Cooking in the Mall?

What was I saying about no two days being alike? Saturday - I opened an email inviting me to take a slot in the Sustainability Kitchen at the Start Garden Party in the Mall.
Isn't life bizarre? Last summer I was given a place on the "plinth" in Trafalgar Square - I took my favourite garden chair, was hoisted in the air by a cherry picker with the help of a charming whizz from Oz and sat on show, in comfort, having a jolly time with the crowd.
Now I am to be cooking in the Mall, not on a plinth next to Queen Vic, but in a tent along with with a host of other cooks and chefs as part of the Start "A Garden Party to make a difference" when the Prince of Wales opens up his own gardens at Clarence House, together with his neighbours' gardens at Lancaster House and Marlborough House.
This unique festival in the heart of London runs from September 8th for twelve days. I shall be there at 5pm on Wednesday September 15th showing how to make potted meats and fish with leftovers, crostini with stale bread and how to pickle the pick of the autumn fruits to serve with it.
The Prince is also joining forces with musicians, comedians, environmental experts and some of Britain's best known companies to create a unique event which will raise the profile of this new initiative to help people across the UK lead more sustainable lives and to show what a more energy efficient, cleaner and healthier future.
Tickets are on-sale today from the Start Garden Party event website http://www.startuk.org/events/the-garden-party.aspx or by calling 0844 248 5052.
Life is wonderful but we can make it even better - S T A R T by checking out these 20 ways to make a difference
Here are 20 great starting points for sustainable living
1. Start filling up the cracks where the drafts come in, and then you'll be able to start turning down your thermostat

2. Start holidaying closer to home

3. Start thinking about your driving (petrol usage, the car you drive)

4. Start switching electronics off at the wall

5. Start drying your clothes in the fresh air

6. Start recycling

7. Start using energy saving light bulbs

8. Start growing your own vegetables

9. Start loving your leftovers

10. Start buying only what you need

11. Start eating what's in season (it's cheaper and it tastes better too)

12. Start supporting the people near you who produce food

13. Start thinking about packaging

14. Start composting

15. Start cherishing, repairing and making your possessions last longer

16. Start boiling only what you need

17. Start saving paper and only print what you need

18. Start thinking of ways to reuse what can't be recycled, such as paint tins

19. Start using natural cleaning products

20. Start having shorter showers