Vegetables for children

CHILDREN AND VEGETABLES

- GROW YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS DINNER

Iain Ferguson

Readers will have noticed this month’s delicious recipe is for mincemeat cake. Clearly as it is August, it’s ‘not just for Christmas’.

However, turning to the garden, now is the time to prepare for your Christmas feast by planting seeds which, by the time they have grown, will be ready to grace your plates with fresh produce straight out of your garden.

Unlike carefully wrapped and disguised presents, there is no need to wonder what they are or where they can be bought. Right now, in certain local shops, are packets of Christmas dinner seeds available at low prices.

Each packet contains the potential for six different plants - parsnip, carrot, cabbage, cauilflower, carrots and sage, with which to make stuffing. All are ready to be planted and instructions on the packet show the method and timings.

A recent study revealed children are more likely to eat vegetables if they know a bit about them, such as where they have come from and how they are grown.

Christmas is, of course, a lot about children - and possibly family discord about not eating certain things presented to them!

Perhaps a really early Christmas present - you see where I am going with this - could help nip some of this potentially disruptive attitude in the bud!

Winners of the produce section at Lochaber Rural Education Trust.

The study also said that during Covid many parents and children had forged closer relationships by working together in the garden, so might this not provide another opportunity for a happier run up to the festive season?

There is no real need for a garden, as all of these plants can be grown in pots, not even requiring that much space.

No prior experience is needed either as it can be fun researching how to look after the plants as they grow and how to maintain the best conditions for them.

Just think, your own fresh vegetables on Christmas day, with happy children proudly presenting and eating their own, home grown, five-a-day. Start in August for a Merry Christmas to everyone.

In Loving Memory of

NORMA MCCALLUM 1946 – 2021 (Fort William) Unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Friday June 18 2021, Norma McCallum, aged 74 years, Parade House, Fort William. A devoted wife to Jim, a caring mum to Jim and Tom, a wonderful nana to her grandchildren and a much-loved relative. Former secretary to the educational psychologist and former proprietor at ‘The Neuk’ bed and breakfast, Corpach. A kind lady to everyone she met. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

DAVID MACDONALD 1951 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday June 25 2021, David MacDonald, Loch View Estate, Fort William, formerly of Linnhe Road, Fort William, aged 69 years. A devoted husband to Mary Ann, a loving brother, brother-inlaw, uncle, great uncle and a well-respected friend to many. A very kind and generous man who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends but remembered fondly with the everlasting memories he has left behind. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

SHEENA MACDOUGALL 1926 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday June 27 2021, Sheena MacDougall, Morrison Crescent, Kinlochleven, aged 95 years. A loving and muchloved mum and mother-in-law, a wonderful gran and great gran to all her grandchildren and a caring relative, neighbour and friend to many. A local lady, native to Kinlochleven, well known and loved for her kindest and generosity. Fondly remembered for her gifts of boxes of chocolates to the many people who visited her.

In Loving Memory of

KENNETH (KENNY) DAVIDSON 1967 – 2021 (Fort William/Strontian/ Ardgour/Kingairloch) Sadly, in the exceptional care of Manor Care Home, Nairn, on Friday June 25 2021, Kenneth (Kenny) Davidson, formerly of Kingairloch, North Corran, Ardgour, Strontian & Fort William, passed away, aged 53 years. A loving dad to Holly and Kyle, a much-loved brother to Andy, a wonderful son to the late Bill and Marion Davidson, formerly Kingairloch, a treasured uncle and a friend to many. Sadly missed. Now at peace with his mum and dad.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

In Loving Memory of

EMILIA IRENA BOROWY 1985 – 2021 (Plantation) Suddenly and unexpectedly at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday June 20 2021, Emilia Irena Borowy, Plantation, Fort William, aged 36 years. A devoted and much-loved wife to Grzegorz, an adored and loving mum to Julia and Urszula, a caring relative, colleague, neighbour and a friend to many. A talented and skilled baker and chef at Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Greatly missed. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

JAMES (JIM) JEFFREY 1945 – 2021 (Torlundy) Peacefully at home on Thursday July 1 2021, James (Jim) Davidson Jeff rey, aged 75 years, Thistle Cottage, Torlundy, Fort William. A devoted partner to Morag and very much loved by all the family. Remembered for his time serving as a butcher in Safeway and laterally Morrisons. A gentleman who enjoyed his fi shing. May he now rest in peace.

Enjoy summer in Lochaber...responsibly

If you’re staying close to home this summer, there’s lots to see and do in our own back garden - one of the most amazing natural playgrounds in the country. You don’t have to venture far to find a new adventure to enjoy with the family or to share with visitors. Throughout the pandemic and recovery, we’ve been working with VisitScotland and other key tourism partners to support tourism businesses and to encourage people across Scotland to enjoy our outdoors in a respectful way. Whether we live here, or are visiting, we can all do simple things to help protect, respect and enjoy our landscape and communities: • Pick up litter and take it home with you. • Avoid crowded areas and move on if a location is too busy.

• Park responsibly and safely. • Clean up after your dog. • Keep your dog on a leash around farmland. • Do not disturb natural flora, fauna or animal habitats. There’s a new adventure around every corner in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. • Follow current covid guidance. Follow the Outdoor Capital of the UK on social media or visit www. outdoorcapital.co.uk to help you discover great summer holiday activities and share the inspiration with others to explore local, shop local and enjoy local...responsibly.

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