absorb the lovely warmth and I know my guests will miss his visits to Ganders Cottage, 'cottage with cat'! He loved a lap to sit on and was fed by us all.

Goodbye Jazzy

2011-04-04T15:37:00.001+01:00

From Suzie....... Everyone loves my Bird! – it was a good day.

The sun shone and we all worked very hard! Big Thanks to all who came and to tutor Fiona Hingston.

Drink tea for Lent............That's what I'm doing!

2011-03-24T18:19:00.001Z

Chikondi Tea is a new Tea Company set up by daughter Lucy who lives and works in Malawi. She's engaged to be married to Simon, a Tea taster and buyer, so can recommend the tea and on sale here in tailor-made african textile gift bags, all locally sourced, providing and supporting the local community in which they live.

Discover the delights of the tea business and interesting facts about tea drinking....
Eight out of ten cups of tea in the United Kingdom are brewed from a teabag!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chikondi-Tea/164349640265601?sk=wall

TEA LOAF

Oven 160C, gas mark 2-3, my Aga - top shelf in bottom oven!

It makes no difference to the recipe what size of cup is used. I use a large breakfast teacup, that will make a 2 lb loaf, but you can use a mug or double the quantity if you want a larger loaf or two loaves.

1 cup mixed dried fruit

1 cup milky tea

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 cups SR flour: can be half malted flour as this gives a great flavour

Spices cinnamon, ginger, mixed spice, nutmeg

Soak the fruit in the milk for at least one hour. Add sugar, flour and spices and mix thoroughly and bake for approx one hour. Serve plain or if you really want a treat, buttered!

Who needs a tourist board with films like this? Tamara Drew, now on DVD.

2011-03-24T16:57:00.000Z

There are no major attractions. And hardly any minor attractions either. You’ll find no cities to visit and no motorways to get you here. The county doesn’t even have a tourist board.
Some people must wonder why anyone would want to spend a few days in the Dorset countryside.
Well, those people obviously haven’t seen Tamara Drewe. This charming film - said by some to be the best British film of 2010 - is set amid the most gorgeous West Dorset countryside. It sometimes seems like one long commercial for holidays there. Who needs a tourist board with films like this?

Read more about our lovely Dorset;
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1368134/Tamara-Dreweshire-Tour-beautiful-Dorset-countryside.html

Springtime WORKSHOPS

2011-03-20T23:12:00.002Z

Hazelwood furniture & willow sculptures.

Gypsy Baskets

Felt-making

Check out our new list of workshops http://www.highwayfarm.co.uk/
Book soon

Sculptured Spring Chickens! Saturday 2nd April

Rustic Hazelwood Furniture Fri 8^th/Sat 9^thApril, and again 24th & 25th June

Fabulous Felting– a floral corsage Saturday 30th April

More Willow Sculptures Sunday 8^th May Can be a bird or beastie or anything you fancy. Come and make an exciting sculpture but remember it has to fit in the car!

Come into my Kitchen………………

2011-03-14T17:54:00.000Z

Come into my Kitchen………………

http://www.highwayfarm.co.uk/ Pauline Bale 01308 424321

Fish Soup

This is a satisfying main course or a colourful starter. Easy to cook, just keep chopping and adding to the pot, cooking as you go. Very tasty served with ciabatta crutons.

3 tblsp olive oil

1 med onion, chopped

2 med leeks, chopped

2 red peppers, diced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 saffron, large pinch

1 dried hot red chilli flakes (optional)

1 fresh bay leaf

½tsp fresh or dried thyme

1 large tin of tomatoes, chopped ( 2 tins to stretch 2 feed more!)

9oz/ 250g potatoes cut into cubes

8fl oz/ 225ml dry white wine or a good splosh!

15fl oz / 425ml fish stock

1½ lb/ 750g mix of fish, skinned and cut into chucks; halibut, cod, salmon, haddock, pollock.

double cream, just guess how much

parsley, chopped

Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion and sweat for 10 mins. Add leeks, pepper, garlic and saffron and cook until softened. Add chilli, herbs and cook for further 5 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, then add wine and potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

Add fish and stock, simmer for 10 minutes until fish is cooked.

To serve add cream and chopped parsley with croutons and crusty bread.

Croutons; chop ciabatta bread or French stick into small chunks, day old bread is best and toss in seasoned olive oil with dried thyme added. Cook on a baking sheet in a hot oven for 10 minutes turning once or twice.

Lovers of everything West Dorset!

2011-03-09T09:04:00.001Z

Come with me, and friend Natalie, a talented photographer and lover of everything West Dorset!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmP8r1Fndnk
Discover this sleepy corner of the world, from Mapperton to Pilsdon Pen, Beaminster to Bridport, this is our home and we love it and hope you do too.

Scrapstore magic! Bridport tlc

2011-02-21T16:28:00.001Z

I've just found Bridport tlc Scrapstore! A fanastic discovery of materials, webbing, rops, netting, cardboard, papers and lots more.

Run by Tess Dickson, a very creative and charming artist, and very helpful too. So if you're looking for kids stuff, fancy dress, patchwork, textile work or need blue, pink or yellow door knobs, this is the place to rummage!

