It is an unexpected joy to be back in the office today. I (Charlotte) attended every day of the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham representing Fordhall Farm and the Fordhall Community Land Initiative. Our first time at the exhibition has been a tiring, yet enjoyable 5 days.
There were various other helpers along the way including Yvonne, Sophie, Julia, Bryan and Elaine. All contributed to a very successful exhibition. We sold books, shares and of course meat – whilst Ben was at the farm looking after the animals and working in the butchery to keep us well stocked!
It was an interesting show, with some days being extremely slow and others being busier. Some of the highlights were meeting shareholders for the first time and talking to customers direct through the ‘Meet the producer’ workshops we were involved with.
These were Food Tasting workshops with Jimmy Docherty from Jimmy’s Farm in Essex (from the TV series ‘Jimmy’s Farm’) and Jonathan from Welsh Farm Organics. Both are great people and great fun to work with. In a similar position to ourselves, they rely wholly on customers buying local food.
It was especially encouraging to see the number of people at the weekend workshops, who were all keen to meet the local producers and who all had an obvious affection for good local food. We need them to continue disseminating the important benefits of buying locally. Not only for the environment, but also for the small farmers future, and of course your health through the quality produce you buy and eat in return.
We spoke about many issues including health, organics, supermarkets, and good sausages!
I am sure we will form stronger links with both Jimmy and Jonathan in the future.
P.S. Dont forget our Ceilidh (BARN DANCE) in Market Drayton this Friday at 7.30pm. There will be plenty of food and drink, so great fun whether you spend the night dancing or chatting. See you there