Chutney, comedy and a royal blush at Chase Golf Club

An entertaining afternoon was enjoyed at the Chase Golf & Country Club, when the speaker’s presence and attitude indicated that, as well as preserves, she was bringing fun. Melanie Latham set up her display of many and varied preserves before beginning to cook a spiced date chutney, showing just how easy it is to make.

She brought smiles and memories, sharing her background of being taken under her grandmother’s wing who, as is often the way, had more time for her grandchildren than when bringing up her own children. Skills in gardening, sewing and cooking were passed on, enabling Melanie to create her own business. While studying for a degree in Criminology and making preserves with her grandmother, a friend asked why she did not sell her products. This led the hardworking Melanie to begin trading at farmers' markets. She has since given demonstrations in a cathedral, a nuclear power station and a prison, but the crossroads of her life came when she received two life-changing accolades on the same day. She had planned to work with child murderers, but on graduation day she received her degree in Criminal Law and was also named North West Fine Foods Preserver of the Year.

Sharing light-hearted jokes while cooking, but without measuring, she asked her audience to say "when" if they wanted her to stop adding ingredients. Her presentation started with an explanation of her aversion to microphones. This fear followed advice she heard on a Radio 4 broadcast about the best way to entertain an audience: be interesting, be entertaining, get the point across – and have a full bladder. Self-deprecating stories followed, explaining why that was not the best idea after hours on the slow-moving car park known as the M6 and then several more hours at a ladies' "business meeting".

When setting up Holly Cottage Preserves 26 years ago, the bank provided training for new businesses. Participants were encouraged to list ambitions to remind themselves of their purpose during difficult times. Melanie listed just one ambition: to achieve a Royal Warrant.

Her days selling at farmers' markets were elevated when she secured a stall at a stately home in Cumbria, knowing royalty would be attending. She was thrilled to be located in the food tent between celebrity chefs The Two Fat Ladies and butcher Barry Shaw. She sold out on one of the hottest days of the year and returned home to make more stock. Melanie cooked and cooked until ingredients needed replenishing from the supermarket late at night. Dashing out for more lemons, she received many smiles when people asked whether she was finding the weather hot. Mortified, she quickly returned home, cooked throughout the night and then rushed back to Cumbria.

Having restocked, she shared her experience with the butcher. After completing his carriage driving, Prince Philip visited the tent and was apparently fully aware of her late-night lemon-buying expedition. He looked at her; she looked at him and blushed. Both knew that, owing to the heat, she had inadvertently shopped wearing only her bra, pants and a pinny.

Other snippets included a planned 10-minute phone-in on a radio talk show which lasted three hours while discussing how to peel an onion. Quirky tales were interspersed throughout as Melanie added ingredients to her spicy chutney and shared tips on how to personalise and cook preserves at home.

Jars available for sale included jams, marmalades, chutneys, Whizz Bang Chilli, Frog Gherkin Relish and Hunny Bunny, a spicy chutney. Having suffered four strokes, Melanie also spoke about some of the challenges she faces, including not always recognising people. Despite this, she generously donates 50p from the sale of every product to The Stroke Association.

Retired or semi-retired, professional or business ladies meet on the first Thursday of each month at Chase Golf Club at 12 noon to enjoy a meal, fellowship and guest speakers, along with outings and other activities. New members are welcome. Annual membership is £16 and a two-course lunch costs £23.

For further information, contact Membership Secretary Barbara on 07801 370935 or Chairman Chris on 01543 879324.