Open Tues-Thurs 10- 4pm See their charity website for ideas and other inititives 01308 425916
http://www.bridport-tlc.org.uk/

Rabbits galore!

2011-02-21T16:18:00.000Z

I've just taken a booking from Japan! They googled "England", "Farmstay", "Rabbits" and found us!

How brilliant is the worldwide web, I mention somewhere in my blurb.........hundreds of rabbits and today whilst on my daily doggie walk I came across 4 roe deer, 3 buzzards and a heron on the lake. The beautiful deer almost hidden from view amongst the bracken on the downs with just their white bottoms to spot!

The Japanese guest is coming to photograph wildlife and views, and I'm sure she will find plenty!

Half term ideas....................

2011-01-30T23:03:00.000Z

Many of the leading attractions such as the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Tank Museum hold special themed half term events and fun days. Get creative and visit one of the country parks and join in some craft making activities or go to one of the art centres and enjoy some half term shows.

Dorchester may be one of the smallest county towns in England but it is packed full with history, culture and activities. Discover 6,000 years of history by exploring Maiden Castle, Europe’s largest hill fort, where Dorchester’s first settlement arose, the Roman Town House, the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and so much more.

Dorchester has some excellent museums to explore ranging from teddy bears to Tutankhamen. Why not take some time out of your day to visit one (or all!) of these interesting museums.

If you are spending the weekend in Dorchester, don’t forget to visit Poundbury – a modern extension of Dorchester designed by Prince Charles. The village is famous for its impressive architecture and design and is dotted with little independent boutiques and specialist shops.

For more information on visiting Dorchester, contact the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992 or visit http://www.westdorset.com/

2011-01-30T22:01:00.002Z

Extracted from our Visitor Book today 30th January 2011;

Came for B&B - got Ganders Cottage, fantastic! Pauline's breakfast on Saturday, huge almond croissants from Leakers Bakery, Saturday night at River Cottage HQ - a great evening................followed by breakfast outside on Sunday morning in glorious sunshine.
The second but not the last visit to Highway Farm. Graham & Alicia Frome Somerset.

You see you don't need to travel far to get away and have special break, and breakfast on the patio too, in January, must be the earliest ever! Cosy bed & breakfast available in Ganders Jan - Mar.

The chocolate cake that can't go wrong!

2011-01-30T11:41:00.000Z

Here’s a recipe from a guest who kindly took the trouble to write it out and send to me on returning home. The recommended ones are always the best and my grandchildren have approved this one!

Thank you to Marilyn Harding

The chocolate cake that can’t go wrong!

Oven 180C, gas mark 4, Aga – bottom shelf of top oven with metal shelf to reduce heat.

This cake keeps well, that’s if its not eaten up by the family and for a celebration cake this recipe can be doubled or trebled!

4oz/ 110g softened butter

9oz/ 250g caster sugar

2 large eggs

8oz/225g plain flour

2oz/50g cocoa powder

1 tsp bicarb. of soda

8fl.oz/ 250ml milk

1tblsp lemon jiuce

Sieve flour, cocoa and bicarb. together.

Beat butter and half of the sugar, beat eggs into mixture one at a time. Stir the remaining sugar.

Beat in half the milk and fold in half the flour. Add the rest of milk and flour and beat until smooth.

Pour into cake tin, lined and bake for approx 1 hour, but check after 45mins.

Cool, remove from tin. When cold smother with chocolate icing, optional!

2011-01-23T21:19:00.001Z

Fossil Weekend 05/02/2011 - 06/02/2011

This is the time of year to find exciting fossils! Join the Warden Team and guests for a weekend learning more about how Charmouth and the coast have changed over the last 200 million years! Including walks, talks, fossil identification and lots more. In association with Jurassic Coast Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to All....................

2010-12-19T14:38:00.000Z

Wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Love Pauline & John

Mincemeat bread and butter pud, yummy! Can recommend.

2010-12-16T23:28:00.000Z

I made this recipe at a recent Aga Cookery workshop and it was delicious and very easy to make too. All the ladies enjoyed the discovering of the magic of The AGA, and for the L-plated aga owners we tried to take away the mysteries and keep is simple! My kitchen was filled with fun and laughter as Olivia and I, a demon duo, full of cookery tips and culinery skills attempted to cook, talk, demonstate and answer the many questions.

Mincemeat bread and butter pudding

Oven to 180ºC/Fan 160ºC/Gas Mark 4.

Aga- bottom shelf of top oven with cold shelf, take shelp away for the last 5 minutes.

Use a shallow dish so that you get maximum crunchy top. It rises like a souffle, so serve it at once straight from the oven. Very yummy!

50g (2 oz) ready-to-eat dried apricots chopped, soak in 2 tbsp brandy or rum
12 thin slices white bread, buttered
jar of mincemeat
50g (2 oz) caster sugar
3/4 large eggs
300ml (½ pint) double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
150ml (¼ pint) milk
1 tbsp demerara sugar

Well-butter a 28cm (11in) fairly shallow round china ovenproof dish.

Make sandwiches of the bread using the mincemeat, but don't fill right to the edges because these are trimmed off. Cut off the crusts and cut each sandwich diagonally into four, butter top. Arrange the sandwich triangles across the dish, slightly overlapping.

