You're best bet is to wait until the first frost before picking them However, if you think they will be half inched before then, pick them, wash them and put them in the freezer for 24 hours, it has a similar effect
Then, bring them out, make sure that either the skin has split or if not, prick each one with a needle.
Empty a bottle, put the sloes in the bottom, followed by the sugar and top up with Gin.
Then follow the instructions on this thread
thanks alot mate i will let you all no how i get on
cheers lamp