British Pie Week

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Never has the saying ‘nice as pie’ been so apt – who doesn’t love a tasty pastry pie and what better time to indulge than in British Pie Week. 

With so many great recipes to choose from all you need to do is decide whether it’s savoury, sweet, crumble or pasty – why not make a different one every day this week and get all members of the family involved in the cooking too? 

According to the most common internet search results, here’s our top 10, love them or loathe them:- 

1: Cottage Pie 

2: Fish Pie 

3: Shepherd’s Pie 

4: Chicken & Leek Pie 

5: Chicken and Mushroom Pie 

6: Steak and Ale Pie 

7: Meat and Potato Pie 

8: Pork Pie 

9: Steak and Kidney Pie 

10: Corned Beef Pie 

We asked our star baker Christine Wallace to share a pie recipe with us so why not put this on the menu this week? 

Left over turkey, leek and mushroom pie 

 

• You will need an 8” (20cm) Pie dish.
• 500gm block of butter puff pastry.
• 1 large leek – cut into large chunks
• 120g button mushrooms
• 300g cooked turkey meat
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tblsp oil
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 1 pint milk
• ½ tsp onion salt
• White pepper
• Beaten egg for glaze

Method 

• Place the oil and butter in a pan and add the leek, gently sweat for 5 minutes but do not brown.

• Add the mushrooms and thyme, cook for a minute.

• Stir in the flour and gently cook for a minute.

• Slowly add the milk until you have a nice thick sauce, add the turkey meat and cook for a couple of minutes.

• Add the onion salt and a little pepper then pour into your pie dish

• Roll out the pastry and cover the pie, sealing well and fluting the edges.

• Brush with beaten egg and cook for 30 minutes or until the pastry is well risen and golden brown.

N.B. If you are making the pie to freeze, do NOT add the turkey meat until the leek and mushroom sauce is completely cold. Use fresh puff pastry if you are freezing, not frozen! 

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Food, friends and fun

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Host a supper club on 7th March and raise funds for Eva’s Friends

If you enjoy food, friends and fun while raising money to change children’s lives then Eva’s Friends Supper Club is the event for you.

It couldn’t be easier to get involved – just invite some friends round for dinner on Saturday, 7th March and ask them to donate to Eva’s Friends what they would have paid if they’d gone out to eat and if you don’t fancy cooking, drinks and nibbles works as well.

Last year more than 40 supper clubs were run in aid of the Oxfordshire-based charity and they’re hoping for more this year which will also feature an online auction and competitions too. Chefs Tom Kerridge and Richard Bertinet donated raffle prizes last year.

Eva’s Friends works to fund research into rare neurological conditions in children and is currently helping to fund a gene therapy project to find a cure for Rett Syndrome which affects thousands of children, almost exclusively girls, leaving them unable to walk, talk or use their hands.

There is no known cure and it is thought to affect about 1 in 12,000 girls born each year such as Eva after whom the charity is named.

If you can’t make the main Supper Club event on the 7th, why not arrange another foodie treat in the week beginning 2nd March, how about brunch with friends, afternoon tea, cakes at work – whatever you fancy.

Simply register by emailing [email protected] to receive a fundraising pack and get cooking!

More info..

To find out more about the charity and how you can support their work visit

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Journey of discovery

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Fi Harding tells us more about Chiltern Arts Festival 2020 which takes place at various venues between Friday 28th February and Saturday 7th March

As the world celebrates 250 years since Beethoven’s birth, Chiltern Arts is celebrating overcoming adversity in the arts, with its usual array of venues including those in Henley, Marlow, Wallingford and, for the first time, Princes Risborough.

‘It’s a busy year for Chiltern Arts,” says founder and creative director Naomi Taylor, “and an exciting one! I’m particularly excited to have a theme linking all events for the first time and I hope people will get on board and follow the festival as a bit of a journey of discovery. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved as well as sitting back and enjoying; a Come and Sing day, poetry competition and Youth Music and Art Day… come and join us for what we think will be a brilliant week!”