Beat together the caster sugar, eggs, cream and vanilla extract. Stir in the milk.

Scatter the apricots over the bread. Gradually pour over the cream mixture, making sure all the bread is coated. Best if you can leave the pudding to stand for 30-60 minutes (to allow the bread to absorb the liquid, so it becomes light and crisp during cooking, rising like a souffle!). If you have no time, don't worry - you can still bake it straight away.

Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top of the pudding, and bake for about 40 minutes until well-risen, crisp and golden. Serve immedialatey with creme fraiche or cream.

The Makers Market........successful despite the weather! Thank you for your support

2010-12-07T14:26:00.005Z

Saturday 4th December Makers Market at Eype Church

We so nearly cancelled but soldered on and started at 12noon so not to disappoint. We awoke on the morning and the snow had GONE and it was raining and the field car park was wet and muddy, again! But that didn't stop the Makers arriving in their droves followed by an organised chaotic and speedy unloading.
We turned some morning visitors away but welcomed a steady afternoon stream of buyers and viewers and what a festival atmosphere inside a beautifully lit Eype Church for the Arts. It's a splendid setting to display the wonderful variety of handicrafts and unique items from 40 artists and makers, all local and very talented and a great opportunity to buy something special, I did! Thank you to Matt for the delightful organ music which created a magical seasonal touch to the friendly atmosphere. Great refreshments on offer and thanks you the car parking gentlemen who got wet and a very big thank you to all who came and supported.

We started the Makers Market last Christmas with a very small team with the idea to hold a regular community event at Eype Church and to it make available to local people so that they could appreciate what a wonderful venue it is. The Makers Market is now twice yearly, June and December and it's great to welcome so many into the church, it also highlights the work of the Wallbridge Trust which donated £250,000 to the Church for it's restoration into the beautiful Eype Church for the Arts. If you haven't been, look out for the programme of events and exhibitions held through the year http://www.eypechurcharts.co.uk/

After expenses we are able to donate £201 to the Walbridge Trust, £155 to The Poole Hospital Scanner Appeal and the Churches in the Parish made about £350 from refreshments which will help them with their parish work.

Pauline and her friends made all those super wreathes and raised £500 for Cancer Research UK.

Thanks also to everyone involved with the super refreshments, the car parking, stallholders, raffle people and of course, the committee, Margaret, Sue, Di, Pauline and Chris- THANK YOU

2010-12-07T13:24:00.000Z

Poor Jill, the lakes are frozen over, she's sharing with the chicken and has a shed for shelter but this is all she can find to paddle her feet! Don't worry she's not for the Christmas table.

Some 2011 workshops dates......Learn something new for the New Year

2010-12-07T13:15:00.002Z

It's been a fun and frantic season and thank you for your support. The workshops have brought many lovely people through our doors and I hope you all enjoyed taking time out to be creative!

We can all be creative, you just need excellent tutors and my thanks to the tutors for their inspiration, guidance and patience! Happy christmas, Warmest Regards Pauline

More Workshops for 2011

Book early to reserve a place....and pay in the New Year.

Book 5 workshop days throughout the year and get an extra free workshop.

Price includes plenty of tea or coffee, and sticky toffee pudding or apple cake!

RAGS RUGS Saturday 12^th March 10.30am–4.30pm

Have you ever fancied having a go at rugging? Well now’s your chance! Create a small rug or wall hanging, learn traditional technique in a day. £35 materials incl. Option to buy hook.

Wire Sculpture Thursday 14th April & Saturday 2nd June 10.30-4.30pm

I've just done this course and am the proud owner of a splendid full-size cock pheasant!

Come and be creative and inspired by Helen Godfrey, working with chicken wire to create a unqiue 3-dimensional animal, bird or body? You’ll be thrilled with the end result and friends will be impressed!

£45 +materials which will depend on amount used, to be bought from tutor on the day.

Living Willow Sunday 28^th March 10.30am – 1pm

Come and have a go, learn to plant, weave & make beautiful living arbours, tunnels and natural screens. Guidance & instructions to take home so you can go and create your own living archways and fences. £25

Spring Chickens! Willow Sculptures Saturday 2nd April 10-4.30pm

Make splendid chickens and cockerels to stand pride of place in your garden! A great day out, it’s a very full day but under the expert guidance of Fiona Hingston, you will be delighted with the end results. Persuaded out of workshop retirement to run our winter reindeer course, Fiona is the lady that inspired my workshop days! £45 plus additional cost for willow used approx £4.Rustic Hazelwood Furniture Fri 8^th/Sat 9^thApril, and 24th & 25th June 10-5pm

This is a two-day workshop. Try your hand at furniture making and be inspired and guided by green woodman and tutor Peter Moors. Make your own unique garden furniture, its well worth the effort! Please sign up early, as there is a waiting list! £90 plus approx £15 for wood used.

Fabulous Felting– a floral corsage Saturday 30th April 10.30 -4.30pm

A real felting treat with Dennie Rose. A therapeutic day, come and experience the ancient techniques of creating fabric from fleece that can be from cobweb to carpet quality to make a beautiful felt flower corsage. £35 +materials supplied at cost

Fibres landscapes, nuno scarves....more felt dates to follow please register your interest or get a group together and Dennie can arrange.

