Dale End

Called in to The Courtyard Dairy on the way back from Cumberland to give Andy a print of himself and to order Christmas cheeses for my brother. Couldn’t resist a couple to keep me cheese happy till the festive cheeseout.

Since I last called in both the shop Andy have been collecting an array of cheese Oscars and Golden Globes.

Pictured is Dale End Cheddar which Andy is unwrapping for me. Dale End originates from Botton in North Yorkshire. Botton is a community of about 280 people 130 with special needs living either independently or in extended families -more here. Part of the many diverse elements of community life is making this cheese, made with milk from a local Shorthorn dairy cow herd. A recent episode of the TV programme Pies and Puds featured the cheese and the daily washing of the cheeses by one resident and the pressing by another, they worked long days, but clearly gained fulfilment in their work and lives together – one of the best bits of TV I’ve watched this year.

So todays’ blip is a Dale End Cheddar and a shout out for short food chains that bring dignity to producers , sellers and joy to consumers.

……Now for a slice of joy