Darren T, Gardener
@darrenturpin.bsky.social
Pro #Gardener @ NT Quarry Bank
10+yr #Allotment tenant
#Orchard geek & fruit grower @orchardnotes.com / https://orchardnotes.com
Also: Beer, Pubs, Music, Comedy, Gaming, History, Psychology, Art, Philosophy, Mental Health
10+yr #Allotment tenant
#Orchard geek & fruit grower @orchardnotes.com / https://orchardnotes.com
Also: Beer, Pubs, Music, Comedy, Gaming, History, Psychology, Art, Philosophy, Mental Health
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Don't steal pies this Christmas.
December 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Don't steal pies this Christmas.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
I came here to post this as I can't believe it doesn't already have 10,000 signatures - please sign and share! So vital and so utterly crazy that this has to be petitioned for. #climatesky
To get the government to respond to our petition calling for a National Climate Resilience Plan, we need 10,000 of you to help us. We are over halfway now! If you haven't already, please sign it and encourage others to do so as well ✒️ 🌍
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Petition: Fund a National Climate Resilience Plan: protect communities from climate impact
From floods to extreme temperatures, climate impacts risk damaging homes, health, businesses, services, and the economy. We want Government to prioritise adaptation; fund a new Resilience Plan that…
petition.parliament.uk
December 16, 2025 at 9:16 AM
I came here to post this as I can't believe it doesn't already have 10,000 signatures - please sign and share! So vital and so utterly crazy that this has to be petitioned for. #climatesky
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
English isn't my wife's first language, but she's lived in UK 20+ yrs. This morning, at a carol concert, I learned she has been singing that "Christ, Arse Saver" is born during 'Silent Night' the whole time. "Because he saves our arses, yes?"
December 16, 2025 at 3:20 PM
English isn't my wife's first language, but she's lived in UK 20+ yrs. This morning, at a carol concert, I learned she has been singing that "Christ, Arse Saver" is born during 'Silent Night' the whole time. "Because he saves our arses, yes?"
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
It's time for my new Christmas Caudle, based on a recipe from about 600 years ago! I do hope you'll try making this delicious Christmas tipple.
modernmedievalcuisine.com/2025/12/14/c...
modernmedievalcuisine.com/2025/12/14/c...
Christmas Caudle
This is a wonderful Christmas drink! You’ll fine my easy-to-follow, modern-medieval recipe, based on one from the early fifteenth-century.
modernmedievalcuisine.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:15 PM
It's time for my new Christmas Caudle, based on a recipe from about 600 years ago! I do hope you'll try making this delicious Christmas tipple.
modernmedievalcuisine.com/2025/12/14/c...
modernmedievalcuisine.com/2025/12/14/c...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
It’s a sad indictment of Britain’s ignorance of nature that Sycamore Gap petitions - for a tree that mattered to humans but not nature - received tens of thousands of signatures but a petition to protect entire peatland habitats is stuck at 1,500 actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Sign the petition to end peat sales!
No more delays: Let's get peat out of gardens once and for all. The time for uncertainty has ended.
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 8:15 AM
It’s a sad indictment of Britain’s ignorance of nature that Sycamore Gap petitions - for a tree that mattered to humans but not nature - received tens of thousands of signatures but a petition to protect entire peatland habitats is stuck at 1,500 actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Generate a heartwarming advert for your bookshop:
December 15, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Generate a heartwarming advert for your bookshop:
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Went to Belfast for a weekend away with my wife. Saw a parade going past and assumed it would a great Gay Pride event. It turns out I know very little about Northern Ireland and the orange people don't want to be joined by lesbians. That said, we had a lovely weekend.
December 15, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Went to Belfast for a weekend away with my wife. Saw a parade going past and assumed it would a great Gay Pride event. It turns out I know very little about Northern Ireland and the orange people don't want to be joined by lesbians. That said, we had a lovely weekend.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
In an effort at something good on the internet today: A thread on Mr KJC, gingerbread architect of the early 21st century.
Mr KJC got his beginnings like so many gingerbread architects: with a kit house for the kids. Kind of fun but the premade pieces are dry and nasty, only technically edible.
Mr KJC got his beginnings like so many gingerbread architects: with a kit house for the kids. Kind of fun but the premade pieces are dry and nasty, only technically edible.
December 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
In an effort at something good on the internet today: A thread on Mr KJC, gingerbread architect of the early 21st century.
Mr KJC got his beginnings like so many gingerbread architects: with a kit house for the kids. Kind of fun but the premade pieces are dry and nasty, only technically edible.
Mr KJC got his beginnings like so many gingerbread architects: with a kit house for the kids. Kind of fun but the premade pieces are dry and nasty, only technically edible.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Time for part two of my fruit harvest highlights for 2025!