Traditional Hurdle making Tuesday 10^th May 10-5pm

Another day with Peter. Learn the traditional skills from a hurdle maker. It’s a real achievement to make your own, you’ll appreciate efforts that go into hurdle making. £45 plus approx £10 for wood.

Hedgerow baskets 21st May 10.30-4.30pm

Walk our hedges and grounds to gather natural and seasonal materials, climbers and ivys, clematis, to make onto rustic gypsy-style baskets or learn to weave rushes into table mats. Suitable for all ages. £35 materials included.

Basket-making with local willow May, date tba.

Relax and enjoy working with natural willow. Andy is a natural and patient tutor with lots of knowledge. You'll be delighted with your hand-made basket. £45 plus approx £4 for willow tutor

Christmas recipes

2010-11-27T22:42:00.003Z

With Christmas just around the corner can I take the opportunity to wish everyone lots of festive fun, much good food on their plates and happiness to all, and a very healthy New Year.

It’s a favourite and feared time of year, we all have such great expectation in the cooking department and then run out of time, so here’s a few recipes that you can make early and store, like freezer mincemeat.

The recipes below have a mincemeat and marshmallow/chocolate theme, stock cupboard items for me and can be made as seasonal gifts to impress your party hostess or your Mum!

Christmas is best done with a little planning, so make the mud pie a couple days ahead, and don’t forget that part of the fun of Christmas is giving, the other is receiving, so if someone offers to help, bake, or do the sprouts, let them!

Freezer Mincemeat

Homemade mincemeat is easy to make and delicious. Make it early ready for some special mince pies!

1½lb/ 700g cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped

1 lb/ 450g seedless raisins

8oz/ 225g currants

6oz/ 175g sultanas

2oz/ 50g mixed peel

8oz/ 225g shredded suet

10oz/275g soft brown sugar

1 lemon, grated rind and juice of, and the grated rind of 1 orange

½tsp mixed spice, cinnamon, and grated nutmeg

4 tblsp brandy

Cook chopped apples gently without water, stirring all the time until soft. Cool.

Mix all the dried fruits together and then add the rest of the ingredients and stir in apple. Mix well.

Put into rigid containers in the fridge for 3 – 4 days to mature, and then freeze.

Use within 3 months. Gift wrap the lids with xmas material and festive ribbon.

Mincemeat Wheels

The children can help with these; roll them, slice them, flatten them. No not the children, silly!

Oven 200C, gas mark 6, Aga – Top shelf in top oven!

1 pack of ready puff pastry, I always keep some in the freezer

1 jar of mincemeat

Scatter a little golden caster sugar over worktop and unroll puff pastry on top. Then roll out, keeping pastry in a rectangular shape. Spread mincemeat evenly leaving a border along longest edge.

Roll tightly into sausage shape gently press the pastry into the mincemeat. Brush the edge with milk and seal, bring in ends and seal. Chill for 30 minutes.

Cut into slices about 3 cm deep, place on a baking tray and flatten down with hand, scatter sliced almonds on top and bake for 20 –30 minutes. Delicious with vanilla ice cream.

Another mincemeat recipe? How about hot grapefruit starter or pud? Half the grapefruits and cut around and into segments with a sharp knife, smoother with dollop of mincemeat, grate some orange or lemon rind on top and cook in oven or under low grill until warm through and melted, cool a little before serving.

Can serve cold too. Yummy!

Christmas Rocky Crunchy bars

I was given these as a present last Christmas by a friend who came to supper, a Nigella recipe.

Use a foil tray or line a baking tray approx 236mm x 296mm. Makes about 24.

9oz/ 250g             dark chocolate
5oz/ 150g             milk chocolate
6oz/ 175g             soft butter
4 tblsp                golden syrup
7oz/ 200g            amaretti biscuits
5oz/ 150g             brazil nuts, shelled
5oz/ 150g            cherries
4oz/110g             mini marshmallows

Chop both chocolates into a heavy-based saucepan with syrup and butter, and melt over a gentle heat.
Put biscuits into a freezer bag, and bash them with a rolling pin and then you’ll have varying sized bits!
Do the same with the brazil nuts.
Take pan off the heat, add crushed biscuits, nuts, cherries and marshmallows and carefully combine the ingredients coating them with the chocolate mixture. OoooAhhh, loverlee!
Spatula into tray and smooth roughly, put in fridge for 1-2 hours.

Cut into squares and dust with sifted icing sugar, and edible glitter, optional.

Marshmallow Mud Pie

My absolute favourite pud! It’s so easy, can be frozen or made 2 days ahead for ease of entertaining, and cuts into 10 servings or more. Found and remade recently from a very old Woman & Home pull-out.

Use a 8-9” spring clipped tin and grease sides and line base.

10oz/ 275g chocolate digestives biscuits, crushed into fine crumbs
3oz/ 75g melted butter.

Filling

9oz/ 250g           marshmallows
4 tblsp                milk
12oz/ 350g          plain chocolate

2 tsp instant coffee

¾ pt/15 fl oz double cream

Make biscuit base, use to line base and sides of tin, put in fridge while you make the filling.

