Community
Community
Walking up to the Lime Avenue from the Castle gardens, a myriad of sounds breaks into the silence – the beeping of reversing vans, a muffled sound system, the hubbub of voices and the crackle of radios as security tries to direct traffic to the right place. It is the Highclere Country fair weekend which has been held on the Whitsun bank holiday for the last fifteen years.
Amongst the other stalls and events, Highclere had its own slightly eccentric stall to entice passers-by. Our little marquee was bounded by large bales of sweet smelling haylage – its scent is as irresistible to horses as it is to me. In front were sacks of bright oats (proper natural horse food) Oatalin (which adds linseed and alfalfa pellets to balance mineral content for horses), and a yummy grain mix to feed your chickens.
Our gin had pride of place on a trestle table – tiny tasting glasses with the beautiful bottles lined up behind, a talking point in their own right. It is now one of the most awarded premium gins in the USA. Complementing the gin were a selection of books. “Seasons at Highclere” is about growing, gardening and cooking so we placed it by our bottles of yellow Rape seed oil. Olive oil is the best for salad dressings but rapeseed oil is very good for cooking as it can be heated to higher temperatures than other oils meaning it is good for frying or roasting meat and vegetables. It also has a lower saturated fat content compared to some other oils which is really important.
Hannah and Geordie were in charge of selling the gin with the help of Hannah’s beloved Pekinese who was competing to win the “most handsome” class in the dog show ( he came third with a large yellow rosette)and Simon from the farm and his team were busy selling the oats and haylage.
Nearby was a stall offering all things to do with dogs and another with all things honey. There were country clothes
sticks, wooden boards for cooking, paintings, fudge stalls and several craft marquees through which to wander. Along one side were bouncy castles for children and in another direction a bungee trampoline with children never wishing to stop.
Everyone seemed to have a dog with them of so many shapes and sizes but all having a nice day out with their owners. Given there was a long and interesting run of different food stalls to take away and eat on the many picnic benches, the dogs looked on with approval and enthusiasm.
A central arena hosted various spectacles from miniature ponies to falconry and jousting along with ferret racing, a dog ring with classes for agility and looking good, tribute bands and vintage cars.
The Country fair is a day out for all the family and this year even the weather was relatively helpful (no rain). We support and enjoy it because it is not only a community event but also because it is about sharing country crafts with those who spend more time living in towns.
Communities were once defined by locality – we all lived together. Now, given our ability to travel and move around, a community can also imply society and fellowship, with common interests or occupations. You may not know what you share until you explore what others do. The idea of community also tends to develop as we get older, rather than when we whirl around in our younger decade. In particular, communities can help bring people together, helping to reduce the isolation and loneliness which can often affect rural areas.
If we are part of a community, we learn from each other and discover shared values and beliefs as well are traditions or history. As the quote goes: “Community is not just about being together; it’s about doing life together”
47 Comments
Love Pimms! We visit London often and there's nothing like a pitcher of Pimms while sitting in Hyde Park on a warm day.
I love Pimms - the thing is it is just fruit really isn't it?!
I first had Pimm's at The Grand Hotel in Torquay. Devon. It was a hot, humid afternoon and the drink was a wonderful pick-me-up!
Ann Marie Simons February 10, 2018 at 9:50am
We Love Pimms!!! We were introduced to it in London as we visited our life long friends.
It is a wonderful tall summer cocktail. We serve it with a clear soda, Sprite, 7 UP etc BUT always with a long peel of cucumber. The cumber seals the deal. Enjoy.
PS-sometimes difficult to find in our stores. Try a DUTY FREE if you fly international.
thank you!
I had my first Pimm's Cup in San Diego, California many years ago. Since then, I have only found one other bar/restaurant that knew what I was talking about, but alas, they didn't have any Pimm's!
When I first went to Bermuda in the 50's, there were at least 6 flavors of Pimms: for rum, scotch, gin, vodka, burbon, etc. Sadly ,now I can find only one. I really miss the one for rum. Even Stoners in St Thomas, arguably the best liquor store in the Caribbean, doesn't have them all. Are they not made any more? Hate progress! Best,
There are definitely two versions here - vodka and gin but you are right - there were about 9!
