By Kate Hodges
09th November 2018
EVENT We Will Remember Them
Sunday is Armistice Day – this year marks the centenary of the end of the First World War. Remembering the sacrifices of so many women and men both on the frontline and at home while not glorifying war can be a tricky path to navigate. Poppies, an animation made by CBeebies is a beautifully crafted, evocative animation that tells a story of WWI as experienced by animals. It will be shown on Sunday on CBeebies and CBBC at 11am, or watch it together online. Older children might take more from a thought-provoking art installation; Poppies: Wave is at IWM North, Manchester, and Poppies: Weeping Window at the IWM London Or follow the Remembrance artwork trail at Canary Wharf.
The original site of the Poppy installation, The Tower of London, this week lights up with flames in memory, and echoes to Mary Borden’s poems ‘Sonnets to a Soldier’ set to a choral work. The performance is repeated each night until the 11th. Pay to enter the Tower, or watch from outside the building.
You may choose to remember all victims of war by wearing a white poppy; find out more at the Peace Pledge Union
FORAGE, RECIPE, HEAL Hot to Trot
Winter frosts make wild horseradish all the more potent. It’s an easy plant to forage; it grows all over the countryside – find out more here. The root adds punch to winter dishes; try it with potato and apple latkas or in a salad with potato and dill or make your own horseradish sauce. It’s also a useful healer, use it for lung complaints, as a poultice, or as a decongestant.
MAKE Annual Leaf
Make use of the final few leaves fluttering from the trees and get creative. These stick fairies are very sweet, and this preserved leaf mobile is pretty, while this nature-inspired dreamcatcher will look beautiful in a teenager’s room. Or try making a leaf lantern to bring light to the darker afternoons.
EVENT Hasting In The Tale
Hastings Storytelling festival grabs the ears and minds of the coastal town this weekend. This year, events include Otherworld, a magical installation that will turn Alexandra Park into an interactive dreamscape, A November Day; a powerful, puppet story about the First World War, and Gender Stories, a workshop of activities, stories and picture books. Plus Sunday’s climax of storytelling, shows, music and a grand parade on the Stade!
EVENT, RECIPE Vegging Out
It’s World Vegan Month! Not only is going vegan good for animals, and our bodies, it’s also going to play a vital role in saving our environment. There are some great ideas for ways to celebrate it here (we like the ideas of tasting sessions for non-vegan friends and vegan-themed movie nights). If you’ve not taken the plunge, why not sign up for the 30-day pledge, which offers support, daily encouraging emails, tips and resources. For extra motivation, download the free VeGuide app with everything you need to start your animal product-free ride. Want to meet other vegans? There are some big festivals happening this month at places including Coventry, Glasgow, Southampton and Dundee – find details here. Finally, get recipe inspiration! This round-up of the best vegan blogs of 2018 is a great place to start.
