On Sunday the 19th of June 2016, we welcomed local author Vicky Straker through our doors, along with a number of her supportive friends and fans.
A tearoom full of friendly faces always creates a great atmosphere and it certainly was as all enjoyed our delicious drinks and homemade cakes whilst listening to Vicky talk about her new book, hot off the press, Bicycles, Bloomers and Great War Rationing. Emma McAlister, head librarian in Blandford, interviewed Vicky and we discovered the intriguing journey that led Vicky to write this beautiful book, bursting with fascinating history and unusual recipes.
Vicky told us that she has always been a 'foodie' but when she came across her Granny Dot’s books tucked away safely in the attic she realized that not only was her love of baking in the genes, but also her love of writing. The fact that Granny Dot had managed to not only write, but also have published a number of books in an era when it was a difficult feat for a woman to be taken seriously as an author, inspired Vicky to pass on her some of Granny Dot's recipes. Vicky spent many hours ‘sifting’ through these beautiful books, searching out peace and quiet which was often in a nearby field inside a shepherds hut!
Practicing and experimenting with the recipes her Granny Dot had once
spent time in the kitchen cooking, her family and friends were now Vicky's official tasters, from trying delicious Nursery Cakes to the not so favourite Jellied Eels! We would like to thank Vicky and all who attended and we look forward to what might be in the pipeline, possibly not history, as Vicky said 'it's more likely to be a racy novel!' Maybe fifty shades of Aubergine!