David Cameron is Munching for you

A Cornish Christmas

My morning was much brightened when a colleague happend to mention that one of the few days he isn’t reluctant to part company with his pillow and duvet in the mornings is Christmas Day – wonderful to know that the magic of Christmas hasn’t been entirely lost due to the bombardment of festive adverts trying to lead us to believe that we need spend spend spend buying lavish gifts and mountains of food.

I have a sneaking suspicion that my colleague is from the other side of the Tamar in Plymouth which makes him a Cornish chap – which prompeted this post about gifts from Cornwall.

Thoughtful Giving

In this day and age there is no reason that gifts shouldn’t be more than a hurried purchase simply to fulfil expectations. We have previously looked at the benefits of charity gifts and how easy it is to break free from traditional wedding lists top encourage giving ethical gifts and unusual wedding gifts that support charity

Here we embrace the spirit of kind gifts and in the spirit of shop local, act global we check out what gifts the South West has to offer.

Personal Gifts for Pasty Muncher

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to find well wishers had left a Pasty gift on my desk.

Pasty Coaster

Although described as a coaster I prefer to call it a beer mat. Featuring Che Guevara with a slightly embelished quote

The revolution is not a pasty that bakes itself, you have to take it from the oven.

Checking out the awkwardly designed Raw Cornish web site eventually uncovered a cornucopia of Cornish themed gift including the PastyChe range of giftware giving the pasty celebrity status comprising of coasters, bookmarks and greetings cards. pasty fans please note the site offers no online ordering facility and appears not to feature the above coaster.

Difference between Devon and Cornwall folk?

Cream on first and then the jam

Cos he’s a zpazztic Cornishman

Many gifts from the region feature food and drink heavily – clotted cream with impossible lifespans, fudge, bloomin’ scrumpy and a range of sickly cornish liqueurs – boozey strawberry and cream.

Cornish Hampers

Some enterprising pasty munchers such as Purely Cornish have even begun to offer cornish hampers – gift baskets crammed full of local delicacies and delivered to your door.

Many people are happy to pay a little bit extra for the hamper being professionally assembled and beautifully presented – see some of the elaborate luxury hampers that leading retailers are offering but for those of you, like me, who are as tight as a gnat’s chuff, money can be saved by putting together your own Christmas hampers.

Note – purely Cornish offer a pick your own which is half way to personalising the gift.

Eat, drink and be merry – munch with the best of ‘em

A surprise and kind gift from a thoughtful (veggie) colleague was a packet of Lusty Pirate, Cornish pasty flavoured crips.

The packet of crisps (suitable for Coeliacs whatever they may be) promised

As soon as you open a bag up, the distinctive aroma of the Cornish pasty hits you – there’s no mistaking it.

Well there was indeed a beefy whiff but taste wise (now remember I am no fan of flavoured crips – cheese and onion is the only infrequent deviation from ready salted) they were “not bad” with what I felt was a strong pleasing taste of oven baked pastry crust – shortcrust pastry that’ll be as in a true cornish pasty.

A genuine potato crisp indeed – maybe we shall see cornish pasty shaped reconstituted potato snacks (like Pringles) in the near future.

Lusty Pirate Peg Leg Confusion

Visiting the Lusty Pirate website (are they actually part of Burts overpriced crisps emporium with their own branded site?) I couldn’t fail to notice a serious continuity error.

Update – 27th May 2010 – can’t find the server at www.lustypirate.com Jeez

Even through the mist of Fireworks, Flash and Frames I notice that the lusty pirate has pegs on different legs on the About Us and Contact Us pages.

I have to send them feedback – you may wish to do so too . . . .

Cornish Pasty Flavoured Crisps – Munch On!

No Study Degrees – Degrees Given Away for Free!

Each year’s graduation ceremonies include the giving of free degrees – known as Honorary degrees – with no requirement for study to a selection of celebrities. The requirements to be a recipient of an honorary degree are cloudy – sometimes service to local community is cited. This year sees Ruth Hawker OBE who trained in nursing and education in Exeter, and became chief executive of Tor and SouthWest College, Devon – the award of an honorary degree to Ruth is recognition for the commitment and involvement with the local region over a long period of time.

