All Things Local

There’s something to be said about getting involved with local events as I discovered when I attended an “All Things Local” function at The George Row Business Club in my hometown this evening.

Situated in a Grade 2 listed building, the Northampton and County Club, originally built in 1675, became the host to a variety of businesses gathered together to promote their products including jewellery, home made cards, gifts, books, alcohol and an array of produce which we were able to sample and buy.  

Although I knew it existed, in the 33 years of living here I can honestly say I had absolutely no idea what went on behind those doors! However, on entering the building, you can feel the rustic elegance it holds. Before getting the chance to take it all in I found myself entering a small, but beautiful garden with tables and chairs positioned where people were enjoying drinks and relaxing in the afternoon sun. For a few minutes, I forgot I was actually in the middle of town because it felt like a secret hideaway that only a select few knew about. 

Walking around and looking at the stalls I sampled some home made cupcakes by The Vintage Bluebell Bakery (and bought a couple too!), fresh strawberries from Moulton Fruit and Veg Ltd, white chocolate hearts by Layla Beaumont Cakes and was even given a lovely slice of carrot cake to take home from The Bread and Butter Factory.  

In between ruining my diet with all things naughty, I learnt about flavouring food with home made spices from Bite me Spices, using the right chutneys with Unique Preserves, understanding cheeses with St Giles Cheese and then washed it all down tasting Rubis Luxury Chocolate Wine by Amps Fine Wines, sparking white by New Lodge Vinyard (who even knew Northamptonshire had a vineyard?) and Warner Edwards home produced Gin. Now, as a Vodka girl, I was a little reluctant to try the latter, but it was absolutely lovely. It didn’t have that bite that other drinks have and I actually thought this is a drink I could really enjoy, and without the need of a mixer!  

Other stalls that caught my eye were Griffs Homemade, a company that hand makes a variety of gifts including advent calendars (which proved extremely popular), cushions, tea light holders and bunting; Wise, an organisation aimed to help women over the age of 30 start their own business (I have taken note!) and met local author Ryta Lindley who has published two children’s books: The Tales of Brick Kiln and Dingle Ditch and More Tales of Brick Kiln and Dingle Ditch. I spent a considerable amount of time talking to her and she was great. So funny, lots of interesting stories and even gave me some tips on getting published too! 

What struck me the most about this event was the passion everyone had for our town. I have been known to be a little pessimistic about it in the past, but meeting the locals tonight, learning about their businesses, and seeing the focus and excitement they have to make it successful was unexpectedly awe inspiring. Everyone was so friendly, chatty and genuinely interested not just in promoting their product, but also meeting other locals. I walked away feeling a lot more passionate about the place I live in and once again, I have realised it does have a lot to offer and it’s important we remember that. There was a real sense of camaraderie and I think it’s something we must all hold onto, especially as we are seeing big developments emerging around us. We mustn't lose our local spirit and rather use it to show people that this is a good town and local businesses are an important factor in shaping the new Northampton.

Summer time, and the living is easy...

Summer is well and truly out in force this week and I chose a great time to have a few days off work to enjoy it, and even more so that I spent it by the sea in Brighton to celebrate the civil partnership of two friends, Craig and Paul.

Arriving on Thursday afternoon, we checked in at our not-so-first-class Travel Lodge before venturing down to the Pier to check out the sights. Although it was a little overcast, it didn’t stop us having fun. A ride on the merry-go-round and six jugs of Pimms later, we all indulged in some much needed traditional fish and chips which was delicious!  

Friday was the ceremony and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and the crowds appeared in their masses to soak up the sun on the beach. My housemate and I booked in at a local hair salon called Antonio Delgado where we both had our hair curled and pinned up. I only planned to have it curled but wasn’t at all disappointed with what they did and the owner had us in fits of laughter the whole time we were there – definitely a place to recommend!  

 

The ceremony took place at Brighton Town Hall and I was one of fifty guests invited to be a part of it. Seeing them both so blissfully happy and how delighted their friends and family were to witness it, made it a beautiful ceremony. Photo’s followed afterwards in gorgeous grounds not far from the service and then celebrations continued into the night where we all enjoyed a delicious 3 course Italian buffet reception at Al Duomo Restaurant. I was in carb heaven!  

We then spent a very relaxing (and not so raucous) Saturday chilling on the beach and enjoying another walk along the pier, although we were lucky enough to find a small Irish pub in the morning where one of our friends even bagged us a table, so we could watch the rugby final, but that was about as much as my poor head could take. Fresh air and a massive ice cream on the beach worked wonders though! 

By Saturday night, it was safe to say, I was wrecked! Far too much alcohol, far too much food and lots of sun set me up for a quiet night back home and just when I thought wind down would begin, I was back on the vodka and enjoying a picnic in my local park with my family on Sunday to watch the tennis final. 

It was definitely a great few days though – just what I needed and the sun is still shining and looks like it’s here to stay for next weekend too…just in time for my trip to London!

Stand by your man?

There’s no doubt about it, everyone has an issue with their weight and size. Whether you think you’re fat, thin, tall, short...it’s the one thing we all have in common, yet seem to use to continue to make other people feel bad about themselves.

Recently I’ve had a few encounters where I have heard women moaning about their men and how much they weigh. Now I’m all for talking about my weight to people I’m comfortable talking to about it, but when someone is moaning at the top of their voice to a friend in public about the size of her fiancés belly, and his need to lose weight to be able to find a waistcoat big enough to fit him on their wedding day, I can’t help but feel outraged.

Of course, she was making a joke out of it, but the poor guy was standing with her at the time and the look on his face spoke volumes. Thankfully the woman’s friend had the decency to tell her to be quiet, which did do the trick (and brought a little smile to my face at the same time!)

Seriously though, if you’re marrying him then you love him regardless of what he looks like and you should be telling everyone how amazing he is, not putting him down. If his weight is an issue then talk it out between the two of you, not all and sundry!  

Come on ladies, stand by your man, don’t shoot him down!