GROWN out of a casual exchange of wild garlic and nettle recipes around a campfire, a sailing club has branched out to release its own guide to good food.

To mark its 21st birthday, Bowness-based charity Blackwell Sailing has brought out a booklet of 21 recipes that have been tried, tested and enjoyed in camps and barbecues on the shores of Windermere.

“Each group that regularly come sailing with us has pitched in and given a favourite recipe or two and the result this,” said charity manager David Hall, who feeds his hungry volunteers on homemade bread in training sessions.

Managed by volunteers Barbara Crompton and Maria Galvin who collected the recipes, the project has culminated in a comprehensive book of 13 savoury and eight sweet recipes – including one for the birds.

“It is a very well-produced, well-illustrated booklet which not only has many tasty ideas, but also gives information about the charity, the participating groups and why it is so important to choose healthy options when spending time in the great outdoors,” added Mr Hall.

Available to those young and old in Cumbria with a disability, Blackwell Sailing aims to develop social skills and healthy life styles, so food plays an important part in many of their activities.

Keeping in line with healthy eating, recipes include everything from wild garlic pesto, to mushroom burgers to a comforting sausage and bean casserole.

Those with a sweet tooth can try their hand at blueberry and white chocolate cheese cake, Barbara’s fruity flapjack and jam doughnut muffins.

And for a dose of history, there is even a section which looks back at Blackwell Sailing from its humble beginnings in 1993.

You can also find out more about the who and where in ‘meet the crew’ pages.

As well as bringing out their landmark recipe book, the charity has also celebrated their 21 years with a mid-summer party on board a Windermere Lake Cruises large steamer and a Flotilla Day.

The Blackwell Sailing Recipe Book is available for a £2.50 donation from their Cockshott Woods address or in the Westmorland Gazette reception on Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal.

For more information about Blackwell Sailing and their Recipe Book visit www.blackwellsailing.com or call 015394 45333.