January... always a hopeful month! It’s the start of a New Year so it’s exciting and full of possibilities for change.

As regular readers know, I have a passion for France and all things French. I’ll explain about one of the January customs in France.

All the Boulangeries (cake shops) sell their “Galette des Rois”. A galette is a cross between a tart and a cake. Each region has it’s own recipe. When we lived in the Côte d’Azur they had an almond flavour. “Roi” is the word for King and you will realise why it is in the title. In the galette, is hidden a “fêve”, which is a small china ornament.

It’s rather the same idea as our grandparents hiding a silver 6d in the Christmas pudding! It’s considered very lucky to find the “fève”. You become “King” and you wear the golden crown that is always sold with the galette. Now if you cut the slices, the knife might hit the fêve and the person doing the cutting could then choose to whom they gave the lucky portion. Therefore the youngest person sitting around the table has to sit under it. He or she then calls out each name so that it is pure chance who gets the lucky fêve!

I’m always pleased when readers share with me their thoughts on the things that I have written. My neighbour, Peter, told me that Jolly’s in Bath is still very much in business, they must have been trading for over 70 years! However, he said that the "Red House” where we always had afternoon tea after our shopping spree, is now a branch of Laura Ashley!

He also told me some interesting facts about Marmalade. I have  always supposed that it originated in Spain because Seville oranges are often used. No! The Portuguese made the first “orange jam”. Marie Antoinette was said to be very fond of it. Why was it called Marmalade? Peter told me that Mary Queen of Scots was often unwell. One of the few things she could eat was a confiture (jam) made of oranges. Her staff were French and when she asked for it they would say to each other “Marie est malade” (Mary is ill) which sounded to the English as though they were saying “Marmalade”!

As I’ve explained before, I use Bonne Maman jam in my cooking. I usually bring some back from France as it’s cheaper there. In September I brought back orange, blackcurrant and raspberry flavours. Why didn’t I bring back mandarin? You can’t buy it in the north of France, yet they sell it at Downend Co-op. Another mystery ... a friend of mine in Brittany was left a field by his Godmother in which he grew potatoes and cauliflowers. The latter cost more to buy in his village than the ones transported over here!

COOKERY IDEAS

Do you like Cauliflower Cheese? When I make it, I usually fry some rashers of bacon until they are crispy, and then I scatter little bits over the melted cheese. If you want to vary the dish you can add sliced potatoes to the cauliflower, make the cheese sauce using single cream and top with sliced tomatoes flavoured with nutmeg (or garlic).

FASHION TIPS

Now that the sales are in full swing, if you see a sleeveless dress that you really want, but you need sleeves, there is a solution. If the item is a real bargain, buy two. You get one in your proper size and the second in the largest size on sale. You then make the sleeves from the second dress. You can use the sleeves from an old dress that you no longer wear as a pattern. I often do this and there is usually enough fabric to make a scarf or pleated belt as well.

Finally, a story against myself. A character in “Emmerdale” was shot in the “Woolpack”. I saw her advertising a competition on TV and thought “She’s recovered quickly”. I was confusing the real person with her “soap life”! Perhaps I watch too much television!

I wish you all a true-life 2014. Enjoy each day.

Esmé

I love Christmas and hope that you do too. My one regret is that it doesn’t last long enough. It’s lucky that the New Year celebrations follow it so that the elated “buzz” is extended. This year we plan to welcome 2014 in France!

My son was here to visit me last week as it was “half term” and he comes to spend some time with me every school holiday. His general knowledge is far better than mine. On reading my article in the October about my young French friend thinking that Welsh rarebit was rabbit—Rowan told me that originally the English called it “Welsh Rabbit”. They were mocking the Welsh for using cheese as they couldn’t afford rabbit!

When he read what I wrote about Luke Howard naming the clouds (see previous post) he told me that  Luke named one special cloud — cloud nine — which led to the expression “I’m feeling on cloud nine”.

I feel on cloud nine when I buy new clothes! I’ve had a new dress for Christmas ever since I was born! Every December my grandmother, aunt, mother and myself went to Bath and we all bought our dresses from Jolly’s—a large dress store in Milsom Street. Then we had a cream tea in “the Red house”. I don’t know if these two establishments still exist! This year I’ve bought yet another L.B.D (Little black dress).

It’s made of lace, and no I didn’t go to Bath. I bought it from the comfort of my lounge - as I am a fan of Q.V.C. (television shopping). Little black dresses (or navy ones) are so useful as they can be dressed up or worn casually. If you want to change one of yours without spending much—why not buy a necklace/collar? Many shops have them this year. I’ve seen them in white pearls, black stones, rhinestones or in gold and silver colours.

