September is a full-on food month, with lots of activities going on around the area. Of course there are the established shows taking place at their usual times, such as the Royal County of Berkshire Show in Newbury on the 15th & 16th September and the Thame Show on Thursday 20th September, but there’s lots more going on besides. Here’s our round up of what’s hot in the world of British food.
A regular feature of September and early October is British Food Fortnight, which runs over a two week period incorporating the three harvest festival Sundays (22nd September – 7th October). Now in its sixth year it is the biggest national celebration of the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces. Do visit the website to see what activities are being organised locally or to find out how you can take part - www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk – and don’t forget that one of the most important things you can do is to support your local producers, especially our advertisers – I can genuinely recommend all their products.
One of the events you might like to visit which falls right in the middle of the fortnight is The Great British Cheese Festival which takes place at Millets Farm in Abingdon from 28th – 30th September. This is not just a show for cheese makers or cheese lovers but for anyone who buys, sells or simply loves good food! It is a Festival and Trade show aimed at changing people’s attitudes to British food & drink and their buying habits by educating and inspiring them. Now in its 8th year it has moved to Millets to accommodate the growing crowd of followers who flock to it each year. If you want to overdose on cheese tasting – you need to be there!
Another food event taking place this month is the Coleshill Food Festival on Saturday 8th September. Organised by the National Trust, the festival will include guided walks, talks, and cookery demonstrations. There will also be the opportunity to sample local produce including wine, beer and cider; cheese; organic beef; fresh honey; and apples. The festival aims to be fun for all the family with a range of children’s activities including the creation of art made from fruit and veg and a chance to make birdboxes. There will also be demonstrations of rare breed farm animals and poultry from the Oxfordshire Poultry Club, a chance to visit the newly restored water mill and talks on Coleshill’s role during the Second World War. The festival also incorporates an Open Day at Coleshill Organics, who run an organic vegetable delivery scheme in the area. Visitors will be able to walk round the Victorian walled garden where over 70 varieties of vegetables and fruit are grown. The Coleshill Food Festival is open between 11am and 5pm and entrance is free (parking £1). Phone 01793 762209 for more details.
During September, winners of the Great Taste Awards are announced at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair, a trade show held in London at the beginning of the month. You can visit the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Food Group website at www.local-food.net to find out who has won one of the coveted gold awards. This is also a great resource for you to find local producers, farm shops and information about farmers’ markets in your area.
Finally, September sees the start of “The Year of Food and Farming”. This is a campaign to promote healthy living by giving young people direct experience of the countryside, farming and food. During the Year, children will have the opportunity to:
- follow the story from 'field to fork'
- explore the importance of food
- make informed decisions about food and healthy nutrition
- watch what happens on a real-life farm
- experience what the countryside can offer
- learn more about environmental issues linked to food and the countryside.
The year runs from September 2007 to July 2008. Visit the website for more information - www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk
