I am sitting writing the weekly blog whilst Chantelle is doing the first of her 2 workshops today on fish filleting. I am hoping to listen in to some of this afternoon’s session as this is a skill I could do with knowing a little more about. Having fresh fish here on a Thursday is a real treat for me personally and my knowledge and recognition of the types of fish she sells is improving. I feel we are very lucky to have this local producer right on our doorstep. If you do fancy a fish filleting workshops she is running another 2 on Sunday 19th Feb and there are still a few places left.

The contractors put the finishing touches to our works at the main entrance earlier on this week so you will now see we have 2 metal gates. This will make it easier for when we have events and also on a point of safety, if you are turning towards Emsworth when exiting it is a better line of sight. We have commissioned our new signage (oh so overdue!!) and we will be starting the preparation for the hedgerow in this area on Thursday with Sarah Hughes. If anyone wants to help with the working party for the improvement of the hedgerow with an aim of learning a new skill of laying, pruning, weaving and dead hedging, we will be running 2 sessions on Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th March respectively. Anyone interested should contact Sarah directly on shughes@chichester.gov.uk, 07765 175494 or mention it to myself or Christine if you are coming to Tuppenny Barn.

On Friday, Christine and Carla made another batch of chutney (spiced apple) so that we have a regular supply in the shop. Last year it was a little hit and miss and with the feedback we have had, we know people love to buy home-made organic chutney. We will therefore endeavour to ensure there is at least one variety on sale throughout the year with the favour being seasonal. Lynne managed to do a batch of grapefruit marmalade on Wednesday and Marion did another batch of our popular Seville and ginger marmalade. We just love the marmalade season as it fills the kitchen with such wonderful aromas. It is also very popular as there are not many people locally doing home-made – once eaten I don’t think you would go back to the shop bought types!