Another idea is to wear a pretty scarf. I’ve made some wide floaty ones that can be spread out, then belted to look part of the dress. You need to feel confident so that you forget what you are wearing and just enjoy yourself!

You may already have planned what you will be eating on Christmas Day. If you will be on your own—SPOIL YOURSELF! Last year several people said to me “Oh, it was no different from every other day!”

MAKE IT DIFFERENT. If I was catering for myself I would have my favourite box of chocolates and not feel guilty if I ate them all! Breakfast would be mid-morning, probably some smoked salmon with champagne or rosé wine. I would eat it in bed as I am not fond of getting up early! There would be a good book waiting to be read and a pile of favourite magazines.

Lunch would be simple, no feeling of having to cook for one. I would open up a tin of M&S white crab meat to eat with some rocket, an avocado, mayonnaise and mandarin marmalade (Bonne Maman). Do I hear you gasp with horror? Mandarin is no more odd than the grapes that are often eaten with a salad—and much less “sharp”.

I would make certain that my dinner was prepared the day before. I’d just heat up a duck casserole and fry some sliced potatoes (already boiled when I made the duck dish) in butter, olive oil and garlic until golden and crispy. Then more chocolates and my favourite wine.

I like “Moulin á Vent” (Windmill) for several reasons. When my son and his friends did grape picking to earn some pocket money, the family who produced “Moulin á Vent” treated the young workers very well and they sat down with the family each evening to share the same meal! Actually, it also tastes very good.

Better still. if you find that your choice of TV isn’t enough company—invite someone to join you for dinner! Make it someone whose company you know you’ll enjoy. I’ve never spent Christmas on my own—but if it happens—I’ll follow my own advice!

Finally why not join us at Frenchay Church  on Sunday December 22nd (it starts at 6pm) for “CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT”? It’s a lovely start to Christmas and you would be made very welcome. A bonus—you could have a hot drink and mince-pies afterwards. I’ll be helping to serve—so if you don’t know me (or if you do!) please come and say “Hello”-

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

                                                             Esmé

You can learn something every day! I didn’t know that Frenchay is linked to a famous Apothecary. Alan Freke, who is extremely knowledgeable, told me that Luke Howard’s grandson married Charlotte Tuckett. Luke was the Quaker who named the clouds “Nimbus” etc. His fame stretched far beyond our country. Some of you may belong to the Tuckett Society.

Charlotte and her husband continued in Luke’s footsteps—they were the biggest supplier of quinine in the British Isles!

Why this interest in an Apothecary? Well, that is the ancient name for a pharmacist. In this area we are lucky enough to have several pharmacies. I always stay loyal to the Cleevewood Road one. Why? I find it very friendly and appreciate its’ efficient delivery service. Yesterday I had the pleasure of interviewing the new owners.

PETER AND MICHELLE CIPOLLA  are a local couple who live in Downend. Peter’s family are from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Peter took a degree in Pharmacy at a London University and has worked in various branches. He did have a break when he did voluntary work in Tanzania helping to build a school. I asked where they met—you know how I’m interested in romance! I should have guessed—doctors meet nurses—Peter the pharmacist met Michelle his dispenser! Married in 2001, they spent their honeymoon in Thailand riding on elephants  and white water rafting among other things.

One of Peter’s hobbies now is trampolining and he’s gained his first medal. With such active parents it’s not surprising that their two children excel at sport. Michael (11years) won a bronze medal for gymnastics in the National Club Competition.He’s joined Cleeve Rugby Club and like his father, is very keen on trampolining. I can imagine the scene in their garden with them both competing to use the trampoline first! Mia (9 years) goes to the gym 5 times a week plus Thursday afternoons. I wish I was that fit! Michelle, unlike me, is an IT enthusiast and uses her skills in the Cleevewood Pharmacy as the Accountant etc. She is studying at the Open University towards eventually getting an IT degree.

If, as I suggest, you visit this “shop” you will receive a warm welcome from Mary (always smiling), Marlies the Australian dispenser, Liz who deals with much of the paperwork, perhaps Amy if it is a Saturday. Their delivery service is excellent and lovely Lisa brings my medicine directly to my flat.

I interviewed Peter in his consulting room and thought it might help readers of these pages to know just what you could consult Peter about! He mainly discusses medication—giving advice on how you should be taking it and the reasons for doing so. This is an official Government policy. “The Medication Usage Review”. Peter is a Type 1 diabetic, so has a special interest in this subject. He plans to develop a Diabetic Service. When I walked into the pharmacy, I admired the new  layout—it is bright and spacious. The counters are an excellent choice. I’ve had exactly the same installed in my new kitchen! They plan to sell more clinical items such as disability aids, diabetic and blood pressure monitors. You will still be able to buy your cosmetic items, but perfumes and cards will be phased out.