Being a Rum drink aficianado and lacking rum Pimms, but given you being in the UK where Schweppes bitter lemon (the best) is still being sold - not any more in the US sadly for 18 odd years! - a refreshing rum drink can be made from Myers rum (or any dark rum, not overproof!), bitter lemon, 2 dashes of bitters, & two squirts of lime juice. I use equal portions of rum and bitter lemon, but other ratios work well too Served in silver goblets with lots of ice, it's hard to beat! Drink it right away for while silver makes a drink very cold, the ice melts quickly. Enjoy.
For us in the States who can no longer get what you call lemonade (Schweppes) the soft drink Squirt is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
I'll never forget enjoying a pitcher of Pimm's during intermission at the Chichester Summer Theatre.
Good thank you for that advice!
Something similar to this was served at my Bridal Shower. Instead of lemonade it was ginger ale (ginger beer/soda). Indeed, we easily forgot it contained alcohol and the church ladies all got plastered. Honest mistake, good fun, lots of laughs and then some pain killers! Thanks for the recipe!
It is just fruit and something delicious so it is very easy to enjoy!!!!
33 Bottles of Pimm’s on the wall... sing along if you love Pimm’s! Yes, that was my summer of Pimm’s- tailgates, flower shows, polo matches - enough to warrant 33 bottles of Pimm’s used from April to September.
I first enjoyed Pimm’s at the Chelsea Flower Show in London many years ago. I introduced it to my tailgating friends, and we have it as a staple in our drinks repertoire ever since. Lord Wedgwood used this particular recipe as stated here. When he passed, the company had a Celebration of Life party and we enjoyed his recipe of Pimm’s in his honor.
Pimm’s is my go to drink! Mix with either lemonade or 7-up and it is a refreshing sipping drink for summer (or anytime!). Also mixes well with champagne! Everyone I’ve introduced to Pimm’s is a fan
Surprisingly not too easy to find in Edinburgh!
I was a fan of Sangria, which has cinnamon. But, Pimms looks delicious. The combination of cucumber and strawberries is amazing. I should make it someday. Thanks Lady Carnarvon, for your great recipes.
Champagne!!?? Now there's a thought! Thank you, thank you!
While in London earlier this month, I ordered a Pimm's from one of the local Pub's. It was delicious and I felt very English drinking a local beverage. Thanks so much for the recommendation. Now I will look in my local liquor store for Pimm's
I accidentally found Pimms #1 Cup when I was in my early 20's and have been drinking it with Ice and Squirt for the last 50 years! I drink it in the summertime and I love it, it is so very refreshing, discovering it was a British favorite was a surprise, had no idea! Now is the time of year I love my Graham's 40 y.o. port, something else I accidentally stumbled upon on a first-class flight to Hawaii, I thought it was for old men and their cigars! Our flight attendant talked me into trying it as she wanted to take the opened bottle home with her, now I know why, so very, very good!
Such a lovely recipe given we celebrate Christmas and High Summer at the same time here in New Zealand! Thank you, as always
My brother-in-law makes me a Pimm's in very backwoods Maine, overlooking the cows and meadows.
Cheers!
Ellen
Very good brother in law!
We had the pleasure of visiting your home a few years ago. I was with my 7 year old grandson. We watched the Downton Abbey series with me. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It is a very special. He walked with in the tour and recalled moments from the series. We had a bite to eat downstairs. The highlight of the experience was, you standing very close to us while you were arranging transportation for someone. I was so empresses with your kind assistance with that person. Wanted to say hello to you and thank you, but I was too nervous LoL
Howe kind of you to write now - thank you
I love this! I was first introduced to Pimm's in Kenya in 1985 after a long, hot dusty drive from Nairobi to Samburu. Sitting on the patio overlooking the river, a waiter offered a tray of drinks. I chose the Pimm's and ginger ale because of the cucumber spear in it and have been hooked ever since. I live in Texas and it's such a refreshing drink in our hot weather. I never knew there was another way to drink Pimm's until I found your recipe. I love it with lemonade, and make a pitcher whenever I have guests by the pool.
