July 2015

Jam making isn't a past time strictly permitted to only those engaging in W.I activities or the retired country bumpkins in their converted farmhouses in Shropshire . Jam making is a cultural necessity! Believe us, once you start reaping the benefits of making your own, you'll be addicted in no time.

Jam is also cheap, as well as delicious. During the war years Britain thrived off its jarred goods and as the food shops grew bare, the hedgerows were in abundance!

Jam making is a way of life. A British tradition. But have no fear, jam virgins, for the season of the blackberry is close at hand and what a fantastic opportunity to fill up the cupboards with your own jars of the good stuff. And to make it even better, its not rocket science… Its jam science! So get out your tupperware and head to the hedges, rummage through the recycling for jars and go ask your neighbour for some sugar. Jam season is with us.

And don't forget, boys and girls, to thank the heavens for Jam
For the lashings of red stuff we spread on our toast,
And for lining our teeth with seeds,
To the jellies that assist our sunday roast.
And fulfilling our countries needs.
Thank heavens for Jam.

Ambleside Sports is coming up at the end of this month so we thought we’d give you a little run down on where it comes from…

The origin of the sports day date back as far as the 17th century, where events were held at Low Wood Bay. They included many unethical and extreme sports such as cock fighting and bare fist boxing.

The era of organized sports began around 1887 when it became clear this was such a good event, it had to happen yearly. During the war periods, the sports events lapsed until after the Second World War. It was then that sports became how they are today.

Ambleside Sports today:

•  Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling

Believed to have been invented by the Vikings over 1000 years ago. Traditional costume is worn!

• Guides and Fell races

Perfect for the super-fit, competitors take part in grueling races across the fells.

• Hound Trails

Places your bets on one of the most traditional Lakeland sports.

• Foot and Cycle races

90-1600 metres on foot, plus an extensive selection of intense cycling races.

• Children’s Races

And of course, where would we be without the classics.