A photographic shop will soon be  opening next door and they will stock cards, That’s typically kind of Peter to want to help his neighbour. In fact the whole ethos of Cleevewood Pharmacy is to be of service to the community. I wish them great success and many years amongst us! 

FASHION
Last month I said we would “talk” a bit about royal fashion. One reason that I am so interested in clothes is that in France I taught English not only in schools but also for the Chamber of Commerce. “Chambre de commerce”. Each of my classes had a different reason for wanting to learn our language. One group consisted of hoteliers, another doctors and dentists and another group had fashion workshops, I taught them the language they needed for their specific fields. One of my students in the fashion group made garments for Kenzo, another for Erdem and another for Lindka Cierach. Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama wear clothes by Erdem. Lindka designed Sarah Ferguson’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Andrew. Do you remember it? There was an “A” and an anchor embroidered on the train as well as a bumble bee from the Ferguson coat of arms. Lindka Cierach was born in Lesotho to Polish parents.

Ron and I were lucky enough to be invited to my students' ateliers. I was fascinated! They weren’t at all like the knicker factory in “Coronation Street”!! The machinists, pattern makers and the hand-stitchers were working in complete silence. My students explained that the expensive fabrics being used demanded utter concentration with no distractions! I loved the headdress of fresh flowers that Sarah wore when she walked into Westminster Abbey. She left wearing a jewelled tiara. Nature can beat valuable man-made objects every time!

My Thoughts for November

Recalling Luke Howard and his work on clouds—I’m just looking at the sky. It’s dark and menacing. However, if I was in a plane above them—I would see an endless white blanket, When days feel especially “dark”...things will brighten, and you will be “floating on cotton wool clouds”!!

Be Happy ……… Esmé      

OCTOBER—”season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”! It is also in our country the month for harvest celebrations. In my youth, every group in our church decorated a different part of the building. I was in the choir and we always “did” the window sills. We prided ourselves on making them still-life works of art! Les Davison told me that here in Frenchay when he was Scout Leader, the scouts ate the apples during the service—so the following year they only had onions on the window sills!

We always enjoyed the Harvest Supper on the Monday evening. People donated cooked hams which were sliced and served with the Harvest vegetables. The ticket money was given to charity. There are no such celebrations in France unless you count the meals at the end of the “grape picking season”. In Switzerland they have 7 course meals to welcome the return of the cattle from the high pastures. It’s not so much the arrival of the cows that cause the excitement, but having the men home again!! Russia has an apple festival and in Albania they celebrate the harvesting of egg plants. Perhaps you know of other events?

FASHION

Several gentlemen have asked me if I intend to include advice to them in this section! Pourquoi pas? Why not? Actually much of what I think about clothes applies to both sexes. There are no rules—if you feel comfortable and at ease you are probably hitting the right note! 

I think that most men look their best in a jacket (black, dark navy or deep grey) worn over a plain coloured shirt. The ties chosen are a good reflection of a man’s personality. With the subtle colours already suggested they can be adventuresome with colour and design.

My son loves his ties. He is a teacher and his students take an interest in his choice. Over the years I have bought him many—my favourite being a scene from a Monet painting! It was bought at a visit to Monet’s house and garden at Giverny.

My pet dislikes in men’s clothing are items in fawn or brown or “Grandad -type fair-isle cardigans. They really age a man! When we lived in the South of France we often ate at the Club House. This overhangs the Port and we went across the water in water-taxis. These were free!. At dinner time almost every man was dressed from top to toe in white or cream. Some of the more flamboyant wore gold chains around their necks and wrists. Not my husband!

Our best friends were Opera singers—their main home being in Paris. Saturday evenings were themed nights such as Russian or Spanish. Our friend Claude often sang! He also sang when we dined on their terrasse. His voice was so powerful that people walking around the port would stop and listen…..and then applaud. We had some fabulous times living there and would you believe that it cost less to live there than at Marshfield Park in Downend?! Why? There were over 900 yachts in the harbour and although many of the owners were only on board for a few months of each year—they all contributed to the charges!

I planned to “talk” about Royal Fashion but space being limited—I’ll do this next month. Just one more fashion fact—all the magazines and T.V. fashion shows have stressed that the most popular dress length is the maxi. Not true. On our three visits to France this August we saw only four maxis! Two were worn by teenagers on the ferry. One was white cotton and looked like a nightdress, and one was attractive and worn by my daughter-in-law. I think I’ll shorten mine and thus get more occasions to wear them!