My absolute favourite summer drink to be enjoyed with friends in the garden or whilst watching the tennis.
We always had Pimm's "punch" at social gatherings with the family here in Canada. None of our non-British friends knew about it, but left with a new appreciation for it and I still make it for myself all year round. The punch version we would use ginger ale and float lots of fruit and ice cubes made with various berries and citrus wedges especially frozen blueberries. We would always muddle some mint as well as adding fresh sprigs. So lovely and makes me long for days of socializing once again. I think I will make myself a Pimm's right now just to sit and reflect. Thank you for your blog and I enjoy reading new bits about yourself, the castle and so many other fascinating things.
Be safe and be well.
Christine
There are different numbers of Pimm’s. This looks like Pimm’s number 9. All the different numbered Pimm’s give a different taste.
"Community is not just about being together; it’s about doing life together” A great quote Thank you more people should read your wed-site.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
It sounds like a wonderful day out, how nice the weather stayed fine for you all - have a wonderful Summer all at Highclere xx
Lovely the pictures of community and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and highcelere castle
What a lovely day out. I would love to visit your beautiful home one day. On
I loved this article ! I grew up in a rural town in Canada and it was the same ! We have all gotten away from the community that gathered and knew and helped one another! I am glad to see it is alive and well on your side of the world ! I visited last year and will do so again next year when I come back over ! I absolutely love your home and your property ! Thank you for sharing it with the world it’s amazing !
Hope you all had a wonderful day. Wish I lived nearer.
Me too!!
Oh my - the Highclere Country Fair looks amazing!! So much to see and do.
Is it always held the last weekend in May?
I would love to return to England next year for my May birthday and come to enjoy the wide range of festivities.
It is always the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May
Lucky Community there given your annual Country Fair Weekend!
So glad our USA awarded your so wonderful & tasty Highclere Gin as it is my favorite tasty gin and
do love it in that beautiful bottle you had designed. Congrats on that weekend and good luck with the next one!
"Lady Carnarvon, the new Downton Abbey trailer has everyone buzzing, especially with the hints about Cora and Robert's future at the Abbey! It actually got me wondering about Highclere in real life - and please know this is purely out of curiosity and absolutely not because we'd ever want you to! - Is it hinting that you and Lord Carnarvon are leaving the castle? It's simply impossible to imagine Highclere without you both.
Thank you so much for your comment. We are looking forward to our next 20 years here - God willing!
Well done Hannah for an event well organized.
What a wonderful Country Fair! And I so like the Highclere Castle Gin display, with a most elegant bottle for sure! It is so nice to have fun with all those in the surrounding community, glad the weather was without rain. May you enjoy many more nice events throughout the summer!
and more Greek weather
It sounds lovely. I must tell you I was so disappointed that Highclere will not open to the public until July, as we will be in the Cotswolds in June, coming from the U.S. Nevertheless, I love reading about your beautiful home. I'm looking forward to the new 'Downton Abbey" movie coming out in September. Have a wonderful summer.
We are open throughout June for pre-booked guided tours. They are very popular and pretty well sold out. There is just the wonderful tour and garden party on 14th June
Looks wonderful! Can’t wait to see it all very soon! June 14th! A Dream will come true!
Can't wait to welcome you!
Love, Love, your gin. My daughter and I are so glad we can purchase it at our local
liquor shop. Not only do we love the gin, but it is such a wonderful reminder of my visit
to Highclere for a Victorian Garden Party several years ago. What a great time we had, spending most of the day at Highclere, meeting you and your husband, and many guests from around the world.
Thank you so much
The Country Fair sounds really good. I would love to have seen the dog show. I still have a medal that our family dog, a lovely Labrador called Sandy, won at a similar show in Mottram, Cheshire, in 1959. It was for Obedience although I have to say he sometimes wasn’t that obedient with us children at home! My mother was delighted with him as she had been taking him to Obedience Classes, always worthwhile I think. It’s good to see that the shows continue, although unfortunately they are few and far between these days where I live.