Melt marshmallows and melt in pan over a low heat, remove and cool.

Melt chocolate in bowl of saucepan of water. Dissolve coffee in 2 tblsp of boiling water

Whip cream to soft peaks.

Fold chocolate, coffee and cream into the marshmallow mixture and pour into biscuit base.

Chill for 2 –3 hours, carefully remove from tin and decorate with chocolate pringles or leaves.

Chocolate leaves; Apply melted chocolate with a paintbrush to the underside of dry rose or mint leaves and place on non-stick paper. When set peel away the leaf carefully.

Chocolate curls; Over a marble slab or board spread a layer of white chocolate, score across with a fork, then spread a layer of plain chocolate over the white. Leave to go cold and make the curls using a blade of a large sharp knife or a hand cheese slicer.

Chilly but a good turn out of ladies for Festive Wreath Workshop

2010-11-27T22:30:00.003Z

16/12/10
We have raised over £550 so far for Cancer Research UK thank you very much, I'm still making wreaths!
Well done ladies, and thank you for turning out to support us on a very chilly, snow-clad winters' day, travelling through a white wonderland to come and create Christmas wreaths at our charity workshops at Highway Farm.
Layered up with woollies and double socked we provided continuous hot drinks and warm spicy cider punch and all contributed to the food table with assorted mince pies and goodies to keep eveyone in good spirits whilst working on the coldest weekend of the year! The barn was shrewn with varigeted foliage, holly bushes, pine cones and festive ribbons, dried orange and apple slices, carols sang and it was very cold but we all enjoyed the fun of sharing and being creative together, and we decked the walls with splendid hand-made wreaths, all beautiful, all different, a seasonal preview and the start of the Christmas season!
My grateful thanks to all. Merry Christmas Pauline

We have over 40 wreaths to sell for Cancer Research UK, £10 each, available from Pauline Bale 01308 424321 or at The Makers' Market at Eype Church on Saturday 4th December, 10- 4pm.

Supporting charity in Malawi

2010-11-21T22:45:00.001Z

Lucy, our daughter, has lived in Malawi for over 4 years and we have on her recommendations supported many small and local projects from our fun-raising efforts. She knows, and we know, that the money will go exactly to the people who need it, and she knows who is in charge of running and delivering the goods or service.
This summer we supported Jeanette van Os, a Dutch doctor who runs the Billy Rhiordian Clinc in Cape Maclear. She does a fantastic job working very hard to improve and help the local women and their children.

Jeanette has a small initiative called Mother and Child - very small scale, just operating in Cape Maclear and she is supported by a few friends and family who raise fund in Holland but is struggling to keep things going. Basically she provides funds to go beyond what the clinc will do (medically) for example - if pregant women are having a difficult labour she provides transport money for them to go to Monkey bay. She has a feeding programme for malnourished under 5's, pays for milk for women who are unable to breast feed or have HIV so should not be breast feeding, and pays for vulnerable children who she suspects are HIV positive (but they cannot test for in the village) to be tested and their blood samples to be sent to Lilongwe for testing so they can be put on ARV (AIDS treatments) sooner.

She also does some work with other sectors in terms of enabling people to go and have bigger operations in other hospitals (if they need to travel to zomba / liwonde she provides travel coupons which the minibus drivers then recoup direct from her (hence more accountable). Also for older members if they need carer-act operations which they cannot do locally.
You can find more info on http://jeannette.tremele.nl/eng/index.htm

We aim to please.....

2010-11-21T22:17:00.000Z

Cottage guest Lydia arrived at our front door this morning in her pj's, slippers and dressing gown! Have you any tomato sauce to go with our cooked breakfast? No problem, we get all sorts of requests, we aim to please!

Bridport is the place for Xmas shopping, yes, you can do all your shopping here!

2010-11-14T15:19:00.000Z

Bridport is the place for Xmas shopping, yes, you can do all your shopping here! Discover hidden gems, unique gifts and a friendly service, its fun too!

Saturday and Wednesday market days' and a new vintage market on the last Sunday monthly.

We've got an exciting mix of the arts, antiques and crafty, vintage styles, independant shops, quality foods and special finds. I dare not go into town as I'm always tempted into buying something new and quirky. You'll love the atmosphere and I'll point you in the right direction, it's always busy and buzzy with music, people browsing and all having a good time.

And in the B&B we've just had a group of friends here to shop! With their men to carry the bags! Good Food featured too in their stay, The Wild Garlic with Masterchef Matt Folas on their first night, and the next night they headed off armed with wind-up torches to negotiate the darks lanes and find our local. The Ilchester Ams at Symondsbury, where we recommend for the excellent food, the warm welcome from the staff and the big log fire! They agreed, and loved our friendly local, a great time was had by all and they rated the food 1st class!

MAKERS MARKET AT EYPE CHURCH SAT 4TH DEC 10-4 Please come

2010-11-06T14:54:00.000Z

Come and Xmas Shop at our lovely Makers' Market on
Saturday 4th DEC 10am -4pm at Eype Church.
Over 40 Makers' and artists selling and showing their work.