COOKERY

I asked my French friends about “Le Welch”. They said it started to be eaten in France about ten years ago. They make a cheese sauce and add beer before pouring it over the toast. This morning I watched a chef make our Welsh Rarebit by putting mustard and Worcester sauce plus grated cheese into a sauce. By the way, my young friend thought that we called it Welsh RABBIT. He said to me that he was surprised because he thought the British don’t like eating rabbit!!

MY THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER

If the escalator of your life isn’t taking you fast enough to your dreams—try using the stairs.    ENJOY EVERY DAY
Esmé

Summer is flying past….. I can’t believe I am writing for the August magazine! I hope that you’ll all enjoy some sunshine. I’ve booked three trips to France. The most exciting is when we fly to the south to help celebrate my son and daughter–in-law’s silver wedding anniversary.

Their wedding seems like last week in its clarity. Both of our children were married in France. This was possible because we owned a property! I worked for the Mairie (Town Hall) as interpreter so they made it very special for us. There were even red white and blue plants with French and English flags. The 11th August was a market day and as we left our cars to walk across to the Mairie the crowds parted, like the Red Sea, and people were clapping. Unforgettable!

As usual I am writing as though we are having a “chat” - I always write too much and half of it has to be left out. As school reports sometimes say “must try harder”.  I’ll do my best to be brief, especially as I am doing an extra session about  fashion. Why? It’s because several people have suggested it. As with the cookery ideas—I’m only saying what I think—there are no hard rules!

Fashion “La Mode” - that’s an inappropriate title for a start as I never follow it! I only take ideas from it. We all have sayings that we dislike. One of mine is “Mutton dressed up as lamb”. Mutton is such a derogative word—although cooked properly it can be delicious!! I certainly don’t like “mutton dressed as mutton”  Forget about age—it’s more important to dress for the OCCASION and to flatter your SHAPE. You are dressed appropriately if you feel comfortable and at ease in your outfit. As for getting the style right, I suggest you look at yourself in a full length mirror. Don’t regard your ‘difficult’ areas, but appreciate your best features. For example, I’m quite pleased with my waist. What do I do? I often wear belts to draw attention to it. Then hopefully, my less attractive parts will be in the background.

When I was married, my waist was 22 inches. I designed my wedding dress and guess what happened? The Duchess of Cambridge copied it! Two big differences—her lace was hand-made (mine came from Dingles—big department store) and I didn’t have a train! One of the best dresses I have seen was in Harvey Nicks two weeks ago. I took one of my granddaughters there for coffee hoping to show it to her. There had been 3300 reasons why I didn’t buy it—but it was sold! I wonder if someone chose it for their wedding dress? It was sky blue and it shone in it’s stunning simplicity. Afterwards Madi and “mooched” around another dress shop. She’s 23 and I am very ancient, but we both chose the same tops! Our manner of wearing them will be the reason they will work! Madi will be able to use hers as a beach cover up or over a camisole and leggings. She’ll probably wear it with jeans or shorts or just as a mini-dress. All superb on the young! On the other hand I shall wear mine tucked into a flowery skirt (as I did yesterday when I “Christened” it at Church) or perhaps with my gauchos on holiday. It’s not what you wear—it’s the way you wear it!

Food for Summer - “La Nourriture pour L’Été”

Important—shop not only for what is fresh and in season—but buy what you enjoy! If you like asparagus why not put some on your barbeque? I have friends (yes, in France) who took us around their new venture—fields and fields of asparagus. You need plenty of patience as it takes years to get established. Normally I snap asparagus and only cook the edible top half. However for a BBQ cook the whole thing  - then you can hold the tough end whilst nibbling it! I advise spearing it with a fork as it will be hot! Parboil it—then glaze it on the BBQ. You’ll need some interesting “dips”. Have fun!

My Thought for August… “Ma Pensée pour L’Août”

When you are thirsty and make yourself a drink—it’s often too hot to drink instantly. However it only takes a small amount of milk or water to cool it down and make it just right.

Isn’t that like life? It only needs a small amount of confidence and hope to change your whole outlook!  May August be good for you all!

“Le Dîner de Noёl” Christmas Lunch

At Tortworth Court Wednesday December 18th 12.15pm

We shall be in the Orangery as usual. Please see me if you would like to join us. Tickets £16 for Mulled wine, a three course meal, coffee and mints. EVERYONE VERY WELCOME

“Bienvenu”  Esmé

Some people ask me how I think of something to write about each month. That’s easy—my problem is about what shall I leave out. Actually I share with you some of the things that are dearest to my heart. My surname is Feltham and most of them begin with the letter F! I adore my Family, Friends, France, Food (especially les Fruits de la mer—lobsters, crab and langoustines) Flowers, Fun and of course my Faith!

