Wiltshire volunteer pens book of tea-time treats

31 March 2023

Wiltshire volunteer, Gill Sharpe, is creating a book of recipes and anecdotes for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. In addition to a selection of historic recipes, the author is asking for contributions from the public to go into print.

The book, 'Everything Stops For Tea’ was inspired by a sheaf of historic papers dating back to 1958, which document a series of fundraising ‘teas’ which were organised by a Mrs Curry at the annual SSAFA Bazaar.

Gill said: “I was given these very old documents by a SSAFA colleague, and I was inspired to somehow pay tribute to Mrs Curry and her enthusiastic team who had organised such wonderful events and written everything down so faithfully, even down to the menu covers, which are drawn beautifully.

“I thought I could make this into a book and add some more contemporary recipes in too; a sort-of then and now of tea-time.”

Gill has been a SSAFA volunteer for 25 years and enjoys cooking; the book was the perfect way for her to raise awareness as well as funds for SSAFA.

Gill said: “All the proceeds will go to SSAFA. What I really need now are some more recipes. Perhaps something historic, or linked to the Wiltshire area, or just your favourite thing to have at high tea.

“Not another banana bread recipe though. I seem to have every variant! Ideally, we would love some savoury offerings too.”