Eype Church for the Arts is a splendid setting to display the wonderful works of our many artists and makers, all local and very talented and it's your opportunity to buy something unique!

Free Admission, refreshments served all day and raffle for Poole Hospital scanner appeal.

Recent BBC programmes

2010-11-06T14:37:00.000Z

Come and enjoy some of the best panoramic views and amazing winter seascapes, did you know that West Dorset is one of this country's best kept secrets?

Did you see the recent "Secret Britain" TV programme on BBC1? the three featured places in Dorset, Golden Cap, Hell Lane and The Shrine of St Witte are all within easy distance of us and some lovely walking too and this time of the year................ all to yourselves!

Last night I watched Sir David Attenborough's amazing new programme on BBC2, 'First Life' , his journey begins in a forest near his childhood home in Leicester and finds him discovering fossils millions and millions of years old in Charmouth Forest!

This is the best time of year for fossil finding and we recommend you book onto a private fossil hunt with a local expert and can happily advise you. Join them on a guided walk along Lyme Bay's famous Jurassic coastline and they will help you find the best sites and identify unusual fossils. Then you can hunt yourselves and its ok to take home your finds too.

Walks and fossils with Brendon Lennon http://www.lymeregisfossilsforsale.co.uk/

More info and events www.jurassiccoast.com and also visit Charmouth Heritage Centre for arranged walks www.charmouth.org More books, maps and ideas on our walks page of our website.

The No 53 Bus stops here, and No 31 too.

2010-10-12T13:05:00.001+01:00

For a totally fresh perspective, re-discover the joys of the great outdoors with a car free holiday.

Walk, cycle or hop on a bus or train and explore gorgeous countryside in an environmentally way. So put your car keys away and become an explorer!

We are in an excellent location for getting about, a good base for walking the S.W. Coast Path, and for discovering the delights of Dorset and East Devon, and the bus is at the end of our drive!

Food glorious food!

2010-10-11T12:11:00.000+01:00

What's on in West Dorset, lots of foodie things going on.....................

16th & 17th Oct, 10am - 4pm http://www.eatdorsetfoodfair.co.uk/
The EAT DORSET FOOD FAIR is now in its sixth year and has become a well established and highly regarded event.
The festival is well recognised for its high quality of local produce and the wide diversity and wonderful range of produce that it represents.'

DORSET FOOD WEEK
http://www.dorsetfoodweek.co.uk/
A weeklong celebration of all things mouth wateringly, sensually, irresistibly Dorset!
Saturday 23rd of October to Sunday 31st of October 2010.
For more info Tel: 01305 215 E-Mail: billie@dorset2.co.uk

For more things to do and see go to http://www.highwayfarm.co.uk/ for the October What's ON,
its on the home page for you to print.

PS Don't foget to visit ABBOTSBURY GARDENS. From 13th Oct the gardens are beautifully floodlit, its on for for 3 weeks. Go for evening tea and garden walk about.

The thing I liked most about being at highway farm was the feeling of being made very welcome in a real home.

2010-10-06T12:49:00.000+01:00

Honeymoon here.................! That's what the new Mr & Mrs Robinson did! They came to West Dorset to treat themselves to the foodie delights of The Wild Garlic at Beaminster run by the masterchef winner of 2009, Matt Follas, and they really enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and meeting the man himself! He's has worked hard to set up this new enterprise having no previous experience and he's learning all the way! It's a lovely location, excellent food and I like him! Here a review;
Mat Follas and staff have created a very different dining experience. The Wild Garlic specialises in British food and the quality shines through. Check out their website and be sure to book, look out the the special taster evenings coming up.

We cater for special occasions at highway farm....................this was a 3rd anniversary celebration, and we hope they come again!
Review from trip advisor;
The thing I liked most about being at highway farm was the feeling of being made very welcome in a real home. Pauline has some great knowledge and tips about the local area (we visited the hive cafe on her recommendation and were very pleased we did!) so if you do visit, make the most of this!
The highlight of our stay was probably having our last breakfast on the patio, looking over some of the prettiest views you could wish for - whilst tucking in to a seriously delicious home-made full english... Highway Farm is what all b&bs should be like but so rarely are. An absolute treasure.

2010-10-06T12:20:00.000+01:00

Hazelwood Furniture Workshop 9th & 10th October with Peter Moors at Highway Farm, Bridport.

Short notice I know but I've just had 2 people drop out of the Hazelwood furniture workshop. It's this Sat & Sunday. Let me know if you're interested?

It's £85 for the 2 days, 10-5pm and an addtional £15 approx to Peter for the wood.

This is always a great workshop, it's hard work but everyone is always thrilled with the furniture they have made. Check out the workshop webpage for more info and photos. Hope you can join us.

2010-09-28T23:12:00.000+01:00

The girls on the workshop enjoyed my Crunchy Toffee Apple pud, so easy to make, and its apple time and lots of them! So here's the recipe for you to try.