The same cannot be said however for others on this years list:

Rik Mayo claims regional fame simply by the fact that he lives here – well give him a medal – it really is a test of character to relocate to the west country. Rik’s honorary degree is for his contribution to comedy. Why oh why then do we not see the like of Jethro (a hilarious Cornish Comedian) of the Wurzels (a hilarious Somerset beat combo) receiving these free degrees?

The bogus degree conspiracy deepens when we discover that Floella Benjamin is to give away these free degrees. Floella it is revealed has herself been the recipient of Exeter’s generosity being awarded a Hon D.Litt (Exon) – Doctor of Letters from Exeter!

Other awards will be made for contributions to literature, comedy, politics, media, business, engineering, higher education and healthcare – David Attenborough – Patron of a Blood Pressure healthcare organisation – in fact anything that will appeal to potential students during the college’s graduate recruitment drives.

For traditionalists, it gone too far. A Smithers, Professor of Education at the University of Buckingham believes degrees shouldn’t be dished out willy nilly with the hope of brightening up graduation ceremonies. Although he himself holds an honorary degree from Manchester he says: “The criterion these days is often that the honorary graduate is well known rather than they have made a distinctive contribution in their particular academic field,”

Rest assured – the Muncher has already written to the Western Morning News the hope that the tireless search for the perfect pasty will be acknowledged in due course.

Whilst carefully researching this post the following result appeared for a search for [pasty degree] which has a number one slot for Be a pasty chef? Get your degree in baking and pastry arts-The Culinary Institute of America

The Cardew Pottery in Bovey Tracey closed its doors to visitors on 12th June and production of their specialty teapots has stopped.

Teapot classics such as the Petrol Pump, Betty Boop, the extensive range of Disney characters and the inspirational British food range including Coleman’s Mustard and the Marmite Teapot could now become highly collectible items and begin to fetch eye watering sums at auction.

Owner Paul Cardew reports on his website “Whilst it’s very emotional here, as we clear things out and sort through the back catalogue, the plans for the future are really exciting. We are not yet in a position to announce the next phase of the adventure but keep checking back to this website, where we soon hope to be able to let you know the way forward”

“not yet in a position to announce the next phase” could be interpreted “cannot be arsed since we’ve made a fortune by selling the land for housing”

Residents of Bovey Tracey have wondered for some time where the proposed new housing development will be and there is an increasing feeling of resentment that the Cardew Pottery which sits in 10 Acres of what was once beautiful woodland with ponds is prime suspect.

Cardew was enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike – how many other tourist “attractions” can genuinely make claim to that? The pottery painting studio was well equipped and good value when compared to ventures such as China Blue in “we saw you coming” Totnes.

Alas no more the “Sunday Lunch Specials – Served Daily” and what we wonder will become of the Cardew Cat (Chairman Meow) that would sleep around the shop and studio always accommodate a little fuss – come on Paul – think of the Puss Cat!

Firstly the Devon Craft Fair at Bovey Tracey which runs 6th to 8th June and promises to be the best ever.

At the other end of the outdoor events spectrum is the annual Land Rover World Show held at the “home of Landrovers” Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire. As a wanna be country bumpkin my interest in Land Rovers has grown over the last few months ever since I heard the news that the great British brand was now under the ownership of Tata – an Indian conglomerate. Keen to support Landrover and protect its British heritage I was amongst many who campaigned to have the sale revoked and return the company to its previous owners. Ahem imagine the surprise when this was revealed to be Ford.

None the less land Rover have been at the leading edge of all terrain motoring and having watched videos such as this Freelander promotion and this amazing footage of Land Rover Defenders going full throttle I’ve had the urged to try one.

I joined two fellow Pasty Munchers – for a half day at the West Country Land Rover Experience Centre in Honiton. Apart from arriving late – oh the perils of forward FWD e mails – the afternoon was a revalation. The advanced technology some of the vehicles contain is way over my head and it was with relief that the “intro” talk was cut short so we could actually get our feet on the pedals.

First up a £75,000 Range Rover. Yeah not bad. The traction control on hills and slopes was – and I don’t say this lightly – mind blowing. Tilted at 35 degrees it was beyond belief the the monster didn’t roll.

Then followed what was affectionately called by those in the know a tootle in a “Disco” aka Land Rover Discovery. After the drive in a top notch Range Rover this seemed less impressive – still the same all terrain settings technology but felt a bit more “Sloaney” – in that it looks more countryside but without the mud.

