SEED SWAP & SHARE

SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 11AM-2PM

IN THE FRONT ROOM AT SQUASH, DROP IN / FREE / BY DONATION

‘Seed is not just the source of life. It is the very foundation of our being.’
-Vandana Shiva, environmental activist and global seed sovereignty advocate.

Our annual seed share is a really important event in the growing year and is the only one of its kind in Merseyside. At Squash, we’re passionate about seed-saving & sharing and have been building the Toxteth Seed Library since 2010 – a fundamental element of our 100 Year Vision for Windsor Street and L8 neighbourhood. Come and meet the Squash gardeners, who are the seed keepers and caretakers of this great legacy.

Every year, seasoned growers and budding beginners join us from across the city region with a shared passion and excitement for the great potential of the simple seed. Come along to pick up some free seeds to grow this spring and if you can, bring seeds you’ve saved to share. Our seed stock is abundant with many varieties of vegetables, herbs & salad with some flowers & wildflowers, nurtured organically with love on Windsor Street.

There’ll also be mindful crafting and art-making with seeds, lead by local crafters and gardeners.

IMBOLC

SUNDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 1-3PM

AT THE GRAPES COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN

Come by and help celebrate Imbolc, the Irish/Celtic/Gaelic marking of the coming of spring and the first festival of the 8-fold year of 2025. Traditional foods associated with Imbolc are dairy* inc. milk, butter & cheese and grains/bread and will feature at this year’s Imbolc celebration. Help make fresh butter and taste our Squash-made sourdough!

For our gentle annual celebration, we also invite you to join local gardeners, artists & cooks to;

reflect together around the fire about winter challenges and hope for the coming spring
help make Brigid crosses with locally grown reeds
plant up onions, garlic and broad beans; some of the earliest veg we can sow in the year
bless the gardens of the street and look ahead to the growing year
draw & write spring affirmations and share rituals at the altar
taste fire cider and Imbolc herb tea
listen to early spring music

WASSAIL!

SATURDAY 17TH JANUARY 2pm till dusk…

Every January, we celebrate the apple & other fruit trees of Windsor Street and Princes Park by singing round the fire, making a racket with pots and pans to wake up the land, sharing messages & poems of hope for a good blossom & growing season, and welcoming the new annual apple guardians, which involves eating cake & sipping hot mulled apple punch.

This year, together with the Friends of Princes Park* and Hope Street Harmonies Choir, we invite you to join our Wassail Trail, from the Grapes Community Garden, journeying up Windsor Street ending up at the mini orchard in Princes Park, wassailing fruit trees along the way. We’ll sing and dance for the Windsor St community fruit trees, the crab apples of Windsor St School, the mighty Devonshire Rd quince tree and the apples & pear trees in the park! If you have a fruit tree you’d like us to wassail nearby, let us know!

ROUGH TIMINGS – WALKING & WASSAILING AS WE GO:

2PM MEET AT GRAPES COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN FOR FIRE, SONG, PAN-BASHING & MORE
3PM WASSAILING AT SQUASH + APPLE CAKE NEW GUARDIAN WELCOME
3.30PM WASSAILING WINDSOR STREET
4-5PM PRINCES PARK ORCHARD WASSAIL

Everyone is welcome! By donation/solidarity fundraiser for Soup-it-Forward.

BRING AN OLD POT AND A STICK/WOODEN OR METAL UTENSIL TO BASH!

BRING YOUR BELLS AND WHISTLES. BRING APPLES TO SHARE.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AND TO GLADDEN YOUR HEART!

At Squash our apple trees are our ‘more than human’ partners in our 100-year vision – which began with the planting of apples trees in The Grapes Community Food Garden in 2010. If nurtured, an apple tree can live for up to 100 years. Our love of wassailing comes from a shared passion for ritual, being close to nature & community and feeling embodied in the seasons.

