RIP Algy the Serama cockerel

RIP Algy. The one and only @Algythechicken. 

He died peacefully last night around midnight, whilst being cradled in my arms. Much loved companion, who has done so much to educate (and enchant) people about the delights of keeping chickens. 


I shall miss your company enormously whether at events, in my tent at festivals, 

when we did workshops and shows, at festivals, 

in the polytunnel and just by my side pottering in the garden.

Fly high and free little fellow and enchant everyone, wherever it is you are headed.

RHS Great British Village Show - review

So, thanks to the lovely Viv at DK Books, I got a beautiful hamper through the post today :)

Bunting! Jam! Chutney! Seeds! And a lovely book written by Thane Prince and Matthew Biggs :)

The jam and chutney were hand made by Thane Prince (you may remember her from the Big Allotment Challenge?) and are delicious :)

The book is beautiful, lovely illustrations, and a good solid volume with a sturdy hardback cover.

And although I have not read every single word (yet) what I have read is great and very informative.

The book is well laid out and very clearly written ( as one would expect from DK!) 

From DK's website ;-

Enter a world of tents, tea, and terrifically good jam with RHS Great British Village Show. Written by Thane Prince and Matthew Biggs, and with a foreword by Alan Titchmarsh, this is the only guide to a unique British tradition.
Every year, hundreds of country shows and fairs take place across the UK. Celebrate this tradition and step behind the scenes of the British country show with insider facts and beautiful photographs that show you every aspect of preparing, presenting, and prize-winning on the big day.
Discover how judges reach their nail-biting decisions by using official RHS guidelines for over 100 fruit, vegetable, and flower categories, and learn how to prepare show-quality preserves and bakes with tips from the experts. RHS Great British Village Show tells you exactly what the judges are looking for - and what to avoid.
Packed with staging tips, expert guides, photo diaries, and prize-winning recipes, RHS Great British Village Show is a unique insider's look behind the scenes of a wonderful British tradition.

So, if you were wanting to have a go at entering a village show this summer  ( with fruit, veg, flowers baking, preserves or other goodies)  or even just wanted a useful guide to growing and making stuff from what you grow - this is a great book to add to your bookshelves.


RHS Great British Village Show, published 3rd April 2017 by DK books price £20

ISBN:

9780241255612

Thanks, Viv!

Disclaimer. I was sent a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to write this post.

Out in the wood

Daffodils :)

And composting (with obligatory chicken)

The chickens are out!

Finally!

After nearly 3 months of being kept inside due to the Avian Flu lockdown I let the chickens out to taste fresh grass for the first time since December :)

So of course they came and " helped" me with my composting work. Normal service resumed :)

Why Compostwoman? Why call it The Compost Bin?

10 years ago I started this blog, and I needed a name and an online identity to sign up to Blogger.

I am passionate about composting. Apart from making my own compost from the green waste we generate at home, I also "spread the word" about the benefits of home composting to my fellow man.  I had been a Master Composter for nearly a year at this point ( I started in April 2006) and this is what I still do, nearly 11 years later

Master Composters are volunteers who encourage people in their local community to start composting at home, and offer support to people who are already home composting and may be having difficulties or need encouragement.

So back in Feb 2007, when I needed a name to blog under, I thought for a bit then remembered what our 6 year old daughter had said to me when I came to give a talk at her school.

"you're like Superman Mummy, only you are called Compostwoman, and you can't fly."

So, even though I don't wear my pants on the outside of my tights (!) and I still can't fly, Compostwoman I became :) And still am, after 10 years :)