May 2008

“May” as we recognise it has only been around since about 1430 – before then, it was known as Magius (the growing month), Mayes or Mai.  The Anglo-Saxons referred to this month as Tri-Milchi – with the arrival of lush green grass, cows could be milked three times a day.  The lush grass may already be here but so far this Spring has seen cold temperatures.  So the hungry-gap continues and our patience is stretched by the crops working to their own schedule before we can reap summer benefits for our menus.

There are many “warm-up” events in May for the hopefully balmy months ahead: Traditional village celebrations with May Fayres and Maypole dancing; Badminton Horse Trials; The Chelsea Flower Show; Eurovision Song Contest(!); and, Tetbury’s very own Woolsack Day.

Anyone unfamiliar with Woolsack Day should make a point of visiting Tetbury on the 26th May to experience the action themselves.  In the Middle Ages, Tetbury was one of the best-known wool and yarn markets in the country, standing in the heart of sheep country on a strategic route between Oxford and Bristol.  Other than the street fair and general hubbub, today’s focal point for Woolsack Day is teams carrying sacks of 60lb wool (35lb for ladies) up and down Gumstool Hill, one of Tetbury's most ancient streets. Legend has it the bottom of the hill was once a pool where miscreants were tied to a ducking stool or "gumstool" and ducked under water as punishment!  The races themselves originated in the 17th Century with young lads showing off to the local girls by running up the hill carrying a sack full of wool…

An official race day has been going for over 30 years now with world records entered in the ‘Guinness book of Records’.  Joining in the celebrations, The Priory Inn is open for lunch and pizzas will be served all day.  We will have live music on the terrace from 12pm – 3pm (weather permitting!) so come and enjoy some tasty local food and listen to some great music.

Here at The Priory Inn, we firmly believe that seasonality is at the heart of good food and the gem that we can rely on for its brief but glorious appearance in May is asparagus.  The season has already started in Evesham and will continue at Sherston Farm (5 miles from Tetbury) later this month.  Delicate, mellow and earthy, asparagus has to be eaten shortly after picking to enjoy its distinctive flavours and taste.  In 1907, Professor Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University wrote that "There is a taste which is common to asparagus, tomatoes, cheese and meat but which is not one of the four well-known tastes of sweet, sour, bitter and salty."  He went on to identify that this distinctive taste originates from glutamic acid (or glutamate) and he named the taste umami. The existence of this 'fifth taste' has only recently gained acceptance in the West, where awareness is now increasing.  Perhaps it is worth recalling Professor Ikeda when you sink your teeth into British succulent asparagus this May – would you describe its taste as “umami”?

Our walls in The Priory Inn are home to some fabulous local art.  All the talented artists are delighted to have their work viewed (and possibly bought…) by The Priory Inn’s customers.  Tetbury’s Jacqueline Govier is displaying her poppies and tulips on the vast “stable” wall – as well as an early morning scene inspired by a local Minchinhampton garden. Our coffee bar has been transformed by Marie Smith from Stonehouse who has 5 harbourside scenes from Malta in acrylic inks and mixed media.  We also have some pieces by Carole Condé from Stroud whose immensely versatile work ranges from travel sketches drawn in Krakow to milking cows in Gloucestershire.  The water theme continues, with nature-inspired woodblock prints and the 5ft/4ft canvas of the Neon Tetras by talented Tetbury artist Nat Morley.  Norma Crownshaw from Beverstone sketches and paints botanical illustrations which are on display in a corner by our fire-place.  We also have discovered that Caprice Kesby (our front-of-house manager) has many artistic skills and she is responsible for the two colourful “Bubbles” canvases.  All art displayed is for sale (except Dougal…) and we will gladly put you in touch with the artists.

Don’t miss Sunday live music evenings here at The Priory Inn which provide great entertainment and a laid-back start to the week.  This month we are delighted to have JC Lennard (4th), Benita Johnson (11th), Strung Out (18th), and Red Lemon (25th).  On Woolsack Day between 12-3pm we have Kate McLaren and Cris Toll playing a couple of sets, interspersed by Andy Whittle (outside as long as the weather permits).

Tanya Kelly 1/05/2008