Chiltern Arts offers an array of concerts for all musical tastes: Septura Brass Septet celebrate the music of female composers; the Come and Sing Company invite you to explore Tippett’s Five Spirituals alongside Tippett’s biographer Oliver Soden; the Marian Consort uncover the Catholic music kept under wraps in Elizabethan England; the Phoenix Piano Trio present piano trios from Beethoven and Fauré, both of whom suffered hearing loss; pianist Danny Driver presents Beethoven and the loss of Vital Senses with music from Gabriela Lena Frank and Rodrigo partnering Beethoven’s impressive Hammerklavier; and the City of London Sinfonia close with Beethoven’s famous Septet.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly a mini-residency from eminent solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, performing with Trio HLK a piece called Extra Sensory Perception; and we’re thrilled to be commissioning a piece from Stephen Goss for Dame Evelyn and Matthew Wadsworth. The piece will be premiered at the Candlelit Lute recital in Great Missenden on Thursday 5th March. Dame Evelyn and Matthew both also precede their respective events with pre-concert talks.

Chiltern Arts’ popular concert and dinner event returns to The Gatsby in Berkhamsted with music from members of the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra, featuring cabaret and a seven-piece band.

Three outstanding young professional ensembles feature at the festival: the Salomé String Quartet, baroque quartet Ensemble Hesperi and wind group the Magnard Ensemble. The first entirely youth-focused event features music from several local young musicians and performers, including students from the Mary Hare School for the Deaf, Amersham Music Centre, Tring School and Chiltern Music Academy, as well as a massed choir led by the Marian Consort.

More info..

The poetry competition also returns, open to writers of all ages. There’s information about all of these events online, where you can also request a brochure, buy tickets and find out how you can get involved with Chiltern Arts. You can also call the box office on 01442 920303.

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March recipes: Not your average Joe!

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Fitness star Joe Wicks –AKA The Body Coach – has teamed up with cancer charity Macmillan to share some veggie recipes for March

Rosie’s Beautiful Lentil Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Large onion, finely chopped
• Two medium carrots, peeled and chopped into cubes
• Salt and pepper
• Two cloves garlic, crushed
• Two sprigs of rosemary
• 200g dried green lentils
• A glass of red wine
• Two 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 1tbsp tomato puree
• 60g walnuts
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Cooked pasta of your choice
• Grated cheese, to serve
(optional)

This one [inspired by Joe’s wife Rosie] is a great recipe to make ahead. It will keep in the fridge for two or three days and freezes very well.

Method:
Add the oil to a saucepan over a low heat. Tip in the chopped onion and carrots, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for six minutes until mostly softened. Stir in the garlic and rosemary sprigs. Cook for another minute until it smells fragrant, then tip in the lentils. Give everything a good stir, then pour in the wine.

When most of the wine has bubbled off, chuck in the chopped tomatoes, then re-fill one of the tins with water and pour it in. Stir in the tomato puree then leave to cook for 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the lentils are soft. When the lentils are nearly cooked, toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over a medium heat until lightly browned and smelling nutty.

Allow to cool and roughly chop, then add them to the pan. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and season your bolognese to taste, removing the rosemary sprigs. Serve with cooked pasta and, if you’re like me, loads of grated cheese on top!

l To support this fantastic charity please visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Peri-Peri Halloumi Burger

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce
• 100g halloumi, cut into four slices
• 1 tbsp mayo
• One baby gem lettuce
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• One medium tomato
• Burger bun

Method:
our two tablespoons of the peri-peri sauce into a shallow bowl. Add the halloumi slices to the bowl and turn them so that both sides are covered in the sauce. Leave to marinate for a few minutes.

While your cheese is marinating, stir the remaining peri-peri into the mayo. Separate the lettuce leaves and slice the tomato into rounds. Warm a dry non-stick frying pan over a high heat. When it is hot, chuck in the halloumi slices. Dry fry for two minutes each side, spooning any of the leftover marinade over the cheese as it cooks so that it becomes sticky and crisp. Take off the heat. Toast your burger bun, then spread the base with spicy mayo. Stack in the halloumi, lettuce and tomato.

Avo & berry breakfast pot

Ingredients:

• Half an avocado, flesh scooped out\
• One small banana, roughly chopped
• Two handfuls of mixed frozen berries
• 2 tbsp natural yoghurt
• 1 ½ tbsp rolled oats
• 1 ½ tbsp. mixed seeds
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• Drizzle of honey

Make ahead – You can blitz the fruit and yoghurt the night before and keep it in the fridge

Method:
Place the avocado, banana, frozen berries and natural yoghurt in a blender and blitz with a splash of water until smooth. Tip into a bowl or pot to take to work. In a dry frying pan, over a medium heat, toast the oats and seeds until the seeds start to pop. Take off the heat. When you’re ready to eat, top the avocado berry pot with the toasted oats and seeds, almond butter and a drizzle of honey

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Drive time

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Whatever your vintage or passion, March is a great month for motoring enthusiasts.