Both the Range Rover and Discovery are excellent off roaders but almost too easy to drive – the technology kicks in at the drop of a hat – pedal free driving for much of the course.

later the instructor introduced his personal favourite the Freelander. The Freelander has had its criticisms over the years but it appears that Land Rover have listened to the concerns of dis-gruntled customers and worked hard to bring the model up to the same high standards expected of the brand. And what a joy the little SUV was. Within a few minutes the feeling of actually driving returned. The Independent commented “the new Freelander is proof that land rovers just keep getting better” and safety concerns assuaged but Euroncaps official 5 star ratings for many Freelander features for protection.

The Landrover World Show offers the opportunity to try out these vehicles in return for a modest donation to various charities. All test drives are accompanied by Land Rover experts and will be conducted on some of the best “off road” circuits in Europe.

This years exhibitors combine their individuality, style and quality to one of the UK’s best craft fairs where not only will they display their work but will encourage you to join in and learn as they lead craft workshops and hold public demonstrations.

Here the Muncher features a selection of activities and events. For the full schedule of events you can download the 2008 leaflet from the Devon Guild Craft site

Friday 6 June
You will have opportunity watch demonstrations and join workshops for Jewellery Making, Mosaics, Willow Wood Sculpture and Textile Printing – ideal if you want to add your own individuality to your home furnishings and fabrics. During the textile printing you will see how plain bedding can be transformed into stylish printed duvet covers and bedspreads as well as terrific ideas for interior designs using prints.

Saturday 7 June

Try your hand at creating simple rug flooring in the Raggerty Rugs masterclass and enjoy the Devon Weaver’s workshop. Learn how traditional methods of dying help artists create unique curtain fabrics for those who want to make their own that are a far cry from the designs of ready made curtains and blinds available on the high street and to complement the unique designs it is hoped that Hugh Janus will return to the fair this year with his superb selection of hand crafted curtain poles

Sunday 8 June

The final day of the craft fair and offers a rare opportunity for practising designers and furniture makers to join designed Chris Eckersley in a group critique session that is sure to inspire.

Of course there will be entertainment, live music and fantastic food – being in the heart of the South West you’ll be hard pushed not to munch a pasty or two during the event.

The Craft Fair opens 10:00am to 5:00pm each day The Contemporary Craft fair in association with the Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an opportunity to learn new skills, buy unique works of art and a great family day out.

“last night before going to sleep “Comedy” Dave rolled himself up in the duvet and exclaimed I AM THE MEAT” – he being the filling in a giant sausage roll – the pastry is the duvet cover.

This curious tale prompted Seb Roberts to go out into his town and make this naked blog video response – this video has now been removed.

What I particularly enjoyed is the way he had to try to keep the sign visible whilst the bedding he was sporting kept trailing behind him almost revealing his own sausage roll.

It was curious to note that very few people he met had heard the show.

Now Gargmoyles claims to have boosted the listening figures considerably – the self proclaimed “Saviour of Radio 1″ reckons more people throw back the bedspreads in the morning and tune in to hear him than any other disc jockey in Britain.

On a similar theme how about a piggy in a blanket?

Other National Days of Note

No Pants Day – this day encourages not wearing pants on the first Friday in May – however not quite as much fun because as the good Lordship commented “THEY’RE TROUSERS”

Talk like a Pirate Day – Yarr Me Hearties

National Straw Hat Day – the 15th May – the day that chaps the traditional day of the spring season that men officially put away their winter felt hats and put on their new straw hats.

A hopeful chap also came up with this follow on from Valentines Day after he realised it was a special day made up by Hallmark for the ladies and thought it only proper to give an opportunity for them to express their gratitude – My Chaps “Great” Day

Even more desperate are the guys on this Land Rover forum National Orgasm Day – some puntastic posts run through the thread

Every dog has its day – there’s even an IT Systems Administrators

Which is a perfect opportunity for us all to show our appreciation for the pc help in the office and at home. It support is possibly the true fourth emergency service – all due respect to the AA for stealing their strap line.

And what of the National Pasty Day I hear you ask – well its coming soon.

Was your Ginsters a Nasty Pasty or did it hit the spot?

This question “I’ve accidentally eaten a Ginsters pasty- who should I phone?” and the answers it provoked at yahoo perhaps gives us a clue to the general feeling about them but don’t let that influence your responses.

Take the Ginsters Pasty Survey and we will forward on the results to Ginsters marketing people.

Munch on.