A Family Gathering, Superfoods and Sporting Events that “Matter”

The sister and new brother-in-law (bless them) enjoyed a splendid wedding, and so did the guests. The picturesque village in East Sussex is licking its wounds, the two pubs repairing walls and furniture and replenishing their bar stocks, and the residents are able to sleep once again now that the daughter (bless her) has removed her singing voice back to her part of Hampshire. It was a great occasion coming complete with memorable moments – the vicar and his sermon; the guard of honour provided by the “Dear Old Things” Cricket Club; the manoeuvring of my Great Aunt Chelmsford in her wheelchair down a steep embankment to the marquee (and back again); the sight of a solitary best man pacing up and down at the far end of the pub garden – rehearsing his speech; and, much later, the daughter’s sing-song.

Surprisingly that part of East Sussex isn’t much into Superfoods – the solution to all the world’s ills. It seems that there is a list of about a dozen items that have near-miraculous powers to cure and prevent illness. Walnuts and Broccoli are high on the list. Then oily fish (especially salmon), oats and pumpkin; garlic and soy are good for you; so are tea, tomatoes, beans and blueberries. The problem is they don’t seem to combine very well. At this time of year my culinary skills are all about barbecues (okay, barbecued salmon and garlic); and organizing cricket lunches for visits to Lords. I am contemplating offering the elder brother a picnic containing blueberry porridge; smoked salmon on oatmeal bread (that one’s alright); a broccoli, spinach and tomato salad (with walnuts); some slices of pumpkin and a flask of green tea to wash it all down with. I’m not absolutely certain that he will approve.

Talking of sporting fixtures I am reminded of a recent article by Simon Barnes in The Times about world class sporting events that “matter” – both to the participants and to the spectators. The next six weeks or so will see a whole cluster of them: the Lions Test Matches in New Zealand; the Ashes series; Wimbledon; the Open at St Andrews. It’s going to be a very good sporting summer.