I have fond memories of Sandy who looked very like your own dog who you’ve photographed sitting a bit lazily and enjoying the sun near the sacks of Oatalin.
I always enjoy seeing your photos by the way.
Happy times!
Lady Carnarvon,
Wow! What a a lovely Country Fair. Thank you so much for sharing this event.
Thank you
Is the Highclere Gin available for purchase at the gift shop?
It is indeed!
Lady Carnarvin,
Is Highclere gin available in Canada?
My gin of choice for some years now has been Bombay, which we originally sampled because of the gorgeous bottle. I use the empties for a variety of things, one being adding a reused pump from a plastic hand lotion bottle to a Bombay gin bottle filled with washing up liquid in a coordinating color. I make my own bitters in a large gin bottle. Scented bath salts purchased in bulk fill a gorgeous green, painted Prosecco bottle.
Our glass recycling facilities are scant in New Brunswick, Canada. So buying in bulk and refilling beautiful glass bottles has become a practical hobby in addition to the addiction of displaying antique bottles holding tiny shells and seaglass.
Someday I hope to fulfill my dream of visiting England (I’m age 65 now) and Highclere is certainly on my destinations list!
Thanks again for your blog.
Yes end of this September hurrah
We went to your wonderful fair while staying with friends in East End. We had a grand day out and were completely amazed by all the dogs. They were so well behaved with sometimes 3 or 4 belonging together! In rural New Zealand where I live that would be very hard to find! We saw both you and Lord Carnavon in the distance and I wish now I had spoken to you!
Thank you so much looks like so much fun. I live life your gin! It is the only gin I drink it is wonderful!!!
Melissa Arnold
A wonderful day and such community spirit
Thankyou
What a wonderful event! It sounds like you’ve captured everything that is fun and I’d have loved to be there. The costumed horses and riders look lovely.
Thank you for another wonderful weekly read. What a wonderful weekend you had. Delighted to hear that your Highclere gin is so highly rated in the US. I’m not that surprised as it’s an excellent gin.
We haven’t seen the trailer for the new Downton Abbey movie in New Zealand, but I gather it’s being released in August. We’re holding our breath for it as movie theatres are always booked out so quickly. I hope there are more wonderful scenes set at Highclere.
I’ve loved visiting your beautiful home twice, taking in more each time and marvelling at how it continues to amaze visitors time and time again. There’s always something you didn’t notice the first time, be it in the garden and grounds, or the castle. And of course, being lucky enough to have a brief chat with you, Geordie or your fabulous Highclere team.
I look forward to visiting again.
I believe the release date is September - we are all looking forward to seeing it.
Lady Carnarvon,
This event seems like a wonderful event, something I would like to attend one day! After spending almost a month (away from my country, the USA) abroad in Egypt (and seeing nearly half of the country), Jordan and last but not least Qatar, I was able to see how fortunate some are even to have a community. How easily we forget that all it takes is one 'civil conflict', or war, to tear apart the 'family structure' which supports and makes up an entire country! So happy Great Britain can enjoy peace and tranquillity, it is a country I love very much for its rich heritage and cultural values/norms!
Respectfully,
Hannibal Abdullah-El
It all sounds wonderful, and your Lime Avenue looks absolutely stunning.
MY DEAREST LADY FIONA,
GOOD NIGHT FROM BRAZIL
YOUR NEW BOOK IS IN PRE-SALE IN AMAZON OF BRAZIL.
I'M IN WAITING FOR HIM.
THANK YOU SO MUCH...
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS.
LOVELY WEEK-END FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AND STAFF.
CHEERS...
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO-SP
BRAZIL
Oh my goodness, after posting i see a typo in your name, Lady Carnarvon! So sorry about that.
no problem
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Pimms looks so refreshing! In Texas, Sangria is popular, and this is such a nice alternative. I like the champagne suggestion too.
I also live in Texas and am wondering - can I get Pimms here in Texas and where might I find it? I would be so pleased if you can answer this question.
Amazon?