*The Friends of Princes Park are a group of local people who want to Princes Park thrive for people and nature. They are a volunteer led and run charitable organisation which works in partnership with the Liverpool City Council, organised by an elected FoPP Executive Committee. They do tree work including planting and coppicing, bulbs, shrub and wildflower planting and have planted over 4000 trees over the last 17 years, increasing the biodiversity and wildlife of the park. They organise other activities such as tree walks, wildlife walks and picnics. Volunteer sessions run in the park every other Sunday between 10:30 and 14:30 all year round.

Wassailing, from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, which means ‘good health’, is a traditional, rousing ritual of fire, food, song and togetherness in nature in the winter depths, to celebrate the apple trees and to warm them up for the coming spring and to encourage a bountiful harvest. ‘Historic UK’ say There are two distinct variations of wassailing. One involves groups of merrymakers going from one house to another, wassail bowl in hand, singing traditional songs and generally spreading fun and good wishes. The other form of wassailing is generally practiced in the countryside, particularly in fruit growing regions, where it is the trees that are blessed. Wassailing (historic-uk.com) This year we’ll attempt a bit of both. We’ll be collecting for our ‘Soup-it-Forward’ initiative along the way.

Apple wassailing was traditionally celebrated by orchard & cider-making communities in the West Country, and in the Welsh border counties. It happened on ‘Old twelfy night’ before the Gregorian calendar – which falls on 17^th January. Modern wassails happen all over the country throughout January.

FOOD IS A HUMAN RIGHT

FOOD IS A HUMAN RIGHT poster project is a SQUASH collaboration with artist Corbin LaMont that has come out of conversations on the state of current & historic enforced starvations in many places across the world.

The A3 posters are available to purchase for £15 in the Squash shop or can be ordered in for collection. Profits from sales will go to Khartoum Aid Kitchen in Sudan and our own Soup it Forward campaign. See all the posters below.

The posters will be available to purchase on Christmas Day in the Squash shop when we’re open 12 noon till 2pm, and when we’re back open 10th January.

We put a call out for translations of the statement from our Squash community and have made posters in 13 languages so far:

ALBANIAN (POMEGRANATE) ARABIC (OKRA)

BEMBA (MANGO) CHINESE (LOTUS ROOT)

ENGLISH (SQUASH) FRENCH (GRAPES)

IRISH / GAEILGE (CARROT) ITALIAN (LEMON)

POLISH (ONION) PORTUGUESE (BANANA)

SPANISH (TOMATO) URDU (CAULIFLOWER) VIETNAMESE (RICE PLANT)

In our local area there are upward of 25 different languages spoken between us all.

Big love & thanks to translators; Anna, Angelica, Anita, Asia, Chileshe, Edi, Fabio, Gabriella, Hellen, Isaac, Julie, Maria, Melissa, Niamh, Rachael, Saad, Saad’s mum, Waseilah, Zilan

Campaign by social artists Clare Owens & Corbin LaMont Artwork by Corbin LaMont

EIGHT-FOLD YEAR PHOTOS BY JUDE MCLOUGHLIN

Jude McLoughlin is a member & great friend of Squash who is also a very talented photographer. Jude has been taking photos of Squash community gatherings and rituals for almost a decade. We are so glad her work was recognised recently when she won the Liverpool City Region Photo Award in the Celebration category at the Open Eye Gallery.

In Jude’s own words; “This series of photographic images documents scenes from celebrational gatherings led by Squash Liverpool CIC throughout the Eightfold Celtic Calendar year. During these events, we are openly invited to come together onto the street, into the community garden and the local park to celebrate the seasonal turning and bridging points of the year, We are encouraged to explore themes of inclusivity, creativity, community, connection and joy as well as developing an awareness about the value of each season. In this modern society, often driven by quantitative results, these events are an invaluable and rare opportunity to be able to enter a space of reflection and deep time. Where stories are told, steps are danced, songs are sung and food is shared around the fire. Where strangers become friends and kindness is the currency of exchange. Where we may stop for a moment to open our hearts and minds.”

The photos below include some in the exhibition and others chosen by Jude and Squash social artist Clare Owens that show some of the breadth & depth of Squash ritual practice and Jude’s tender capture.

