I mentioned before that one of the classes/groups I go to is all about the Saxon language and its effect on the English we speak today. Our leaders, not academics or linguistic professors, but two men, former engineers who are passionate about all sorts of language, usually set us some ‘homework’. Homework is usually an ordinary word which we research to try and find it derivation, and its origin and original meaning. So this week we’ve researched, ghost, poltergeist, dwarf, giant, botany… and The Land of Green Ginger.
It’s easy to find that there is a street in Kingston-upon-Hull with that name, and many people remember the book from their childhood The Tale of the Land of Green Ginger by Noel Langley which was late shortened to just The Land of Green Ginger. Most people also remember the delightful illustrations by Edward Ardizzone. There was another novel of the same name by Winifred Holtby.
However, even though I’ve found out that the name of the Kingston-upon-Hull Street might have come from a German or Dutch family who lived there, I am sure when I go to my lass today we will find out something quite different!
Lois Elsden 
Loved that book as a child.
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Talking of ginger I eat some every day. It’s great to ease arthritic pain and for stomach gas and indigestion. I also love the taste and I chase it down with beer. One warning though is wash your hands after handling it as it can sting your eyes if you rub them. Trust me it works.
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I love ginger! I love it in any form, in curries, in Chinese food, in cakes, biscuits, puddings, crystallised, wrapped in dark chocolate… I just adore it! Ooooh, and that sticky stem ginger in jars of syrup…. oh, I might have to buy some tomorrow!
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