Advertisement

Waylands Group shows off the UK’s first plug-in hybrid premium compact SUV

Waylands Volvo in Newbury, Oxford, Reading and Swindon has announced it is now offering the UK’s first plug-in hybrid premium compact SUV to customers. Volvo is the UK’s first car manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid versions across its entire model range, and its new petrol-electric XC40 T5 Twin Engine completes a full line-up of hybrid cars.

The XC40 has also seen enhancements, with new engine features and generous specification levels adding to its desirability, connectivity and safety – including technology such as the Blind Spot Information system, which monitors and alerts the driver of rapidly approaching vehicles.

John O’Hanlon, CEO of Waylands, said: “We’re pleased to announce that customers can now come and test drive the new petrol-electric XC40 T5 Twin Engine, which is set to be hugely popular.

“Volvo is committed to giving customers the best possible choice when it comes to cars that are better for the environment, practical for their lifestyles and safe for their families. The electrification of our model line-up is just the tip of the iceberg for our sustainability journey, and we’d encourage people who are looking to reduce their environmental impact to come and test drive one of these amazing cars.”

Waylands also offers a wide range of new and Volvo Selekt Approved Used cars, in addition to the plug-in hybrid XC40, and later this year customers can look forward to the pure electric XC40, Volvo’s first all-electric car.

More info

To find out more about the new plug-in hybrid Volvo line-up, visit www.waylandsrecharge.co.uk or email [email protected]

Start your engines! March is considered by many petrolheads & motoring enthusiasts as the real start of the year. With the start of the Formula One World Championships (in Australia 13th-15th March), the Techno-Classica Essenin (Calais, 25th to 29th) and the British Touring Car Championships (Donington, 28th & 29th), there’s tiger in the tank for car fans of all persuasions.

One familiar broadcaster who is looking forward to seeing Lewis Hamilton et al coming off the blocks is ITV sports anchoman Steve Rider. “I’m always excited about the new F1 season,” says Steve, 69, who lives in Bucks. “This year I look forward to a greater injection of competition but am more pessimistic about the sports ability to make the commercial and sporting changes required to make this possible long term.”

Round & About Towers is populated by your larger-than-average number of petrolheads and we’re always interested in what people drive. “My first car was an electric blue Austin A35,” says Steve. “Today I drive a Land Rover Discovery Sport.” Steve, who was the lead presenter for ITV’s Formula One coverage from 2006 to 2010, has seen his fair share of supercars… so what’s his dream car? “I’m not flash! My dream car was an MGB and it still is.” What about Steve’s perfect road trip – what would be his ideal route and who would be his lucky passenger? “The Pacific Highway on the west coast of America. I would auction the passenger seat to the highest bidder to enable me to make the trip in the greatest luxury.”

Industry analysts have heralded 2020 as the year of the electric car, with Oxford car giant Mini, Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat 500 joining the rapidly expanding European EV market. “Electric cars seem to be the future and now we’re being told it’s official,” says Steve.

However, when it comes to technology Steve is very much of the mindset that older can certainly sometimes better… “There is information overload every time you step into a modern car. I look forward to a serious reduction in the constant data a car bombards you with. I also own a 1971 Fiat 500 and am President of the Fiat 500 Club of Great Britain. Motoring at its most basic and enjoyable.”

More info

Steve is the host of the Monaco Business Seminar on 21st & 22nd May. This exclusive two-day event on board a yacht will offer insight into what makes the world’s sporting elite tick, including guest speakers Paula Radcliffe MBE, Sir Clive Woodward OBE and many other stars of the world of motor racing. To book or make any enquiries please contact Ben Lambourne on 07771 760979 or email [email protected]

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Talking Point: Clare Balding

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Liz Nicholls asks Clare Balding about life, sport and pets as she launches her new Dogcast podcast

Q. How do you feel about where we’re all at as feminists as we approach another International Women’s Day? “I think we’ve achieved a lot but there’s still a lot to do. We all need to realise many companies are not valuing the work of women in the same way they value that of men. We have to protect and support those who have been denied opportunity and financial reward and we have to consistently and insistently point out to employers where they need to shape up.”