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
December 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Time for part two of my fruit harvest highlights for 2025!
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
There are still places available for tonight's @serveitforthfest.bsky.social Christmas Special: A Christmas Feast of the Uncanny!
It's online, it's £5 (+booking fee) & it's at 7pm!
I'll hopefully see you there! Xx
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christma...
It's online, it's £5 (+booking fee) & it's at 7pm!
I'll hopefully see you there! Xx
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christma...
A Christmas Feast of the Uncanny
Serve it Forth Food History Festival invites you to an evening exploring the eerie side of Yuletide food traditions.
www.eventbrite.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
There are still places available for tonight's @serveitforthfest.bsky.social Christmas Special: A Christmas Feast of the Uncanny!
It's online, it's £5 (+booking fee) & it's at 7pm!
I'll hopefully see you there! Xx
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christma...
It's online, it's £5 (+booking fee) & it's at 7pm!
I'll hopefully see you there! Xx
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christma...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
I said it before, will say it again -- generative AI fetishizes "ideas" while sneering at effort, execution, and education. That, despite Gen-AI being built on and out of other people's effort, execution and education.
A.I. and the Fetishization Of Ideas
In writing and in dispensing my (very dubious, probably shady) writing advice, I am often keen to note that ideas are bullshit. Most writers treat them like precious gems when really, ideas are lik…
terribleminds.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I said it before, will say it again -- generative AI fetishizes "ideas" while sneering at effort, execution, and education. That, despite Gen-AI being built on and out of other people's effort, execution and education.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Anyone for a smoking-hot bowl of 'Bishop (A la Prusse)'?
This roasted orange- (or lemon-, if you favour the Oxford variant) infused wine punch should definitely warm your cockles on a chilly winter's evening.
Jerry Thomas's 1862 recipe shows us how it's done:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/05/j...
This roasted orange- (or lemon-, if you favour the Oxford variant) infused wine punch should definitely warm your cockles on a chilly winter's evening.
Jerry Thomas's 1862 recipe shows us how it's done:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/05/j...
December 5, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Anyone for a smoking-hot bowl of 'Bishop (A la Prusse)'?
This roasted orange- (or lemon-, if you favour the Oxford variant) infused wine punch should definitely warm your cockles on a chilly winter's evening.
Jerry Thomas's 1862 recipe shows us how it's done:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/05/j...
This roasted orange- (or lemon-, if you favour the Oxford variant) infused wine punch should definitely warm your cockles on a chilly winter's evening.
Jerry Thomas's 1862 recipe shows us how it's done:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/05/j...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
@danherb10.bsky.social @theduncanmackay.bsky.social @merchantshallyork.org @durotrigesdig.bsky.social
I’ll get me coat 😉
I’ll get me coat 😉
December 4, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
I can highly recommend Dr B's 'The Philosophy of Puddings', which I read and thoroughly enjoyed earlier this year.
The other three titles are still on my wishlist, but I'm sure they're equally entertaining, informative and eye-opening.
The other three titles are still on my wishlist, but I'm sure they're equally entertaining, informative and eye-opening.
Morning all!
FYI: all of my books are in stock if anyone wants signed copies for Christmas gifts this year.
A Dark History of Sugar (25% off) £15
Before Mrs Beeton £20
Knead to Know £12.99
The Philosophy of Puddings £10
+postage
DM or email [email protected]
Xxx
FYI: all of my books are in stock if anyone wants signed copies for Christmas gifts this year.
A Dark History of Sugar (25% off) £15
Before Mrs Beeton £20
Knead to Know £12.99
The Philosophy of Puddings £10
+postage
DM or email [email protected]
Xxx
December 4, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I can highly recommend Dr B's 'The Philosophy of Puddings', which I read and thoroughly enjoyed earlier this year.
The other three titles are still on my wishlist, but I'm sure they're equally entertaining, informative and eye-opening.
The other three titles are still on my wishlist, but I'm sure they're equally entertaining, informative and eye-opening.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Anyone for 'apple ginger'? Gertrude Mackay's 1913 recipe should result in a thick apple butter, flavoured with ginger and lemon. Ideal for serving with your Christmas goose.
Or if you don't have four hours to stand and stir, you could try my quick method instead.
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/04/g...
Or if you don't have four hours to stand and stir, you could try my quick method instead.
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/04/g...
December 4, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Anyone for 'apple ginger'? Gertrude Mackay's 1913 recipe should result in a thick apple butter, flavoured with ginger and lemon. Ideal for serving with your Christmas goose.
Or if you don't have four hours to stand and stir, you could try my quick method instead.
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/04/g...
Or if you don't have four hours to stand and stir, you could try my quick method instead.
