Shiitake mushrooms, revered in East Asian cuisine, offer rich umami flavours and significant nutritional benefits, including B vitamins and immune-supporting compounds. Cultivated for over a millennium, they thrive on hardwood logs. Various cultivation kits are available for home growers. Always cook shiitakes for enhanced taste and digestibility.… Read More The Remarkable Shitake Mushroom: Flavour, Nutrition, & Tradition
The language of design transcends functionality, embodying identity and community through textiles and architecture. From the symbolism of flags to biophilic principles, design fosters connection and care. It emphasises balance, harmony, and the relationship between materials and human experience, reflecting our shared stories and emotions in every stitch and structure.… Read More Episode Five: Woven Worlds Textiles, Space, & The Design of Meaning
Fig 1: Albion Gould. “A Brief History of Sashiko in Japan.” Albion Gould, 26 June 2023. https://albiongould.com/a-brief-history-of-sashiko-in-japan/ Sashiko looks intricate, but at its heart it’s one of the simplest and most meditative textile practices you can try. With just needle, thread, and cloth, you can begin stitching patterns that connect you to a centuries-old tradition… Read More beginner’s guide to sashiko: stitching
Ley lines, those enigmatic, straight alignments connecting ancient sites—have long fascinated historians, mystics, and curious minds alike. In Hyde and the broader Greater Manchester region, these lines weave a tapestry of history, myth, and mystery that continues to captivate. What Are Ley Lines? The concept of ley lines was introduced by Alfred Watkins in the… Read More ley lines in hyde and the surrounding area: exploring ancient alignments and local lore
The name “Ashton” is prominent throughout Tameside, and its history stretches back to Anglo–Saxon England. Intrigued by the name’s significance in the area, I set out to learn more about its origins and the role it played in shaping local communities, particularly in places like Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde. The Origins of the Ashton Name The… Read More Exploring the Origins of the Ashton Name: A Deep Connection To Tameside’s History
Rachel Bakewell 