Fernhurst Society joins the sloe lane

Round & About

The rich purple plumpness of sloes has been in abundance the past few months so make your own sloe gin and enter the Fernhurst Society competition

We all need a boost at this time of year so how about lifting your spirits by crafting your own ‘hedgerow spirits’? 

The Fernhurst Society invite you to make an entry or two for the competition they are holding on Saturday, 28th February in the Fernhurst Hub. 

“Two of the best things about living in the country are being surrounded by bountiful nature and having a wonderful community,” says Judith Turner from the society. “In Fernhurst, residents have been collecting treasures such as hazelnuts, sloes, rosehips, watermint, sweet chestnuts – and this year has been especially good. 

“They’ve been turning these riches into various concoctions from rosehip gin to damson vodka and are now holding a community competition to find the master distiller! 

“The Fernhurst Society, who are organising this Hedgerow Spirits competition, hope that many “distillers” will take the opportunity to share their foraging expertise in mixing nature’s bounty.” 

Anyone who has added alcohol to any fruit or vegetable can take part. There are seven classes: Sloe gin made                                                                                                       in the last six months, Sloe gin made any year, Gin, Whisky, Brandy, Vodka, Any other alcohol.  

February 22nd-26th: Register by emailing judithchurchcottage@gmail.com to help organisers know enry numbers. Saturday, 28th February: 12.30-2pm – Drop off your free entry at the Fernhurst Hub. It should be in a 50ml container, labelled with your name. 2-4pm –  Tea and cake while judging happens, followed by prizegiving. 

Any questions, ring 01428 653790.                                                                       

Judith adds that recipes for home concocted spirits are readily available online. She advises avoiding very cheap spirits; good-quality makes are relatively inexpensive online. Stored in a cool, dark cupboard, they will remain in excellent condition for three to five years or more, often improving as the flavours mellow. 

“Several potential entrants have had personal experience of family vintages going back a decade or more with no ill effects so try not to drink it all in the first year!” 

She reminds us to “please be mindful to take only what you need, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and for the plants to regenerate”.