Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

08th September 2017

Free National Trust entry, Rosehip recipes, fun weaving projects, the Tour of Britain!

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

08th September 2017

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

08th September 2017

RECIPE Whole Lotta Rosehips
Our garden is full of rosehip-bearing bushes at the moment, and there are more in the woodlands and hedgerows. The berries are high in vitamin C but full of tiny hairs that surround the seeds - be sure to strain them at least once, preferably twice, before you eat or drink them. Try them added to a cup of green tea, or make this classic, warm and floral hedgerow syrup that will perk up your winter porridge. Alternatively, this cordial is fragrant, and great for winter colds and flu, these rosehip, raisin and apple muffins will make you long for autumn and this rosehip and crab apple jelly is tart and delicious.

EVENT Open Houses
The annual Heritage Open Days festival opens up hidden places, history-soaked houses, and culturally rich spots for everyone to explore. There are over 5000 events taking place from September 7–10, including plays, talks, open houses and trails. This year, the festival throws a special spotlight on LGBTQ+ history, with performances and trails marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of sex between men in England and Wales. The National Trust is joining in with gusto – take the opportunity to explore some of their sites for free including Knole, Gibside and the Steam Yacht Gondola, or head to Croft Castle for a gratis day of living history!

CRAFT Looming Good
As summer sighs into autumn, we’re getting into weaving. It’s a calming, soothing activity that produces truly beautiful results, and we’re looking forward to doing some longer-form projects round the fire as the nights grow longer. These beautiful wall-hangings are great to make with kids; we adore the added pom-poms, while this is a slightly more sophisticated take, that feels modern and fresh. There are ideas that go beyond wall-hangings here - we love the tapestry cuffs and woven planters. Find out more about the history of weaving here, get supplies (and find courses) here or make an appointment to go and see Chris Ofili’s inspiring The Caged Bird’s Song triptych at the Clothworkers’ Hall in London here

EVENT Life Cycle
This year’s Tour of Britain sees some of the best cyclists in the world speeding through the stunning scenery of southern Scotland, the north and centre of England, and Wales. The race started on September 3 in Edinburgh, wound through Blyth, Scunthorpe, Newark, Tendring, Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, Worcester, and will end up in Cardiff on September 10. As well as watching the riders swish by, expect hundreds of roadside events, live music, pedal-themed parties and chances to scope out the latest in cycle tech. Take your gang along, and be inspired to get your two-wheelers out.

EVENT Flock ‘n’ Roll
The gentle art of corralling sheep using highly trained dogs makes for a simple, stress-free day outn at the International Sheepdog Trials. Held this year in Lodge Park, Aldsworth, nr Northleach in the Cotswolds, the International Sheepdog Trials showcase the skills of the best shepherds and dogs in the world, as they nudge and encourage sheep through gates and into a pen. As well as the trials, there are shearing displays and competitions, spinning and wool stalls, vintage agricultural machinery and lots of craft stands. Low octane thrills, perhaps, but an easy day out. Adults £7.50, under-14s free.

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