Members of MyTime and visitors were given a delicious talk by chocolatier Jackie Smith.

Mrs Smith and her husband Alan have their own company “Nova Chocolates” and both are passionate about producing high class chocolate in many shapes and forms. Mr Smith acted as Jackie’s assistant distributing samples of chocolate, after Jackie had explained how to dissolve the samples slowly against the roof of our mouths to release its flavours. Quite difficult for some, as the chocolate was delicious.

Jackie gave a very informative talk on the history of chocolate, taking us back to the Amazon Basin where there are records of the Mayan people using the Cacao bean as far back as 1500BC.

Medicinal use included using cacao butter to treat burns and also dried beans were used for monetary purposes.

Cacao was introduced into Europe when Mayans were taken to the court of King Phillip of Spain in 1544. The drink spread slowly over the rest of Europe as it was very expensive due to the cacao beans grown only in South America.

All over Europe work progressed in transforming the bitter drink to today’s chocolate block. Following this brief history, Jackie called for a volunteer from the audience to assist in the making and decorating of a chocolate lollipop. In conclusion we listened eagerly to all the health benefits of chocolate eating but Jackie did stress that it is only healthy if taken in moderation and part of a healthy diverse diet.

The club meets at 2pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

For further information phone Graham 01384 393483 or Audrey 01384 864223