This cookbook which has been put together by Cynthia Walker and is being sold in aid of St. Andrew’s Church in Wormingford, has everything to recommend it.

The foreword by Ronald Blythe explains much more elegantly than your reviewer can, why it is “such a wonderful addition to the kitchen shelf.” He modestly doesn’t mention that part of its attraction is his own foreword, but even more so the wonderful illustrations by John Nash. And this is before you even look at the recipes.

The book is arranged by months, with each month beginning with a Nash illustration and a suitable seasonal menu with a choice of courses. Recipes then

The photograph below is taken from the new Millennium Bridge at Bures. The bridge allows the public a new and thoroughly enjoyable prospect of the river. But already 4 new bright red lifebelt holders have appeared on the bank. Nanny State considers that water is dangerous – how are we to avoid lifebelts every 20 metres the whole length of the river?

Jeremy Hill

follow for each of the suggested courses. Cynthia Walker has put a huge amount of work into extracting recipes from the locals, with the occasional dash of London and Yorkshire thrown in. The book concentrates on simple country dishes – Elderberry Pudding, Artichoke Soup and Glazed Parsnips. You can even learn how to preserve infants.

Get your copy while stocks last from Wormingford Post Office, Church Road, Wormingford, Colchester, CO6 3AD. Cost £8.50, with p&p £10. (Cheques payable to Wormingford P.C.C.).