The Queen of Hearts

with Christine Bish

Early last year, I was contacted via the Country Women Countrywide (CWC) website by Bruno Peek, LVO, OBE, OPR, Pageantmaster responsible for the Platinum Jubilee Beacons.

Recognising the strong farming link between CWC, its Farm Women’s Club (FWC) network, and the monarchy, Bruno invited our members to develop a dish which could be served at the lighting of the chain of beacons on the first day of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. Of course, we accepted the challenge – and it was quite a challenge as there were some well defined criteria. The key ones were: to include an ingredient from each of the four UK countries; served on a platter and cut ‘ceremonially’; able to be eaten outdoors without cutlery; look spectacular; not a cake and, of course, be fit for a Queen.

After several bakings, tastings and tweaks, the final recipe for The Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart was agreed. But there was one challenge we had not met – a single tart, on a platter, did not look spectacular! Undaunted, and after more thought and discussion, we overcame this with an arrangement of seven tarts, each representing a decade of The Queen’s reign; each one could be cut into ten slices, one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign. (see photo) Certainly a more spectacular and significant dish than a single tart on a platter! Bruno’s vision is that at civic events this seven-tart version will be served following the ceremonial lighting of the beacons.

We were happy – we had met the challenge and just needed to wait until 2 June, make our own tarts, join in with beacon lightings in our neighbourhood at 9.45 pm and begin the weekend of celebrations. But then, out of the blue, an invitation arrived for two people to attend a Reception at The Tower of London to welcome the arrival of the Commonwealth of Nations Globe which will be used in the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace. As fellow member Jean Stephens from Hampshire FWC, originator of the recipe, was an obvious choice and as I had been liaising with Bruno Peek throughout, it was decided that Jean and I should represent CWC and FWC at the event which took place on 14 April.

We had no idea what to expect but with all the pomp and ceremony which befits a Royal Palace it was an honour to witness the arrival and presentation of the specially commissioned and hugely significant Commonwealth of Nations Globe. Every single aspect of the Globe and the crown in which it sits relates to a memorable milestone of Her Majesty’s reign. (see photo) Coronation – represented by the cushion that supports the State Crown Silver Jubilee – silver Crown representing the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and map of the Commonwealth countries on the blue Globe Golden Jubilee – cord, tassels and golden inlay in the Crown Diamond Jubilee – diamonds set within the Crown Platinum Jubilee – map of the UK countries set in platinum on the Globe Stones – collected from the top of the four highest peaks and set into the Crown to signify the coming together of the four nations of the UK

How could we have imagined that a simple recipe baked, tasted and tweaked in farmhouse kitchens around the country could open the door to such a historic, significant and unique event? What a privilege to be invited.

* The Commonwealth of Nations Globe will be on display in The White Tower at The Tower of

London until 2 June. * Close up of the Globe can be viewed at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZJSGqeAYC8 * The background to its origins and the Tart recipe and serving suggestion is published on pages 8 and 29 respectively of the latest update of the www. queensjubileebeacons.com/guide * Country Women Countrywide is a FREE TO

JOIN online community linking women who live or work in the countryside or who have an interest in rural life. It is the home of the county-based

Farm Women’s Clubs, a friendship club which was founded in 1948. National, regional and local events take place regularly in addition to maintaining contact online. The Peterborough Group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

Visit www.countrywomen.co.uk or email countrywomencountrywide@gmail.com to find out more.