Q. We’re real dog-lovers here, and even have an office dog (Booster the black lab)! Can you tell us more about Dogcast and your love of dogs? “I grew up with dogs and the first face I remember seeing and feeling a connection with was my mum’s Boxer, Candy. To be honest, I think Candy felt more protective towards me than either of my parents. I spent most of my childhood dreaming of being a dog. There are so many benefits to dogs being a part of our lives and Dogcast is all about exploring that joy, as well as offering practical advice on veterinary and behavioural issues. I’m fascinated by the positive impact dogs can have at work, in schools and in hospitals and care homes. Maybe I should come and visit your office to see what Booster has done for the team… “

Q. Do you play golf and are you looking forward to the Ryder Cup? “I do play golf and I thought Europe’s victory in last year’s Solheim Cup was one of the sporting highlights of the year. I love team golf and will watch the Ryder Cup as much as I can and hope we’ll see a reigniting of the successful bromance between Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood. They were amazing together in France in 2018.”

Q. 2020 is a huge year for sport – which aspects of the Tokyo games are you most looking forward to? “I can’t wait to see the new sports in action – especially skateboarding and rock climbing. We’ll have the youngest ever British Olympian representing Team GB in skateboarding (Sky Brown) and I hope she can win a medal. I’m also hugely looking forward to the Paralympics and I’m sure Tokyo will do a great job of hosting.”

Q. Did you enjoy your school days? “I had a mixed time. I started off very unhappy and got into a lot of trouble. I was suspended for shoplifting and de-housed. Then I rebuilt myself a bit, with the help of a very good set of friends and by throwing myself into sport. It all worked out in the end. I had a very good English teacher and she helped me get into a decent university to read English, which I loved.”

Q. Can you tell us about your love of horses? “My dad was a racehorse trainer and I was put on a pony before I could walk. It seemed easier to learn how to ride than stand on my own two feet and fairly soon I was falling off at regular intervals and rolling around on the ground laughing. I wanted to be an Eventer and my dream was to compete at the Olympics for GB. Then I started riding racehorses at the age of 16 and I discovered that winning races was a lot of fun. I won my first car by riding in races and I won my weight in champagne – which is the only time I’ve been delighted to be on the heavy side!”

Q. Is there anything you love to eat & drink? “I don’t mind champagne (luckily) but I really enjoy a rhubarb & ginger flavoured gin with tonic. I like most food apart from tomatoes, which I really hate. I don’t mind tomato sauce or sundried tomatoes but I really dislike them raw. It’s something to do with the squishy texture and the way the pips get everywhere.”

Q. What was it like growing up In Hampshire and any favourite places to visit? “It’s a beautiful part of the country and I was lucky enough to grow up next to Watership Down. I love the rolling hills and the clear chalk streams. I’ve done a lot of walking in Hampshire and the Home Counties but there is still so much more to explore. The other week I walked from Winchester Cathedral, past the college and through the water meadows, before climbing up to St Catherine’s Hill to explore the ancient labyrinth on the top. It was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t believe that it had taken me until then to discover it.”

Q. What’s your favourite book, film and artist? “I’m always reading so I can’t say I have one book that I would choose above all others… But if I had to recommend something that summed up the British countryside, I’d go The Wild Places or The Old Ways (both by Robert Macfarlane) or Rising Ground by Philip Marsden. I also love Caitlin Moran’s books and anything written by Nora Ephron. I watch a lot of films and have really enjoyed the development of storylines in which women can be leading characters, rather than just victims or support players. I would hold up Hidden Figures as a great example of a film about women who made a real difference to the development of the world as we know it and had previously been ignored by history. As for a piece of music, If I Had A Million Dollars by Barenaked Ladies makes me laugh every time I hear it. My go-to album on repeat is For All Our Sins by Sound of the Sirens. I love every song on it.  If you meant artist as in painter, I would say Davy Brown – a Scottish landscape artist who paints beautiful water colours.”

Q. Who would be your dream dinner party guests? “Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Julie Walters, Emma Thompson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Olivia Colman. Someone would have to be in charge of cooking as I get stressed by cooking for more than one person.”

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? And what advice would you give your younger self? “Best advice is that ‘whether you think you can’t or you think you can, you’re probably right’. The power of the mind is an amazing thing and can influence the way we perform almost any task. I like to say ‘yes’ to things at work that scare me a bit – like working on the last General Election – because I think it’s good to be out of my comfort zone and it means I always feel challenged and am learning more about how to do the job. I’d tell my younger self to read more books and to stop worrying so much about clothes and hairstyles or trying to fit in.”

