THE NEXT CHAPTER OF OUR LIVES…. We revisit three amazing GH stars
We revisit the stories of three amazing women who have appeared in Good Housekeeping to see what has happened to them since
Ilove nature and, with my husband, Chris, I have developed a business called Yorkshire Foragers, finding delicacies such as wild raspberries, plums and truffles for chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants.
As I wrote in the September 2018 issue of GH, I inherited my interest from my grandfather, who had to forage during the Second World War to survive. The piece was read by a producer from BBC’S Countryfile and I got a telephone call asking if they could film us foraging in the woods of Doncaster. Excited, I agreed, and we featured on Countryfile Autumn Diaries in October 2018.
I was too embarrassed to watch myself, but it led to another development. A writer called Neil Hanson saw the show and suggested writing a book with me. I couldn’t understand who would want to read a book about someone picking weeds. But, to my amazement, it led to a meeting with an agent in London and securing a publishing deal. The interest carried on. I was invited to speak at an event organised by Countryfile at Blenheim Palace last summer, and I was interviewed on stage in front of a huge audience. Then, I was invited to appear on James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
I prepared lots of things to take with me, from rosehip cough syrup and tangerine root caramel sauce to walnuts sugared with honey truffle, and I arrived at James’s house early in the morning. However, I wasn’t due on set until the afternoon, so I spent the time waiting in his library with musician Martin Kemp, who was there to promote his new album. The two of us sat together, listening to his music, with his dog, Poppy, on my lap. It was quite a surreal experience.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
When I was finally called through for hair and make-up, nerves started to get the better of me. I even considered running back to my car and driving home! I was sure they’d be able to find a replacement. But once I went into the kitchen and started unpacking all of my home-made goods, I immediately felt back in my comfort zone and knew I could do this.
James and I got on well and, when we finished filming, the crew stood up and cheered. He told me I must come back and insisted that I sign his famous kitchen cupboard. The show received such a positive response that I was given a regular slot as guest forager.
Chris and I have a new gin coming out, called The Yorkshire Forager, and hope to be able to collect fresh juniper from the Scottish Highlands for it. I’ve also been working on a children’s nature book since lockdown. My first book, The Yorkshire Forager, now sits proudly on my shelf; when I flick through the pages, I still find it hard to believe that all of this has happened to me. It’s been an incredible rollercoaster ride, but foraging with Chris keeps my feet firmly on the ground.
The Yorkshire Forager: A Wild Food Survival Journey (Headline) by Alysia Vasey is out now
‘I’ve been on an incredible rollercoaster’ Alysia Vasey’s story about being a professional forager led to a book deal and TV appearances on Countryfile and James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
I couldn’t understand who would want to read a book about someone picking weeds
‘Adventure is addictive’ When Alice Morrison featured in an article about getting out of her comfort zone, it was just the beginning of an incredible new life.