…so today began well for Anna Sabin, first prize chutney maker in our Ilmington Community Shop “Compotition”. Anna’s Pear and Walnut Chutney was declared “really delicious” by judge Wendy Larner and praised for its “depth of flavour and texture.” It beat some excellent jams, jellies and preserves to win the Spirit of Ilmington prize. Anna, an Ilmington resident, is a keen maker of preserves who likes to make best use of the local harvest. “I hate waste,” she says. “I was given the pears. If there’s free fruit going, I’ll do something with it. I make pickled onions and piccalilli and I’ll be making a mint jelly today. I’m an off-piste cook and I’m a bit protective about my recipe! But if I made it again tomorrow, it probably wouldn’t taste the same.” Anna, who was “well chuffed,” chose a bottle of Spirit of Ilmington Cherry & Almond Gin Liqueur, made in the village by Rupert Wyles (on the left) and Bill Buckley. “It’s nice to be able to support the community shop,” said Rupert as they donated the prize. “The shop has been very good to us. We are all part of the same village and we help each other out.” Thank you to all our jam and jelly makers for taking part: your jars are available to collect from the shop if you’d like them back. No double dipping was involved in the judging process!
