Advice for blackberry-pickers

Bramble bushes are very protective of their fruit. They don't want you to take any and they will fight you to the death. You know the gear bee-keepers wear? If you can get hold of a suit like that it would be ideal.

At sixty-four years of age you'd think I would have learned not to wear shorts when blackberrying. 'Oh, it'll be fine,' I say as I head out as unprotected as a new-born. Then as I do battle with the brambles I scold myself and George - for not reminding me.

At least this year I did wear socks and shoes which is an improvement on previous years. And I only fell down one hole.

But the satisfaction of getting food for nothing is worth the pain. But, oh the grief, of seeing those big fat juicy ones j-u-s-t out of reach.

From the bush ...

to the plate. Blackberry crumble loaf cake.