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Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire Food Group 04 December 2008

“Delicious!”

Local food and tourism event is a success

“Mmm, that’s delicious!” was a phrase heard throughout the successful event to link local food with tourism in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire on 26 January.  Photos below.

Around 100 people attended the ‘Local Food and Tourism’ networking event at The Springs Hotel, Wallingford for people running B&Bs, hotels, pubs and restaurants in the region to meet local food and drink producers. 

“ It was a great success, “ said Debbie Rouget, from Tourism Better Business. “ People enjoyed tasting samples and discussing the produce with farmers and producers. A lot of good contacts were made, so we should see more local produce on the menus in the region this spring and summer.”  

One of the highlights of the day was a demonstration of alternative breakfasts by Ian Cawkwell, the new head chef at The Springs, who produced mouth-watering dishes using venison, goats cheese, and a bacon and eggs dish dressed with flavoured oil and balsamic vinegar.

Tamara Schiopu, coordinator of the BBO Food Groups, based at Oxford Brookes University said that local food producers had enjoyed the day. “ Everyone said they had made excellent contacts for new business, and they would be developing ideas from the workshops about innovative selling, and improving supply and distribution.”

The event was supported by Food from Britain, SEEDA and South Oxfordshire District Council. It was opened by Councillor Jules Thomson, Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council, which has been leading the promotion of the finest local food and drink for the past six years. 

Ends

Photos for the Media: Hover over photo for description. Click to enlarge.

Brightwalton's Russell Kilvington discusses the finer points of sausage making with Councillor James Mole, Chairman of West Berkshire Council at the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.        The seal of approval from Councillor James Mole, Chairman of West Berkshire Council for Russell Kilvington's sausages from his free-range pigs at Brightwalton, near Hungerford.   "Mmm, that's delicious"! Councillor Jules Thomson, Chairman of South Oxford District Council samples quince cheese made by Elspeth Wainwright of Quince Products, Aston Rowant, at the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.   Venison and other speciality sausages from Woburn Country Foods, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes discussed by owner Andrew Davis with Jane Carlton-Smith from Oxford Brookes University at the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.
             
Richard Rawlings of Bread & Co, Wardington near Banbury meets one of the dozens of hospitality providers who attended the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.   Delicious on hot toast at breakfast and they look good on the table! These preserves made by Jeanette Howse of Well Preserved, Didcot were popular at the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.   The merits of local fruit juices discussed by Councillor Jules Thomson, Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council, with Geoff Cages of Local Tastes, the local food shop in Thame, at the Local Food and Tourism event on 26th January 2005.    

Other Photos of Event: Click to enlarge.

Ian Cawkwell prepares an alternative breakfast.

Ian Cawkwell  Ian Cawkwell  Ian Cawkwell  Breakfast 

Jane Bowler from Dews Meadow Farm, East Hanney, Oxfordshire discusses the merits of good bacon with potential customers.

Jane Bowyer explains

Further information:

  • Tourism Better Business Scheme: Debbie Rouget 01865 392410

  • Berkshire, Bucks & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire Food Groups: Tamara Schiopu 01865 484116

  • South Oxfordshire District Council: Shona Parsons 01491 823748

  • Food from Britain: Isobel Bretherton 01730 408002

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Tourism Better Business Scheme is a partnership led by Tourism South East offering business support and training services to the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire. Currently, some services offered are subsidised for small and medium-sized enterprises through funding from the EU.

 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire (BBO) Food Groups is a federation to:

·         enable as many people as possible to have access to good locally-produced food

·         support producers  who use humane, environmentally friendly methods, sell through local retail outlets, and are of benefit to local communities

·         encourage retail and catering outlets (including supermarkets, shops, restaurants, hotels) to sell and use local food

·         initiate and support projects that enable the production and consumption of local food by local people.

BBO Food Groups is a non-profit making organisation supported by Oxford Brookes University, SEEDA, South East Food Group Partnership, and local authorities in Berks, Bucks & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire. www.local-food.net

 South Oxfordshire District Council The Big Breakfast is based on a successful pilot project set up by SODC in 2003. The project is part of the Council's sustainable development initiative which aims to meet people’s needs for jobs and a good quality of life, whilst protecting the environment for future generations. Sourcing local food reduces the distance travelled by food (known as 'food miles'), reduces packaging, supports local farmers, and gives tourists the opportunity to experience fresh nutritious produce. In line with the ethos of this project we encourage the use of products grown using sustainable methods including organic production, seasonal produce and high animal welfare standards. 'Fairtrade' products including tea and coffee are also encouraged as this provides another opportunity to promote sustainability.

 SEEDA - the South East England Development Agency is responsible for the economic and social development of the South East - the driving force of the UK's economy. SEEDA aims to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities, while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage. SEEDA is committed to supporting local produce. We work with farmers groups, local food groups, and other agencies to promote more development of local food products across the region and encourage new outlets through farmers’ markets and village shops.

 Food from Britain (FFB) is the market development consultancy for British food & drink producers. Following the recommendations of the Policy Commission on the Future of

Farming and Food, FFB was tasked by Defra (Dept of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to develop and implement a programme of support for the British regional food and drink sector. The three year programme began in 2003 and is being funded by an additional £3 million of Government money. It is delivered in association with a network of regional food and drink groups and encompasses trade development, consumer awareness and increasing producer competitiveness.

 
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