Tales from the Apothecary: The Ber Months Have Arrived

There is something about the beginning of September that makes the whole world feel as though it has taken a breath and shifted.

Summer may still be lingering outside, but here at The Old Smithy, the ber months have most definitely arrived.

A Little Autumn Magic

This week, Rachel worked her magic on the shop windows, filling them with rich autumn colour and transforming The Old Smithy ready for the season ahead.

A massive thank you must go to her—not only for making them look absolutely beautiful, but also for graciously allowing me to take on the extremely important role of supervising!

Once the candles are glowing and the little lights are twinkling, they are going to look even more magical.

Autumn and winter are always such special seasons here. The shop seems made for darker afternoons, warm candlelight and shelves filled with comforting scents, little treasures and seasonal magic. Seeing it begin to take shape has made me very excited for everything still to come.

Surviving the Stocktake

It was also time for the annual stocktake this week.

Every bottle, jar, tin, pot and mysterious object lurking in the depths of the storeroom had to be counted—including an expedition into what has affectionately become known as the shed of doom.

We had carefully timed it so the stocktake would be completed before a rather enormous delivery of glass arrived.

And we managed it… just!

The shop and storeroom are now filled to the rafters, but we have the bottles, jars and candle glasses needed for the busy months ahead. There is an enormous amount of making still to be done, so Operation Restock officially begins next week.

Things Are Bubbling in the Cauldron…

You may have noticed that this month’s diary is a little later than usual.

That is because there are several things currently bubbling away in the Pippin’s cauldron, and I have been waiting for a few final details to settle into place.

I cannot reveal everything quite yet, but there are new products being made, seasonal plans taking shape and plenty of autumn magic on its way.

All will be revealed very soon.

Witch & Stitch Returns

We begin the week with Witch & Stitch on Monday evening from 7pm until 9pm.

Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery—or any portable craft—and join us for tea, cake and good company. There is no experience required, everyone is welcome and entry is just £3.

It is always such a warm and relaxed evening, and the perfect way to spend an early autumn night.

Rutland Day at the Castle

On Saturday, we will be leaving The Old Smithy behind for the day and heading to Oakham Castle for Rutland Day.

We will be there from 10am until 4pm, surrounded by fellow local businesses, makers and organisations, celebrating our wonderful little county.

Rutland Day is always a lovely occasion, and there could hardly be a more beautiful setting for it than Oakham Castle. If you are visiting, please come and find us and say hello.

At The Old Smithy This Week

So, although the diary may be late, September is already shaping up to be a busy and rather magical month.

The windows are dressed, the storeroom is full, the cauldron is bubbling—and the ber months have officially begun.

With love and a little autumn magic,

Sammy x