Crunchy Toffee Apple pudding
Peel, core and slice 2lbs/ 900g apples, cook with 4oz/ 110g sugar until soft. (I used both cooking and desert apples, sweeten according to taste). Cool.
Pour into a glass bowl (if you prefer liquidise) so you can see the layers.
Carefully top with a layer of whipped double cream, or combine greek yoghurt and single cream and use instead.
Melt 2oz/ 50g butter,1 tblsp golden syrup and 1tblsp of caster sugar, pour in enough cornflakes and coat.
Optional, add a little grated crystalised ginger to the cornflakes and scatter lightly on top of the cream.
Chill before serving.

Enjoy. P

It's another Basket Case!

2010-09-27T19:50:00.001+01:00

We had a brilliantly busy weekend making baskets, willow sculptures and beaded jewellery. Such fun and each workshop was well supported, a nice mix of new and familiar faces. You're in safe hands with tutors Andy Southwell and Fran Griffiths, both very experienced, they make the day fun and everyone is always delighted with their end product.
It's lovely to welcome people back on another workshop too. Emma, Sarah and Mum came to stay again and bought friends, they all had a fun weekend together and went home with bracelets made and Mum wants to come again as her Xmas present!
How about a Gift vouchers for a workshop? or a B&B stay? Its' a fun and different present for those don't know what to give kind of people!

Dear Pauline,

thank you for organising such a fun and fruitful day… I was totally over the moon with the basket I made and equally impressed with everybody else's. Andy is a very good tutor, attentive to everybody - not only the chatty ones! He really inspired me and I want to take another course next year to learn to weave a proper old fashioned basket. I did feel the odd one out with my fancy flat flower number but that did not prevent me from getting the weaving bug… And lunch was yummy, good fun and quite informative, nothing wrong with a bit of local news. See you soon for another course. Nathalie

Whoops!

2010-09-19T17:30:00.001+01:00

Funny story, the victoria sandwich freshly made today betwix serving breakfasts, feeding grandchildren, bed changing and all by 10.30 so we go on our local charity walk with friends.
The victoria sandwich, not my best, sunken and uncooked in the middle so I rescued it with a jammy middle and nice dust of icing sugar on the top only to drop the cake into the washing up bowl full of soapy water. John watch it go, and laughed!
It was funny!
Luckily I'd already cut 2 pieces for my new guests, about to arrive.
There's another in the oven cooking!

Hats off to Bridport!

2010-09-19T17:20:00.000+01:00

The sun shone, the streets were buzzing and everyone was wearing hats, such a fun day, so colourful and friendly too. Kate, I and tutor Dennie with the help of Hannah, we talked all day and ran a stall in the Electric Palace which was stuffed full of hats, vintage styles, accessories, supported by locals and hatters and hatty people from far and wide. If you didn't come with a hat then people bought one as they felt the odd ones out! A stylish new one, a charity one, a tee cosy, a paper-made, trilby's, bowlers, top hats, sun hats, old favourites, holiday hats, a knotted hankie, some were dolled up with heels, nylons, netted hats and yesteryears, it was quite extraordinary and a fantastic occasion. Loved it and well done Bridport!

Bridport Top Food Town in Dorset, again!

2010-09-15T20:46:00.003+01:00

Bridport has been voted the best food town in Dorset for a second year! Nominated by their customers for the Taste of Dorset awards, well done everyone! We have a wealth of of small independent food shops and eating places in and around Bridport offering a fantastic variety, I'm not surprised we won!
Congratulations to the winners of their catergories;
Washingpool Farm
Palmers Brewery
The Riverside Restaurant, West Bay
Bridget's Market
The Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock
We are so lucky to be able to live, work, shop locally, all supporting and promoting one another.

So if you are after a foodie stay I can point you in the right direction, starting with breakfasts here, of course, and then a food trail around Bridport and the lovely countryside and beaches of West Dorset. Experience for yourselves the gourmet delights on offer.

2010-09-07T09:05:00.001+01:00

What do you do when you arrive home and open the fridge for the meat and find that you forgot to defrost it!

So no beef stew today, oh well, what have we got in the fridge? Rustle up some veg and try this hearty vegetable and pasta soup with a little meat just to keep everyone happy! Use up the old bits of parmesan cheese left to melt and flavour and serve with warm fresh crusty bread, delicious. Freeze any leftover soup for another day, very useful.

Why do we call sausages ‘Bangers’? After World War 1, food shortages led to a dramatic reduction of meat, and very little meat went into the sausage, instead butchers packed them out with scraps of cereal and water causing them to pop and hiss when cooked on the soldier’s shovels over open fires in the trenches of Northern Europe, hence ‘bangers’.
Don’t prick your sausages when cooking so they retain all the fats, makes for a nice juicy sausage!

Minestrone
2 tblsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 red onions, chopped
3oz/ 75g chopped prosciutto air-dried ham, I used smoked bacon
1 red and 1 orange pepper deseeded and chopped
large tin chopped tomotoes
1¾pt /1 litre veggie stock
1 celery stick, sliced
large tin drained borlotti beans or butter beans or mixed beans?
4oz /110g shredded green leafy cabbage
3oz / 75g frozen peas, thawed
3oz / 75g dried vermicelli pasta
salt & pepper
Heat oil in large saucepan, add garlic, onions and prosicutto and cook over medium heat stirring until slightly soft. Add peppers and tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring.
Stir in stock, and then add celery, beans, cabbage, peas and parsley, season to taste.
Bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Add pasta bring to the boil and cook for another 10 minutes.
Serve in warm bowls garnished with parmesan and chopped parsley.

