Saturday 4 November 2017

Walking wear to bags and and my favourite relish

I spent an hour the past Wednesday afternoon drinking tea and eating divine cake full of large chunks of crystallised ginger which filled the mouth after every bite with childhood memories of Tate & Lyle black treacle. Jo at the Local not Global Deli is a star. I took two slices home with me plus a bottle of Henderson Relish, about which there will be more later. I also did some writing. Stories are often prompted by location and cafés are great starting points.

If I had the time I would blog about no more than Beeston and what it has to offer. It keeps me happy. Oh it has its little frustrations, but everywhere does in my experience.

A year ago this month I had intended to visit a new shop about to open in the original Mish Mash Gallery shop, but tiredness was then beginning to creep over me and I had little energy for anything. I was close to becoming an invalid as I waited for open heart surgery to repair a faulty aortic heart valve I had lived with for 73 years. The operation took place on 27 February this year and was a complete success. Most days go by without me giving it a thought. I go to Chilwell Olympia twice a week to attend cardiac exercise classes, which I enjoy, then there's the shopping, the cooking and the garden (Susan and I share the chores). My family have become more attentive and I enjoy that. I have friends I don't see as often as I wish, stories I write, I want to write and to type up, then I want to walk more. So I could go on, suffice to say that my days are full and enjoyable, apart from the fact that it is now Susan's turn to have health problems. I simply cannot do everything I want to and I have to pace myself. My doctor has advised me 'to slow down' and, as Susan says, I listen to her, and she's right. Anyway, about a month ago I finally went into Base Camp on Chilwell Road to have a look around intending to post this piece within a couple of days, but I didn't! So apologies to Basecamp for being so late(reach their Facebook page vis the Mish Mash Gallery - I don't do Facebook).



The shop is a bit like a tardis, far more inside than you would think possible from the outside. It specialises in high end outdoor clothing, shoes and leisurewear, but there were some good offers the day I was there. Having bought a new lightweight down stormproof winter coat from Jack Wolfskin in the last month I thought Basecamp prices were comparable.


The owner of Basecamp was his travels the day I visited, but the person in charge told me that all the crockery and 'home extras' (my phrase) on display and for sale had been found by the owner on his travels. 


If you're looking for good quality outdoor gear then Basecamp is worth a visit. Even if you're in search of a bargain. Go and see for yourself, then drop into the Mish Mash Gallery and end up with a coffee and a waffle in Froths, which has re-branded itself The Froth Waffle House.

NOW THAT RELISH!

On one of the family visits recently we all went down to The Last Post for Sunday lunch. Six grown-ups and we got a table at 12.30pm (the rush began not long after). The service was good, so was the food. Weatherspoon's falls into the 'reliable' category. Its portions are good and usually come to the table hot. The chips are crisp and fluffy, which is good, but a little too salty for my taste, but 'over seasoning' is something all too many eateries and restaurants are guilty of. However, what got them 5 ✮s was this:


I grew up on Worcester Sauce in Wembley. It sat on the table every meal, put on toast, cheese, fish, soup you name it. Susan thought when she met me that I 'murdered' some of my meals with the stuff. Pop, my grandfather, was a great fan. In truth I limited myself to soups, Welsh Rarebit and Fish 'n' Chips.

Then in 1975 I moved to Mansfield to live with Susan and my boss at the time suggested that I base myself in the charity's Sheffield office. That is where I was quickly converted to Henderson's Relish — a more subtle taste than Worcester Sauce. So for a good few years we had both relishes (for that is what they are) in the house, but when the charity left me in 1983 my Sheffield days came to an end and eventually Henderson's Relish disappeared from our larder when my supply run out, occasionally replaced when my new job took to me Barnsley, as it did every few months.

Henderson's Relish came back into my life big time when the Local not Global Deli opened and I was an early user, years before we moved to Beeston, and, there, there, on a shelf for sale was, yes, Henderson's Relish! In the end it replaced its rival completely, which I now only use when out, although few places have Worcester Sauce. let alone Henderson's Relish. I particularly like it on Fish 'n' Chips and cheese on toast. I know I've said that already, but I like it so much it bears repeating.

Weatherspoon's Beeston Last Post is the first place I have ever found outside South Yorkshire, on the table or available, Henderson's Relish, so I will be going there for more meals (Worcester Sauce is something you always have to ask for and, sometimes, the kitchen will let you use their bottle, standing over you as you do. This act tells you that Worcester Sauce is more treasured than truffles because the latter they allow you to eat alone).

If anyone from The Lost Post reads this, I beg you to make sure Henderson's Relish is always, always, available.

IQUAZU BAGS FINALLY GET THEIR MOMENT

Another shop I like is Iguazu. When I can't get to Five Leave Bookshop in town (as I think of Nottingham City Cente — a hangover from my Wembley days which ended 51 years ago) I usually buy blank cards from them for letter writing.



In the window there was this notice (see below), but it wasn't until last week I finally went into see what was new for myself.

I left with some goodies, three presents for family and friends. The bags at £6 I thought a good buy. I've been using a similar bag from the Eden Project in Cornwall for well over then years, so I know how well they last. The socks are made from Bamboo. Until I saw them I didn't know that Bamboo was used to make clothing. My feet are size 12–13 and had Iguazu had them in my size I would have a few pairs for myself. They felt lovely and have beneficial properties which makes bamboo better than cotton. My daughter is going to be the lucky recipient of the socks in the photo.


Oh I could write about recent visits to Beeston shops, but there will be other mornings to blog I am sure. 

The week ahead has already filled up, so invites I intended to make or accept are on hold until I have 'a window' free. What was the doctor said about 'slowing down'? No doubt the nurse will remind me next week when I go for my half-year 'oldies' check-up.

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