This July magazine features a double F—a Favourite Friend! I expect that most of you have heard the saying “Behind every good man is a great woman” and this is the case with Bob and JUDY WOODWARD.

Many of us admire Bob’s huge achievements, but how much do we know about Judy? Let’s try to rectify this. Judy sits opposite to me in the St. John the Baptist Church choir. Like me she is very enthusiastic about music. She has a strong soprano voice. Born four years after me—Judy married Bob four years after our wedding! Their first date was at the Odeon Cinema in Union Street—ours was at the Odeon Cinema in Kingswood! Another coincidence—Judy trained with the N.N.E.B. at Stoke Lodge in Shirehampton to become a Nursery Nurse. When I was Deputy Head of a Nursery School—part of my job was training Nursery Nurses. Judy worked in Nursery Schools for 11 years , only staying home when their daughter Rachel was born. Rachel has since provided them with Laura—their little grand daughter. For ten years Judy cared for their two sick sons—who very sadly died in childhood. Luckily they have another son called James. She also, not surprisingly if you know Judy, did many years of voluntary work at Frenchay Hospital.

Judy and Bob are fortunate to have celebrated their silver and gold wedding anniversaries together. To celebrate the latter, they had a wonderful stay at “The Manor” Castle Coombe” where their family joined them for a splendid dinner! Their silver anniversary was spent further afield, as they drove from coast to coast in the USA. Where did Ron and I spend our silver anniversary? Yes—France! Unfortunately we didn’t make our 50th together. C’est la vie! (That’s life!)

Judy and Bob are very widely travelled—they seem to have been almost everywhere except France! If you fancy a very special meal, Judy recommends Calcut Manor at Tetbury.

Judy’s hobbies are playing the piano, hand bell ringing, flower arranging and gardening. They have a lovely home—their house reminds me of a Swiss Chalet.

I could fill this magazine if I told you about the exciting social life that Judy and Bob enjoy. The occasions that Judy enjoyed most  were the  Queen’s State Banquet at Buckingham Palace where they celebrated her 40 years on the throne, and the Sultan of Brunei’s 25 years a s ruler. The other memorable event was when Mr and Mrs Gorbachev came to Bristol to mark Mr. Gorbachev’s becoming International President of CLIC (which, of course Bob founded)

I asked Judy what she thinks about the new proposals for the Frenchay Hospital site. She finds it difficult not to be apprehensive, but hopes there will be a retirement village there. Then the two of them could live there in a lovely parkland setting (You would also still be near our Church Judy!)

Finally, I asked her to give me their formula for a happy marriage. I quote “55 years is a long journey of joys and sorrows, but our faith has sustained us. A sense of humour also helps!” You certainly both fulfil that criteria, and I wish you many more wonderful years together.

FASHION IS MY PASSION  …..  LA MODE EST MA PASSION!!

I was making clothes for my dolls when I was 6, for myself at 10, and for my mother when I was in my early teens. The sewing machine that I am still using was made up in 1926. Ron and I bought it together when I was 16 and he was 18—so it was already well used! We went into the shop to buy the pretty table not realising that it contained a sewing machine! Do you know where these old sewing machines go when they are no longer wanted by their owners? Afghanistan—soldiers use them to repair their uniforms and tents.

When people ask me now where I buy my clothes—they get one of three replies! They are either designer bought in Paris or St Tropez, made by me or ordered from Q.V.C on the television (Quality, Value and Convenience) You get a brochure for the month ahead so you know when to switch on for your favourite designers. I’ve just been sent a Yong Kim dress! Yesterday I wore a black jacket covered with white embroidery. Someone in the choir said “Pearly Queen”. She couldn’t have been more wrong—it was bought in the Bridget Bardot boutique in St Tropez. I would rather have one good piece than a dozen cheap ones.

FOOD IDEAS…..In French “Pudding de Pain”. I don’t like bread and butter pudding, but my husband loved it! In France, I substituted croissants for the bread. I added flaked almonds and used half milk, half cream and 3 eggs. Another interesting way would be to use slices of malt bread—spread with marmalade and cut into triangles. Between each layer you could sprinkle some sultanas. With all these puddings—leave the prepared dish for 30 minutes before putting it into your oven to allow the liquid to be absorbed.!   Bon appetit!

MY THOUGHT FOR JULY…. Start each day with a song. It’s a new day. It’s a new dawn. Enjoy life!