v THE HERALD - OUR 32ND YEAR - 1994-2026 v 6th August 2026 • The HERALD • Page 23 IN PRAISE OF BRAMBLES by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield stalk, making them pleasingly symmetrical, and easy to arrange into a decorative pattern, with the impressions of green, red and purple-black berries scattered between. ese, she called “Fivesies”; there were usually some in our garden, any time of year; if not, then she’d walk along to Badminston Common to collect some, whatever the weather. Whenever I’m cutting down or pulling out a ferocious bramble in the garden, I will always remember my mother, and her quest for “Fivesies”. Everyone knows the common blackberry, or bramble, but fewer people know that there are around 350 very closely-related species in the UK; fewer still can actually tell them apart. What’s more, the many species can, and readily do, hybridise. To complicate matters further, they can produce viable seeds with or without fertilisation, as well as propagating by sprouting roots at the ends of their branches, as most gardeners know all too well. Hence, they are all generally given the scienti c name Rubus fruticosus agg. – agg. standing for ‘aggregate’ - since it’s rarely crucial to know precisely which species one’s dealing with. e species do, though, have a wide variety of physical characteristics; some are evergreen, some deciduous. e shape and size of the leaves, the number of lea ets, the shape of thorns on the stems, the colour of the owers, even the tastiness of the ripe berries – all are in nitely variable – and it’s certainly true to say that I have favourite bramble bushes which I revisit each year. My mother, Phyllis Somes, was well-known locally as a potter. While she was learning, at a cra centre on the Isle of Wight in the 1960s, she hit on the idea of pressing leaves, grasses, owers, and other natural materials into the clay, to make her designs. is formed her stock in trade for the next 4 decades, and led her, and everything’s gone, for a twelvemonth…”. One of her favourite materials was the bramble. She had made a selection of stamps and moulds which she could use to impress the shape of blackberries into the clay, and would go out searching the local hedgerows; she too had favourite bushes, which always had just the right shaped leaves for her designs – little did she know then that they were a di erent species from their neighbours. e very best for her were among other things, to take a keen interest in learning as much about plant life as she could. In a feature in one of ITV’s “Country Ways” programmes, lmed in 1993, she said “My biggest enemy is the council grasscutter, because it comes around just as all the grasses are coming into bloom, Bramble illustration by Robin Somes leaves with ve lea ets, each on a relatively long September Singing Workshop In Beaulieu Beaulieu Bank Notes Choir was forced to postpone the singing workshop in June due to the incredibly high temperatures experienced throughout the country. However, this unmissable workshop, to be led by acclaimed vocal coach Dan Cooper, has been rescheduled. Now taking place at Beaulieu Village Hall (SO42 7YA) on Thursday 17th September from 4pm to 6pm, the workshop promises an uplifting a ernoon of music, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who simply loves to sing in the shower, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your voice in a fun and supportive environment. With more than 15 years of experience inspiring singers of all levels, Dan is renowned for his energetic, con dence-boosting sessions that bring voices to life. As before interest is expected to be high and spaces are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended. Tickets are £10 and are available from: ticketsource.com/beaulieu-banknotes For those inspired to continue their musical journey, Beaulieu Bank Notes Choir warmly welcomes new members. To nd out more about joining, contact Christine on: 07866 455322.
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