L8-FOLD YEAR WINDOW DRAWING BY ANGELICA VANASSE, 2025

WINTER SOLSTICE WEEKENDER

Come and find some light on these shortest days. Let’s walk out together, nestle in around the fire, and make time for gentle chats, rituals and reflections. All welcome for calm times. Access information below.

SOLSTICE EVE, SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 12 NOON – 4PM

FIRE CHATS & REFLECTIONS. 12 NOON – 4PM

Stare into the fire, catch up with yourself, have a chat… a gentle hearth for Solstice Eve.

FESTIVE TUNES FROM HOPE STREET HARMONIES CHOIR. 1PM

Come hear festive tunes round the fire from Liverpool’s acapella songstresses! Solstice and Christmas tunes plus fun favourites!

SOLSTICE GROUNDING SESSIONS. 1.30-3.30PM TIMED SESSIONS

An invitation to gently prepare for solstice with song, movement, art, craft & fire cider in the gentle front room, with artists Angelica, Clare & Becky. We ask that you remove your shoes at the door for optimum comfort, so maybe bring warm socks!

SUNDAY 21ST DECEMBER 8AM – 4PM

SOLSTICE SUNRISE WALK. 8AM – 10AM

This Winter Solstice sunrise, come welcome in the returning light at the big oak in Princes Park, with communal songs led by Rachel from Holistic Harmonies. We’ll then journey together on a ritual walk up Windsor Street with the Squash crew & artist Andrea to the spring at St. James / cathedral gardens. See below for more info.

QUEER KIN COLLECTIVE 10 – 12 NOON

A beautiful wellbeing offering from Liverpool’s queer kin for all the community.

SEW THE SOLSTICE. 10.30AM – 1PM

Stop by for some seasonal embroidery in the calm front room with artist Tabitha

STREET RITUALS. 11-2PM

Join in solstice street drawing and ritual garlic & onion plantings with Jackie, Becky & Clare

FIRE CHATS & REFLECTIONS. 11AM – 4PM

Stare into the fire, catch up with yourself, have a chat… a gentle hearth for the shortest day.

The Squash cafe & shop will be open on the Winter Solstice Weekender from 10am – 4pm on the Saturday & Sunday for tasty festive food and great produce & gifts.

ACCESS INFO

Solstice Sunrise Walk. Sunday 21st December – Meet at the big oak by Woodhenge in Princes Park from 8am. Sunrise is 8.25am, so it will be gently light at 8am in civil twilight time.

The nearest entrance to the gathering in Princes Park is the gate on the corner of Devonshire Road West & Belvidere Road (approx postcode L8 3TZ). There is parking available on both these roads. From the gate there are 2 ways to arrive at the oak tree near Woodhenge, both are on uneven surfaces. One is via an uneven, stony & asphalt path to the right, followed by a short (20 metre) walk on a grass path. The other is over a grassed field, approx 100 metres. Any issues on the day call 07791155998. There is no toilet on site.

From approx 8.30am we’ll walk up Windsor Street to the spring in St.James /Cathedral gardens. This space is reached by a long downhill path and there are some uneven surfaces.

We will then walk to Squash for approx 10am. Squash, 112-114 Windsor Street, L8 8EQ

The Squash building is fully accessible including level threshold entrance (shop/cafe) and ramp access to the garden. Accessible toilet.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANGELICA VANASSE. GRAPHICS BY JON BARRACLOUGH

SAMHAIN

SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

AT SQUASH 2-4PM. DUSK WALK TO THE OAK 4-5PM

An invitation to:

Gather in around the fire
Remember our loved ones
Gently prepare for winter
Walk together towards the dark half of the year

As we enter into the darkest weeks of the year, we invite you to gather in together around the fire to celebrate Samhain; the end and beginning of the Celtic New Year.

Add the names of lost loved ones to the altar, be they ancestors, family members, friends or those we’ve never met. Honour the people of Palestine, living and dead. Taste warming mulled apple & fire cider. Have a chat through your hopes, worries, griefs & joys.

Bring something to burn.