Q. What else is on your horizon this year and beyond? “It’s a big year because of the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. Before all that, I’m launching the new podcast, Dogcast With Clare Balding and I’m working on a new book for kids. It’s in the non-fiction space and it’s all about resilience, patience, confidence and concentration.”

Q. If you had a magic wand, what one wish would you make for a better world? “I’d try to reverse climate change, clear up the oceans of plastic, stop the fires in Australia (and elsewhere in the world) from destroying so much wildlife and natural habitation, stop the floods that cause so much damage and basically create a world in which we are living in harmony with nature.”

* Download the Dogcast with Clare Balding podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dogcast-with-clare-balding/id1495796637

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Golf: Hole lotta love

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“Golf is a good walk spoiled” according to some but to others there’s nothing like the challenge of hitting that small round ball to the best of your ability, avoiding hazards and wayward shots along the course and eventually seeing it drop in the hole.

Whether you’re a fair-weather golfer or are out bright and breezy on a chilly morning, you get to play in some of the most stunning scenery and well-maintained land around and none more so than in Surrey and Hampshire, where you literally can’t hit a golf ball without
coming across a course.

Some of the many clubs in our area have been telling us about their course, favourite holes and offering tips for how to play it as well as sharing their thoughts on this year’s Ryder Cup, the biennial tournament between Europe and the USA. Europe are the holders but will they retain the trophy this time in the USA who will have the support of their vociferous fans?

SURREY, HAMPSHIRE & WEST SUSSEX COURSES

liphook golf club, liphook gu30 7eh

John Douglas, Secretary

Favourite hole on the course & why? My favourite hole is the 18th. It’s a great risk and reward hole where you can pick up a birdy just as easily as a bogie! It’s also nearer the bar!

Best and worst features of it? It is very picturesque. You come over the hill and the green with its bunkers can be seen with the clubhouse behind. The worst aspect is that you can overshoot the green and end up on the clubhouse car park or worst of all hit the windows to my office!

Any tips for how to play it? A good drive down the left hand side of the fairway is essential. The lay of the land will result in your ball ending up in the middle of the fairway.

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? Who will star? I expect Europe to win with (Tommy) Fleetwood being the star! I have no idea really!

clandon regis golf club, west clandon GU4 7TT

Favourite hole on the course & why? The 11th hole, a long par three from white tees with carry over water.

Best and worst features of it? It’s a beautiful and testing hole. Requires a carry of 170 yards.

Any tips for how to play it? Practise your putting before playing the course!

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? I expect Europe to win.

Alresford golf club, so24 0pn

Favourite hole on the course & why? The 11th, All Aboard!, so called because the old railway carriage that was the clubhouse from 1953 to 1969 was sited where the 11th tee now stands. It’s the best looking hole on the course and is a lovely dog leg right to left with a tricky raised green with mature trees as a backdrop.

Best and worst features of it? A long testing par 4 hole, visually challenging with the drive played through an avenue of trees. The green slopes back to front and can be slick. A cavernous deep front right bunker is to be avoided at all costs.

Any tips for how to play it? A draw from the right to maximise distance – but make sure you find the fairway. Play your second to avoid the fairway bunker. For handicap golfers lay up well short of the green and take an extra club to the raised green. Two putts and run to the next hole…

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? Who will star? Tommy Fleetwood will lead from the front again. The outcome will be close, but the Europeans will retain the trophy.

bramley golf club, GU5 0AL

Favourite hole on the course & why, best & worst features? The 17th is a great par three, measuring 176 yards, from the highly elevated tee you get fantastic views of Chinthurst Hill but with the beautiful take to the left of the green and out of bounds to the right it can be an intimidating tee shot.

Any tips for how to play it? To play Bramley well it is key to hit accurate tee shots and plan your round with precision. The start is challenging but once you’ve reached the 6th you can loosen up and let the ball fly. Make your way down the hill to the 16th and prepare for the three most demanding finishing holes in the area.

You may not know… Bramley Golf Club is the ony club in the area that offers a flexible weekend membership for those members who work during the week but are keen to play at weekends. This also gives members the opportunity to play after 5pm in the summer after work. With around £120,000 being invested in the course over the next three years and excellent practice facilities with a 7-bay covered range, short game area and indoor studio, Bramley is investing in its future.