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/04/g...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Botanically speaking, a squash is a fruit. A berry, actually!
December 4, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Botanically speaking, a squash is a fruit. A berry, actually!
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
A short gallery post In praise of the wondrous 'Howgate Wonder', producer of mighty-sized #apples, year-in, year-out:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/02/g...
The single apple on the scale in that fourth pic weighed in at 822g. Or 1lb 15oz in old money.
That's my Champion apple of 2025, folks! 🏆
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/02/g...
The single apple on the scale in that fourth pic weighed in at 822g. Or 1lb 15oz in old money.
That's my Champion apple of 2025, folks! 🏆
December 4, 2025 at 7:37 AM
A short gallery post In praise of the wondrous 'Howgate Wonder', producer of mighty-sized #apples, year-in, year-out:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/02/g...
The single apple on the scale in that fourth pic weighed in at 822g. Or 1lb 15oz in old money.
That's my Champion apple of 2025, folks! 🏆
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/02/g...
The single apple on the scale in that fourth pic weighed in at 822g. Or 1lb 15oz in old money.
That's my Champion apple of 2025, folks! 🏆
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
For millennia, the t-shirts of the men in the know have taunted us.
"WHAT'S THE MATTER LAGER BOY? SCARED YOU'LL TASTE SOMETHING?"
Now, @davidjesudason.bsky.social digs into the social, physical, perhaps even the metaphysical world of Wychwood's Hobgoblin.
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/12...
"WHAT'S THE MATTER LAGER BOY? SCARED YOU'LL TASTE SOMETHING?"
Now, @davidjesudason.bsky.social digs into the social, physical, perhaps even the metaphysical world of Wychwood's Hobgoblin.
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/12...
Under the Bridge — A Definitive History of Wychwood Hobgoblin — Pellicle
My love affair with pubs started in Staines. It’s where I found my tribe—the pub as an expression of individuality, an alternative to bland Britain. But I was afraid at first. In 1996, my British-Asi...
www.pelliclemag.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
For millennia, the t-shirts of the men in the know have taunted us.
"WHAT'S THE MATTER LAGER BOY? SCARED YOU'LL TASTE SOMETHING?"
Now, @davidjesudason.bsky.social digs into the social, physical, perhaps even the metaphysical world of Wychwood's Hobgoblin.
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/12...
"WHAT'S THE MATTER LAGER BOY? SCARED YOU'LL TASTE SOMETHING?"
Now, @davidjesudason.bsky.social digs into the social, physical, perhaps even the metaphysical world of Wychwood's Hobgoblin.
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/12...
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Time-lapse of various species of mushrooms growing
December 1, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Time-lapse of various species of mushrooms growing
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
We’re absolutely delighted to let you know will be touring again in November 2026 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Burlesque! We'll be joined by celebrated kora master Seckou Keita. Tickets go on general sale this Friday at 10am 🥳
November 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
We’re absolutely delighted to let you know will be touring again in November 2026 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Burlesque! We'll be joined by celebrated kora master Seckou Keita. Tickets go on general sale this Friday at 10am 🥳
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
A late medieval pocket sundial from Freiburg. The portable sundial once contained a small compass in the circular recess, helping to align the sundial along the north–south axis so the correct time could be determined.
📷 @aws-almbarak.bsky.social
📷 @aws-almbarak.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 8:37 AM
A late medieval pocket sundial from Freiburg. The portable sundial once contained a small compass in the circular recess, helping to align the sundial along the north–south axis so the correct time could be determined.
📷 @aws-almbarak.bsky.social
📷 @aws-almbarak.bsky.social
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
This is an extremely interesting article about the collapse of early farming societies across Europe around ~5000 BC.
We like to think of prehistoric times as being largely peaceful, but it seems early civilisations weren't immune to ritualistic violence & cultural collapse.
We like to think of prehistoric times as being largely peaceful, but it seems early civilisations weren't immune to ritualistic violence & cultural collapse.
Headless bodies hint at why Europe’s first farmers vanished
Wave of mass brutality accompanied the collapse of the first pan-European culture
www.science.org
November 28, 2025 at 8:25 AM
This is an extremely interesting article about the collapse of early farming societies across Europe around ~5000 BC.
We like to think of prehistoric times as being largely peaceful, but it seems early civilisations weren't immune to ritualistic violence & cultural collapse.
We like to think of prehistoric times as being largely peaceful, but it seems early civilisations weren't immune to ritualistic violence & cultural collapse.
Reposted by Darren T, Gardener
Commuters in Manchester, November 1938. Exchange Station in the background (Getty Images).
November 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Commuters in Manchester, November 1938. Exchange Station in the background (Getty Images).