North Herts news by John Hill

Last month's meeting was very well attended by 20 members, when our Chairman Frank E. gave us a slide show of his, that he normally gives to Womens' Institutes and the like. His commentary was nicely balanced for the expert and beginner alike, so there was something for everyone. We even had a recording of a Queen 'piping',..... (nothing to do with bagpipes!),.... in order to locate her adversaries, so that she could kill them off as challengers to her superiority. The Queen must have almost sat on the microphone, which had been placed in the hive, as her high pitched sounds were so clear. Many thanks to Frank, and also to our 'stand-in' refreshment team for providing tea etc. (Although I understand that Rosemary had cooked her usual 'wonderful sponge cake' for us).

During the break in the above proceedings, both myself and Frank reiterated our plea for a replacement Chairman, (at our AGM in March '07). Also the plight of the County Executive needs for a new Treasurer, and a new Organiser for the County "Bee Day" event were explained. It seems to me to be a problem with all organisations such as ourselves, to find willing volunteers to continue these Offices. This situation brought to mind a little 'Story' which is very relevant to the above pleas, a copy of which I print below:-

Once upon a time there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, Nobody did it.

Somebody was angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody didn't do it.

It ended up by Everybody blaming Somebody when actually Nobody could accuse Anybody.
Anon.

........... So is there Anybody out there? Somebody will have to do it, Anybody might do!!!..........

Now to lighter themes. It's almost Christmas and we are having our Party earlier this December. Those of you that look on the 'blog' site of Herts BKA will see the date as Friday 8th December at 7.30 p.m. at Boxwood, those receiving and reading the posted copy will only have one or two days to react. I still have a few tickets £4 each (bring a sweet or savoury dish as well), further details and directions can be obtained from me on 01438 xxxxxx.

Being as it is almost Christmas, and at the request of our noble editor, here is a recipe which includes, some, but not much honey. This is taken from "The Complete Confectioner" ca 1790, given by Hannah Glass, and is called 'Whim-Wham', you will soon see why.

For each Person:--- Take One Boudoir Biscuit (Sponge Finger), One tablespoon of Sweet Sherry (or Muscatel Dessert wine) into which One Tablespoon of Runny Honey has been mixed, Two large Tablespoons of Double Cream, 1/2 teaspoon roasted Hazelnuts, and two small leaves cut from Angelica.....Break the biscuit into Four pieces, and place in a small custard cup. Pour over the sherry/wine/honey. Pile the whipped cream on top and decorate with nuts and angelica OR candied citron/orange. Avoid glace cherries, which would be from the wrong period!! Wait quietly for the Whim-Wham to take effect!.

Apparently Dylan Thomas once said:- "One Christmas was much like another... I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve, or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six!!!"

Happy Christmas!! John Hill