Rhubarb and date chutney take 2.

A couple of years ago I made some rhubarb and date chutney, which turned out rather well. Today I made a second batch, with a slight recipe change.
This is the recipe I used;

1 tablespoon ground ginger
300ml red wine vineger (changed from malt)
500g red onions finely chopped

500g eating apples
200g dates
200g dried cranberries (changed from sultanas)
1 tablespoon mustard seed
1 tablespoon curry powder
400g soft brown sugar (actually a mix of soft brown and light muscavado to empty the cupboard)
2 teaspoons salt

700g rhubarb chopped into 1-2cm pieces


Making the chutney is really easy.
Start by throwing the vineger, onions and ginger in a large pan (Mum's old jam making pan), bring to the boil and simmer for ten minutes.

Add everything bar the rhubarb, bring to the boil again and simmer for another 10+ minutes until the apple is tender.

Then add the rhubard and cook for another 15-30 minutes until done.

This made 4 medium and 2 large jars of fruity goodness.

Paul.

Another look at Walsingham.

I've been here before, and although I found some of the architecture interesting I didn't like the odd atmosphere and had no intention of returning. Yet today I did, simply because Dani fancied a visit and I fancied a train ride. So whilst there I pointed the camera around, hopeing to capture some interesting shots. Whether I have or not is a moot point, but here's a few that might be of interest;

All roads lead to...

Pumphouse.

Pumphouse door.

Pumphouse hinge.

Pumphouse keyhole.

Pump outlet.

I still don't like the place.

Paul.

A trip on the Lucy Lavers.

Lucy Lavers is a restored wooden lifeboat currently based in Wells-Next-the-Sea. She's had a long and varied life, being involved in the Dunkirk rescue in WW2 as well as her time as a working lifeboat. Rather than try to cover her history here instead I'll point you towards the charity that own her, Rescue Wooden Boats.

We first saw her two years ago when she was being restored in a shed in Stiffkey, on the North Norfolk coast. At the time we were impressed with the effort and workmanship that went into the restoration, which was completed in time for her to return to Dunkirk last year. Now she's available for pre-booked trips on certain days.

We went out on her this morning, setting out at 9am. The weather was good, a bit windy but still reasonably calm. We left the harbour, went out of the channel, found some choppy water then came back into the harbour after a brief look into Wells' new harbour. We were out for just over an hour, and the whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable.

I took far too many photos, here's a small(ish!) selection;

 

I've picked photos that I hope show the pride and workmanship that have gone into restoring this vessal.

Paul.

Old motors at the Warslow Beer Festival.

Today I went down to Warslow for the annual beer festival fell race. Apart from the beer one of the attractions was a display of classic cars and tractors. Having a bit of time to kill before the race started I took out the camera and snapped away;

A contrasting pair of Fordsons.

Patina or shine? Which would you choose to take home?

Yes, definetely Fordson.

Forward control Landy, I want one!

Once Vauxhall made interesting cars. This one's a Victor.

It even looks good from the rear.

Even their smaller models had charm.

This started life as a Triumph Spitfire...

...and this a Sierra.

I like the numberplate best.

Taxi!

That reminds me, I must send a telegram to Dani to tell her how I did in the fell race.

Paul.

Cromer Fordsons.

One thing that I like about being in fishing towns is seeing rusty old tractors on the seafront. They do provide quite a contrast with the gaily clad daytrippers and remind us that these places are working towns, not just holiday resorts.
Fordson Majors seem to be the tractor of choice in many places, they just seem to keep going even when in what looks to be quite dreadfull condition.

Here's a selection from Cromer;

Here's something a bit bigger and a bit more modern;

I wonder if it will last as long as the Majors?

Whilst I was there I watched this Muir-Hill struggle up the beach, digging holes with its tyres;

A diff-lock would have helped.

Paul.