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? Europe to win!

chobham golf club, knaphill GU21 2TZ

Favourite hole on the course & why, best & worst features? The 15th hole is Chobham’s signature hole requiring a long iron or fairway wood to carry the large lake that extends 170 yards from the tee. The well-guarded green with three bunkers makes this par three a true test. Walk off here with a par and you’ll be very happy.

You may not know… Colin Montgomerie laid the last brick at the club and our function room upstairs is named after him.

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? Europe to win, of course!

THAMES VALLEY COURSES

Newbury & Crookham Golf Club, Thatcham RG19 8BZ

Gareth Williams, General Manager

Which is your favourite hole on the course and why? My favourite hole is the 8th hole, the legendary golf commentator Peter Alliss described it on air as one of the hardest holes in Berkshire.

What are the best and worst features of it? A 424-yard par 4 with a stream 270 yards from the tee, with out of bounds to the right.

Any tips for how to play it? A long iron or fairway wood are ideal but a driver would make the second shot easier. The first half of the dog-leg hole is flat, left and up the hill, the second half always plays longer. The green slopes from back to front the trick is staying below the hole with your approach and decide whether to go for a par or accept a bogey and play it as a par 5.

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect/who will win? With it being in Wisconsin, I would expect the Americans to be favourite. I think Jon Rahm will be strong for Europe. Justin Thomas has a good match-play record for USA.

Ogbourne Downs, Marlborough SN8 1TB

James Short, General Manager

Which is your favourite hole and why? The 14th hole, ‘our signature hole’, called The Long Valley.

What are the best and worst features of it? The hole follows a steep sided valley, the tee is raised and gives a great view down the valley.
Any tips for how to play it? It’s a par 5, the big hitters can go for it in two, it’s really important to get the drive straight as there is a lot of trouble both sides of the fairway.

Interesting fact about the club… Ogbourne Downs Golf Club has had three different names North Wilts Golf Club, Swindon Golf Club and now Ogbourne Downs Golf Club

And looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, who will win? Who will be the star? Europe of course! Tommy Fleetwood will be the star yet again.

Frilford Heath, Abingdon OX13 5NW

Which is your favourite hole on the course and why? 9th on the Red Course is a signature of the club and firm favourite of many. Recently one of our 95-year-old members achieved a hole in one here!

What are the best and worst features? Best thing is having 54 holes of championship golf available, our day rates mean visitors can enjoy unlimited golf for one fee when they play. Worst thing is there aren’t enough hours in the day to play them all, unless you fancy a challenge!
Any tips for how to play it? Each course has its own defence whether it be the tricky greens on the Green Course or the length on the Red. My advice would be to identify and adapt to the defences quickly.

Interesting fact about the club… The late Roger Bannister was a member for over 35 years. We have hosted English Amateur Championships for men and ladies since the club opened and for the last couple of years have hosted the Brabazon Trophy, European Tour Q School and Regional Open Qualifying.

Which Ryder Cup Team will win this year? Europe. We hope our own Eddie Pepperell will be in consideration. Frilford hosted a trial for the Ryder Cup in 1931, we’d love to be involved again.

Temple Golf Club, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LH

Keith Adderley, Club Secretary

Which is your favourite hole and why? I’ll plump for the par 4 18th, it’s a classic risk and reward. The green is in reach but beware the meadow rough and refurbished bunkers. A well-positioned drive leaves a short approach to the green and a very realistic birdie opportunity and then it’s off to the clubhouse for a well-earned drink and meal, with more time to take in the stunning views before heading for home.

What are the best and worst features? Temple is built on chalk and drains very well so it really is a year-round golf course. On the downside we can’t accommodate all the visiting golfers who want to play here at weekends as there isn’t enough car-parking available.

Any tips for how to play it? Temple is a Willie Park Jr. course with a challenging and interesting layout – difficult enough to test low handicap players but friendly enough to encourage those with higher handicaps.

Who do you think will win the Ryder Cup and who will be the star player? Whistling Straits is a links-style course and should suit the Europeans more than other US Ryder Cup venues. Jon Rahm could be the most influential player on the European team.

Bearwood Lakes, Wokingham RG41 4SJ

Which is your favourite hole on the course and why? The 9th, it’s a little par 3 over the water.

What are the best and worst features of the club? We’re friendly and welcoming. Our Sunday carveries are so delicious they are bad for the waist line!

