I presume you have a variety of Physalis alkekengi, common name chinese lantern/bladder cherry.
when the calyx starts to show some colour, cut off the flowering stems, hang them upside down in a light, airy shed to dry, when the stems and fruits are dry remove the withered leaves.

thanks for that, i forgot to say that they are the edible cape gooseberries. does this drying method still apply? i just dont want to lose the fruit to the frost when it comes...

Yes same method for all.

many thanks