“Samhain is upon us, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time of cold and darkness when the veil between the living and the spirit world is believed to be at its thinnest. The word “Samhain” is derived from old Irish and means “summer’s end.” It is a time to bid farewell to the warmth and light of summer and prepare for the introspective and cold months ahead.” from Landworkers Alliance

We will be collecting for All Our Relations; community-led aid project in Gaza.

PHOTOS BY JUDE MCLOUGHLIN. ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANGELICA VANASSE.

EQUINOX SEED SAVE

SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 12 – 3PM

‘Seed is not just the source of life. It is the very foundation of our being.’
-Vandana Shiva, environmental activist and global seed sovereignty advocate.

On this Autumn Equinox eve, join in our annual seed-saving session led by local gardeners who steward the Toxteth Seed Library. Help us clean, sort and pack seeds after this bountiful summers growth.

Our annual seed share is a really important event in the Squash growing year. We’re passionate about seeds. We’ve been building the Toxteth Seed Library since 2010 – a fundamental element of our 100 Year Vision for Windsor Street and neighbourhood. Come and meet the Squash gardeners, who are the seed keepers and caretakers of this great legacy.

Following the attack on UAWC Local Palestine Seed Bank on July 31st this year by Israeli forces, we will be collecting donations for the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (a Palestinian non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices) to support their vital work restoring and protecting remaining seed sources in Palestine.

Drop-in. Free / by donation.

HARVEST AUCTION FUNDRAISER

SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

CAFE OPEN 5PM, AUCTION 6-9PM

This year we’re celebrating our 10th annual Harvest Auction Fundraiser! Come along for a magical eve of comedy & fun, win some locally grown and made harvest delights, and help raise funds for communities close to our heart, including:

Squash’s own ‘Soup it Forward’ initiative, making sure neighbours in need can eat free in the Squash cafe, especially going into the colder months
local charity Habibti Liverpool who support the medical staff and children at Al Sabeen Hospital, in Sanaa, Yemen
the African Caribbean Centre a thriving L8 hub, empowering a healthy, connected community
the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, a Palestinian non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Following the attack on the Local Palestine Seed Bank on July 31st this year by Israeli forces, twinned organisation Exeter Seed Bank are fundraising to help restore and protect remaining seed sources in Palestine.

If you can’t make the auction but would like to donate please do so here.

Growers & Cooks!

Have you grown something you’re really proud of this year? Or made an amazing jam? Donations of home or allotment-grown fruit & veg and preserves, ferments, or other delicious homemade seasonal treats can be dropped of at Squash on Saturday 13th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th, Friday 19th between 10am and 4pm.

Harvest Competition!

The categories for our annual harvest produce competition are:

BEST WONKY FRUIT OR VEG
BEST SQUASH / PUMPKIN
BEST PRESERVE (e.g. jam/chutney/relish/ferment/honey- entries require a whole jar and a sample for judges)
BEST DRESSED AT THE HARVEST AUCTION (get your best Autumn kecks on!)
BEST IN SHOW

If you would like to enter, please note this on the Auction Lot Entry form when you drop off your donation for the auction. Please note your donation may be auctioned or be part of the tombola or raffle that evening.

For more info or to donate an auction lot email Rachael admin@squashliverpool.co.uk or call 0151 7077897.

PHOTOS OF HARVEST AUICTION 2024 BY ABDULLRHMAN HASSONA WITH OUR PATRON ANDI OLIVER

LUGHNASADH FIRE, GRAIN & SOLIDARITY

FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST 12 NOON – 2PM

GRAPES COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN, WINDSOR STREET, NEXT DOOR TO TOXTETH TV L8 1XE

This Lughnasadh; the Gaelic fire festival marking the first grain & fruit harvest, we’re coming together in the garden. It’s important to be together, now more than ever. At this time of celebrating the abundance of the summer season here on Windsor Street and in Liverpool, we acknowledge the forced starvation of the people of Gaza by Israel backed up by our own government. Not in our name. See below and here for Landworkers Alliance ‘Farmers Against Forced Starvation’ campaign.