Any tips for the club? Even if you don’t play golf, you could be a social members to make use of the Clubhouse and restaurant.

Interesting fact about the club… Featured in the top 10 most exclusive golf clubs in England.

Who will win the Ryder Cup? Europe, of course!

Harleyford, Marlow SL7 2SP

Which is your favourite hole and why? The best holes at Harleyford are on the back nine, notably the 12th, a picturesque, short par 3 enclosed by steep banks of white chalk. With danger both short and long, the correct club selection is vital. The 14th, a driveable risk and reward par 4, only 314 yards, surrounded by tight, steep pot bunkers, so a wayward tee shot may cost more than your par on this hole.

What are the best and worst features? Throughout the course and grounds are hand crafted driftwood sculptures by James Doran-Webb, notably the iconic stag, standing proudly above the 1st tee. The fantastic short game facilities and range may mean you’re so caught up in your practice you’re late for your tee time!

Interesting fact about the club… Harleyford is the home club of Tyrrell Hatton, who played here as a junior and still practises here regularly.

Who do you expect to win the Ryder Cup? Who will be the star? A tough assignment, but I’m hopeful of a successful trip to Whistling Straits for the European team. We hope Tyrrell will excel again and expect Jon Rahm feature successfully.

Bird Hills Golf Club, Maidenhead SL6 3ST

Ian Richard, Course Manager

Which is your favourite hole on the course and any tips for how to play it? The 17th, it’s a fantastic short par 4. It is well protected with three fairways and two greenside bunkers. If you are out of position from the tee then you will have to navigate around a beautiful large oak tree. Once at the green you will need to read your putts carefully and look out for subtle breaks.

Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, what do you expect? Who will be the star? Europe to win, it would be nice to win away and relive the memories from Medinah in 2012. Tommy Fleetwood has been flying high for a few years now. I can see him taking this form into the Ryder Cup and bringing it home.

Badgemore, Henley RG9 4NR

Which is your favourite hole and why? 13th is our signature hole, a great challenge! 192 yard for the men and 159 for the ladies. It’s a par 3 across a valley playing to a large green. Once you’ve hit your way across, it makes three putting a distinct possibility.

Any tips for how to play it? It is certainly advisable to know your yardages, with dog legs and sometimes tight flags you’ll have some tricky but exciting shots.

Interesting fact about the club… It was opened in 1972 by Sid James of Carry On fame who was a keen golfer!

Who will win the Ryder Cup? And who will be the best player? We have to back Europe and with Rory McIIroy back to World No. 1 he’ll have a point to prove.

Henley Golf Club, RG9 4HG

Mark Howell, Head PGA Professional

Which is your favourite hole? Hole 18

What is the best feature of it? Hitting the shot into the arena of the 18th green with people watching from the terrace.

Any tips for how to play it? If you think you can go for the green be cautious, it is well guarded with bunkers left and right but it does provide a great opportunity for a birdie finish!

Interesting fact about the club… The peace and tranquillity of nature when playing the course.

Which team will win the Ryder Cup? And who will be the best player? Europe and Justin Rose.

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Tuck into Cornish Pasty Week

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Yesterday marked the start of Real Bread Week and today it’s the turn of Cornish Pasty Week.

Ok, so we’re a long way from the West Country here but who doesn’t love a pasty, but did you know:

No meat other than beef can be used and no vegetables other than sliced or diced potato, swede (turnip), onion and salt and pepper should be used in the filling.

There must be at least 12.5% beef and 25% vegetables in the whole pasty. All the ingredients must be uncooked when the pasty is assembled and then slowly baked to develop all that famous Cornish pasty taste and succulence.

Pasties traditionally went down the mines, across fields and out to sea, so they had to be able to withstand rough treatment. Once created, the edges should be sealed by crimping – if it’s not crimped it’s not Cornish.

Most importantly it can only be called a Cornish pasty if it’s produced west of the Tamar, in Cornwall.

The Oxford English Dictionary indicates that the pasty was identified in around 1300 and at that time was enjoyed by the rich upper classes and royalty.

In the 1700s it became a staple of poorer working families in Cornwall and in the 1800s came into its own as an important art of the lives of many Cornish families.

The week, which runs until 29th February, will be celebrated with a competition to find the world’s finest crimper and the world pasty championships at the Eden Project. All are welcome to join in the fun, taste one or two and have a go yourself.

The 2020 World Pasty Championships take place on Saturday, 29th February.

