Damson Day

Saturday 19th April 2008

Once more Damson Day supporters streamed through the gates of Low Farm in the Lyth Valley for yet another success story.

The day dawned dry and sunny, and although a cold east wind made it's presence felt, most folk were dressed to cope. There was even a fair covering of Damson blossom trying to convince us that spring was indeed here!

A record number of Stallholders with everything from varieties of damson products to fresh local meat, food hampers, tables strewn with cakes and fudge, chocolates and syrups, traditional damson gin and wine. So much to taste and buy while listening to passing fiddlers, munching on fresh sandwiches or waming up with hot homemade soup. There was time to enjoy the Highland dancing, Fiona Hanlon's Band and the David Burbeck Singing Group.

Children had a great time at the Fun Fair, walking around with Damson Day helium Balloons, or meeting up with a group of very handsome Alpacas!

Chef Nick Martin's cookery demonstrations drew large audiences and so did this year's Black Pudding maker, Andy Holt.

Damson Suckers sold out early in the afternoon, orchard advice dispensed and orchard walks well supported. Display stands had people finding out about Red Squirrel preservation, Bee Keeping and the Rare Breed Survival Trust. And this was apart from rural pursuits like stone walling, ancient woodcrafts, candle and rope making, and listening to the resident Town Cryer! It was good to watch everyone enjoying themselves, which after all was the object of the day.

The special Damson Day Coach shuttle from Kendal was a success, and we hope to improve and increase the service pick up points next year.

St.Mary's Church Service in Crosthwaite on the Sunday evening with it's Songs of Praise was a fitting end to the Lyth Valley's Damson Day weekend.

The Westmorland Damson Association's Annual General Meeting will be held at the Damson Dene Hotel Crosthwaite on Monday June 30th at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. The Committee looks forward to welcoming as many members as possible , and anyone else who would care to attend and find out more about the Association.