Mrs Handbag goes Behind the Scenes….

Mrs Handbag Reports...

Feature by Monty Saul

Another break-neck week in the life of the Sauls. Last Friday Lynn and Duncan from Dres’d came down and did one of their amazing high speed makeovers.  Our little room above the gift shop and next to Felix lighting has now been converted into a cornucopia of fascinating film props.

If you are looking for some extraordinary Japanese antique lanterns, or maybe a gilded kimono rail (as one does) then Kilver Court Designer Village is the place to go.  ‘Behind the Scenes’ is now an eco-label, up-cycling items from British movies that would otherwise find their way to the tip – bizarre but true.  Watch this shop for an ever-changing selection of unique items.

Yesterday we were both up at the crack of dawn to host a Press Breakfast at Sharpham to launch our new ‘Great British Spelt Recipes’  - a website where you will be able to download FREE from the 1st April, a whole load of amazing spelt recipes, generously donated by an incredible range of the top chefs in the country – we’re talking Heston/Hugh/Hairys and Baker Bros to name just a few – if you are half-way aware of all the amazing cooking that goes on in this country today, then you’ll know instantly that this is a Michelin Star line-up.

The whole point of this is to shine the spotlight on our Bowel s – not an area of the body that us Brits are comfy talking about – but, as the terrifying statistics show, 40% of bowel cancers could potentially be prevented by a high fibre diet.  April is British Bowel Cancer awareness month so everyone at Sharpham and Kilver are throwing their combined (and that’s quite heavy) weight behind it. Watch for guest chef appearances in the Sharpham Pantry at Kilver Court, demonstrating spelt recipes for all – I’ll try and keep you posted with who’s doing what, but as you are probably gathering by now, sometimes I am the last to know!!

On a much more frivolous note, don’t forget the crazy LK Bennett sale on this week - 29th(Fri) and 30th(Sat) – bonkers reductions in shoes and clothing- some up to 85% off, plus you can grab some lunch in the re-opened and newly named Sharpham Pantry- specializing in all things spelt – great flatbreads and waffles – flavour without the stodged-out feeling that a  pizza leaves me with.

Monty Saul 2003

And finally, I had a very special anniversary for me and my old mate Mary T.  On the 27^th March 2003, we packed our back-packs and hiking boots (yes, this is true-check out pic below )and boarded the plane for Spain, where we started to walk  300 miles on the Pilgrimage to Santiago. Both our families were slightly stunned but incredibly supportive –  the most athletic I had ever been was running up and down the touch-line, cheering our boys on at rugby so I really had no idea quite what I was letting myself in for…. 

We took a thoughtful and probably quite emotional stroll around the gardens at Kilver and ponder -   where has the last ten years gone? 

Have a very Happy Easter ..xxmonty .....