When residents of Hartrigg Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in New Earswick, set out to mark the centenary of Joseph Rowntree’s passing, the aim was simple: celebrate community through food and stories. The result is the New Earswick Community Cookbook, a 134-page collection of more than 100 recipes contributed by residents, families and friends across the village.
- Thursday 23rd October 2025
- 2 mins read
New Earswick Community Cookbook: 100 Years of Recipes and Community Spirit
Our Martyn worked closely with residents Sheila, Sue and Issy throughout the design and print process. Sheila Heckels first sparked the idea, wanting to do something special for the 100th anniversary and recognising that everyone has a favourite recipe they return to. Our team shaped a consistent, practical layout so each contribution sits clearly alongside photographs and artwork, ready for everyday kitchen use.
Printed in full colour on a durable, practical format ideal for kitchen use, the cookbook was designed to be both beautiful and functional. A clean, consistent style ties together the wide range of contributions while keeping everything easy to read and enjoy.
What's Inside
This is a book for every table, with a wide range of dishes and bakes to suit different tastes. Highlights include Foolproof Yorkshire Puddings, Carrot Souflee, and West African Groundnut Stew. Bettys kindly donated their recipe for Florentines, and Little Acorn’s Nursery shared their favourite Raspberry Muffins with charming illustrations from the children.
The cookbook features newly commissioned artwork and photography. Look out for Lactose Free Air Fryer Cheese and Chive Scones, beautifully illustrated by Jennifer Bailey, and Phil Entwistle’s Elderflower Cordial.
Launch at New Earswick Folk Hall
The cookbook launched on Friday 17 October at the Folk Hall Café. Neighbours, contributors and supporters gathered for an afternoon of flavour and conversation. As fellow resident Pamela Phillips reminded everyone at the launch, it is a practical way to honour our Hartrigg Oaks constitution to foster and maintain good links between our community and other residents of New Earswick.
A Charity Project
Production costs were met through generous support from York Common Good Trust, New Earswick Residents Forum, Rotary York Ainsty, Hartrigg Oaks Shop, Hartrigg Oaks Bungalow Amenity Fund, and York Rotary. Because of this, all proceeds from sales will go to two local causes: New Earswick Swimming Pool and The Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Where to Buy
The New Earswick Community Cookbook is priced at £10 and is on sale now at:
• Make It York, Parliament Street
• Cafe Coco, New Earswick
• Cafe Cavo, The Cocoa Works on Haxby Road
It also happens to be a thoughtful Christmas gift, packed with recipes that carry local memories and a shared sense of care.
Interested in creating your own community publication or local history project?
Contact us today to find out how we can help design and produce something special for your organisation or group.