Enjoy!

HATS to be had!

2010-08-31T22:44:00.003+01:00

Bridport Hat Festival

2010-08-31T22:42:00.000+01:00

The hoards have gone home but the wasps have arrived! Pesty things and breakfast outside yesterday and today, both glorious mornings, have been challenging for guests! I'm supplying jammy jars of water, any other ideas?

Everyday is seems more like Autumn but the Bank Holiday weekend was absolutely lovely and today I went to Lyme Regis with the kids and swam in the sea!!!! Kate didn't bring her swimmming costume! It was warm and sunny and lovely on the beach, and great sand for sandcastles too! Busy but not too busy.

New workshop with Dennie Rose Thursday 16th September 10.30am-4.30pm.
Dennie is a super tutor and has a wonderful informal yet structured approach, very extensive knowledge in various crafts. So you’re in safe hands. Come and join us
Hand-felted funky HAT with embellished rim. Create a whow of a hat just for you!
One-off designer hat made from beautiful Merino/Norwegian and mixed media fibres. Cloche style and personalised by adding a variety of fibres. £45 (plus materials supplied approx £10)

It’s BRIDPORT 1st HAT FESTIVE TOO! 17TH-19th September.
check it out! http://www.bridporthatfest.org/ for programme of events.
A three day celebration of HATS!. It's going to be fun!

2010-08-29T12:25:00.000+01:00

We went to a wedding yesterday. It was a gifted wedding day when the sun shone, whow!  Held in most amazing medieval wooden barn with lovely lighting and decked with gaiety and garden flowers in old china jugs, could have been a setting from a Thomas Hardy novel, together with a beautiful and emotional bride, handsome groom it was a wonderful occasion and shared with family and friends. The wine flowed, the food was local and the muscians played, and we had a brilliant time. The bride went away in her Granny's silk wedding dress from the 1940's dyed and shortened with a high sweetheart neckline and long sleeves, they knew how to dress elegantly. Granny was pleased. Thanks To Charlotte and Bob and Mum & Dad for inviting us to share their special day.

Welcome to my blog. Not sure what to say but I'm not usually lost for words but then I can talk much quicker that I can type! Lets have a go I thought, the happenings of Highway Farm and share some 'What to Do and where to go' ideas, and the odd recipe thrown in too! Prehaps a funny story too?

We do get to meet some lovely guests and this week Christine and Reg have been here all week.They were going into Bridport to shop, Reg loved Smith & Smith, the gentlemen's outfitters, such lovely service, friendly helpful staff and a great selection of good quality clothes, I too love the shirts and ties and jackets, you can buy online too.
Oh I said can you take back some shirts that I bought, I took home 5 shirts didn't pay for any, so nice to be able to do that.Christine picked up the bag outside my front door and off they went. It was a very large bag and heavy too, and when they got to the shop and opened it up it contained my dirty duvets that were meant for the laundry.
Meantime I had complained to the laundry company that they hadn't collected as the bag arrived back quietly by Chris & Reg who then asked for my shirts and had to go back to Smith & Smith again! They weren't going to tell me but I know the shop owner, we all thought it hilarious!  Haven't laughed so much in ages.

Chris and Reg tell me that I should promote our fishing holidays more and the great bus service with the bus stop at the bottom of our driveway, we went away on holiday and when we came back there it was!
Reg really enjoyed the lakes and the fish are in excellent condition, its so nice and quiet lakeside with lovely sheltered spots to fish. They enjoyed free bus journeys everyday, and were very surprised to meet some people who live in the same village on the same No 53 Bus, small world isn't it!

Here's a quick and easy recipe;
Chicken Lychee Salad

Kindly passed to me from a WI friend, very easy to make and looks lovely, tastes good too!
Much of this can be made the day before and assembled on the day and amounts vary depending on how many you are catering for.
Cooked chicken - allow about 4oz per person.
1 small tomato per person
Celery
French dressing
Canned lychees
Dressing; Made in a ratio of 2 portions of Mayonnaise to 1 portion of sour cream and add curry powder to taste. Make enough to coat the chicken mix without smothering it.
Rice; About 50gms per person or enough to make a decent “ring” in your serving dish. Chopped red pepper or tomato – to add colour. French Dressing
Topping; Any “exotic” fruit – eg mango, banana.

Mix together the chicken, chopped tomatoes and celery, add enough French dressing to coat and chill.
Cook the rice and mix with the chopped red pepper/tomato. When cold mix in a small amount of French dressing. Leave to chill overnight in fridge. Can also mix mayonnaise, sour cream& curry powder.

Then next day just before serving:
· Drain lychees and add to chicken mix. I usually cut the lychees in half. (If I know a diabetic friend is going to be there I wash the sweet juice off first). Otherwise I just drain them.
· Now add the mayonnaise mix to this.
· Place rice in ring in a nice large serving dish and pile the chicken mix in the middle.
· Peel and slice bananas, cover with lemon juice, or use other fruit, and arrange on the top

bon appetit!