Have a go yourself with the ultimate pasty recipe from the Cornish Pasty Association:

FOR SHORTCRUST PASTRY

(rough puff can also be used):

• 500 g strong bread flour (it is important to use a stronger flour than normal as you need the extra strength in the gluten to produce strong pliable pastry)

• 120 g lard or white shortening

• 125 g Cornish butter

• 1 tsp salt

• 175 ml cold water

FOR THE FILLING

• 400 g good quality beef skirt, cut into cubes

• 300 g potato, peeled and diced

• 150 g swede/turnip*, peeled and diced

• 150 g onion, peeled and sliced

• Salt & pepper to taste (2:1 ratio)

• Beaten egg or milk to glaze

*The vegetable to use is the yellow-fleshed swede, not a white turnip. This is known commonly in Cornwall as the turnip. It’s also known as the yellow turnip/Swedish turnip in some places and in North America it is called rutabaga.

METHOD

Add the salt to the flour in a large mixing bowl.

Rub the two types of fat lightly into flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Add water, bring the mixture together and knead until the pastry becomes elastic. This will take longer than normal pastry but it gives the pastry the strength that is needed to hold the filling and retain a good shape. This can also be done in a food mixer.

Cover with cling film and leave to rest for 3 hours in the fridge. This is a very important stage as it is almost impossible to roll and shape the pastry when fresh.

Roll out the pastry and cut into circles approx. 20cm diameter. A side plate is an ideal size to use as a guide.

Layer the vegetables and meat on top of the pastry, adding plenty of seasoning.

Bring the pastry around and crimp the edges together (see our guide to crimping).

Glaze with beaten egg or an egg and milk mixture.

Bake at 165 degrees C (fan oven) for about 50 – 55 minutes until golden.

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Real Bread Week

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Rise up together and support Real Bread Week

Did you know this week is Real Bread Week? It’s the annual celebration of additive-free loaves and the people who make them.

#RealBreadWeek 2020: Together We Rise! Runs from today (22nd February) until 1st March and aims to help people to bake a better future, one loaf at a time.

Launched by the Real Bread Campaign in 2010 it has three main aims:

• Buy Real Bread from local, independent bakeries
• Bake their own Real Bread at home
• Join the Real Bread Campaign

Each year, bakeries, baking schools, mills, schools, care homes, youth and other community groups hold classes, feasts and other events and activities.

People bake at home, with their families, colleagues and other friends, and share photos of themselves and their loaves on social media.

The week also wants to big up little bakeries and support small, independent, locally-owned bakeries which in addition to supporting skilled jobs and keeping money circulating in the local economy, help to keep the high street alive.

They may also offer social benefits, from being a place where older people at risk of isolation can see a friendly face and stop for a chat, to those that are set up to offer training and employment opportunities for people facing one of a range of challenges.

Get involved and help the charity Sustain by making a donation of £10 or whatever you can; join the campaign; buy the mug, T-shirt, apron, recipe book or dough scorer and if you’re in the business why not collect dough-nations from customers to help too.

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Movie magic

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Anton DuBeke and Erin Boag will bring Dance those Magical Movies to Reading’s Hexagon this March

Britain’s best-loved ballroom duo are back with a new show for 2020! Songs from the silver-screen, set to sensational choreography, will give audiences a red-carpet performance from the UK’s leading dance stars and a spectacular dance ensemble.

The show includes musical classics from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Singin’ in the Rain, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, The Greatest Showman, and many more. Peter Anderson caught up with Erin and found she does a lot of the planning!

We’ve seen Anton have a very successful Strictly in 2019; does this mean he has little time to plan this tour? “Well, with Anton being busy with Strictly, I spend a lot of time working on tour admin,” agrees Erin. “When it comes to queries, it’s up to me to either answer them or have a quick chat with Anton when I can. I am also a dance teacher, so I have my pupils and keep my hand in performance-wise doing the occasional show with Ian Waite.”

We know Anton is a keen singer – do you have any hidden talents? “They are very well hidden, they keep trying to persuade me to sing, but my singing is restricted to the shower and with my lovely young son.”
How do they wind down after? “We have a meet-and-greet after the show, and then help with the ‘get out’. Both Anton and I like to drive to the next venue while we are still on a high from the show. The roads are a lot quieter at night. It is so nice to get to the hotel, have a sleep and breakfast rather than get up in the morning and drive.”

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