"Go mad together in community" (Come to Milton Keynes, Paul Weller, 1985)

The equation for a successful community cookbook has three components: donors who share recipes, volunteers who collaborate on production of the book, and consumers who donate money to purchase a copy.

    

In 1955 The Women's Institute had acquired 40 years of operational service under its apron, and under the editorship of Gwynedd LLoyd it was deemed expedient to provide a collection of "recipes used in bygone days by the housewife in her historical and traditional role as guardian of the family's health" (Lotions and Potions 2). In her helpful historical overview, the syntax of Gwynedd's 'Foreword' smoothly slips the language of "salves and unguents" (3) into commodities; however, she cautions against the use of "'hogges grease', ...as it may have the effect of stimulating the growth of superfluous hair" (6)!

Recipes include "Restoration Jelly" (32), and "Primrose ointment" (20). The objective of all the recipes is to lighten, whiten, smooth, tone and brighten, to be uplifting and revitalising. The kitchens and drawing rooms of Gwynedd's W.I. contributors were no-doubt flush with shared remedies, floral scents and spices of rosewater, lavender, rosemary, mace, cloves and cinnamon. Perhaps a cup of "Cowslip Tea for Giddiness and Nervous Excitement" (18) might restore order and calm to the 1955 hearth and home. 

I purchased a second-hand copy of Lotions and Potions at Salcombe Regis Country Fair, Devon, in 1968 for 10p; the life of the Community Cookbook often exceeds the life of its contributors, but their philanthropic intentions live on.    

The Cornmillers express gratitude in the preface to The Traditional Cornmillers Guild Book of Recipes, for the "opportunities to meet and to discuss matters and problems of mutual interest" (3). A huddle of 'dusty' millers ruminating over a quern stone about the "aesthetic quality" (3) of flour is quaint, but their discussions have been fruitful. In the 27 years since its publication, consumer interest in "unadulterated stoneground meals and flours" (3) has grown apace with concern for living healthier lifestyles.  
I purchased my copy of the Cornmiller's book at Otterton Mill, Devon, 1988; where bread is heavenly.

Bibliography

Greenhow, D.  The Traditional Cornmillers Guild Book of Recipes.   England:                                               Devonshire Press, 1988.

Lloyd, G.  Lotions and Potions.  London: WI Books, 1955.

Weller, P.  "Our Favourite Shop".   Polydor Records, 1985.