Summer Barbeque 2009

Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day and I arrived at Chaney Court Oast to find a wonderful tranquil setting. This was my first visit to a KPA event so I was delighted to find a number of people gathered in the garden overlooking a stream and surrounding pastureland.

Having deposited my contribution to the meal in the farmhouse kitchen, I was soon clutching a pottery goblet of Pimms and being welcomed by the hosts Nelly and David and other members.

We were then entertained by David and other members trying to put the canvas cover on the large patio parasol — reminiscent of watching people put up sails or tents.

I understand Nelly usually sets up a task to be carried out by the guests and this year it was to gather the quince fruit on some bushes round the back of the outbuildings. Meanwhile the cooking arrangements were being supervised by David and a huge half barrel barbecue was producing tantalizing smells from the lamb chops and sausages. Next to that was a large round steel tray, slightly dished with garlic, onions and prawns simmering under a large lid. Mmmmmmmmm! David explained he had seen something similar when he was working in Africa and had found a piece of steel to fashion into his dish.

Eventually I did look round the corner for the quinces. It was more a test of agility because it involved swinging on a drain pipe close to the stream. David told me he had fallen in a few times so I was pleased to learn I was too late and someone had already picked the fruit.

Once the food was ready everybody fell on the delicious spread, moving on later to a feast of desserts. I would like to thank everybody for such a wonderful meal.

As the sun sank behind the distant trees, spreading a soft apricot glow, deepening to pinks and fading into lilacs and blues we clustered closer to the warmth still in the brick walls and finally inside to the welcome of the Aga.

So finally a big thank you to Nelly and David for yet again hosting the summer barbecue and making it such an enjoyable event.

Lynne Pearce 2009