Pennine Life mentioned in the Guardian
Posted on 29. Sep, 2011 by Lily in Event, Food and Drink, Local Business
We at Pennine Life are proud to be mentioned in the Guardian’s Northerner blog this week alongside Pam Warhurst from Incredible Edible and Matthew Taylor from the RSA. Thank you to all!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/sep/26/incredible-edible-todmorden
Heroes, Thought Leaders and a Magician flock to Todmorden
Posted on 25. Sep, 2011 by Lily in Event, Food and Drink, Home and Garden, Local Business
It may have been a drizzly day in Todmorden yesterday but there was plenty of sunshine in people’s spirits.
The town was certainly buzzing this weekend with the gathering of other Incredible Edible projects to discuss the next steps in moving the movement forward to the next phase. European guests were also visiting to see how they can emulate this incredible project. Folk from all over the country appeared to learn more about the pioneering Todmorden movement. It seemed the whole world wanted to hear about the project and its successes.
Later in the day two special guests arrived from London, one was the well-known Chief Executive of the RSA and thought leader Matthew Taylor who toured the Incredible Edible green-route. The second, was the academic Tim Lang from City University London who is an expert in Food Policy. Both were involved in the evening talks at the lovely Edwardian Hippodrome where well over 200 people attended. Charlie Clutterbuck another academic also dropped in to give support.
As our regular readers will know people of Todmorden are growing stuff at the edges of buildings, abandoned bits of land, road side verges, a graveyard, plots atthe local health centre in fact anywhere they can.
The evening went down a storm with a fantastic turnout and a rousing final talk by Pam Warhurst of Incredible Edible.
Todmorden High School pupils were proudly filming the weekend as a work experience exercise and others helped out with looking after the visitors and serving supper at the packed Hippodrome to enthusiastic supporters and guests.
So where does the magician fit in? Well, it so happens that Derren Brown was somehow conjured up while filming in the town at the same time. Although one must say the wonders that are appearing in Todmorden are all done by shear hard work and passion by local heroes who are committed to doing things differently in the face of a changing environment.
TALKING THE TALK OF INCREDIBLE EDIBLE
Posted on 22. Sep, 2011 by Lily in Event, Food and Drink, Local Business
All Incredible Edible projects across the country are to meet at the Todmorden Talks on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September in Todmorden.
The ‘grow your own’ movement has been spreading across the country at a pace as people respond to higher food prices and living within existing resources locally.
The action packed two day talks will provide opportunities for people to rethink and redo how society grow, produce and consume food. Existing projects will be able to swap ideas and help those interested in setting up their own projects. Experts such as Professor Tim Lang will be talking about food, food policy and how to become sustainable. Over 20 incredible edible projects have sprung up over the country and many will be attending the event on Saturday.
Pam Warhurst said: “The big challenges on the horizon from environmental bankruptcy are just too mind-blowing for most of us to know what we can do. The simple idea of engaging with local food helps everyone irrespective of age, income or culture find positive things to do to improve where and how we live our lives. It just works.”
Matthew Taylor from the RSA (Royal Society of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) will also be attending and chairing Saturday’s discussion feels that “Growing food locally and collectively through community, educational and business involvement helps to connect people in a local area in a positive way. It’s great to see everyone pulling together for a better way of living.”
A magnificent harvest festival will be held on Sunday where Todmorden will display their home grown produce for all to see and enjoy. Visitors from France, Spain, Hungary and Slovakia will also be there to learn more about the various successes of Incredible Edible.
Incredible Edible Todmorden’s Royal Praise
Posted on 24. Jul, 2011 by Lily in Article, Food and Drink, Home and Garden
It’s wonderful to hear about the praise Incredible Edible Todmorden received from Garden Organic patron HRH the Prince of Wales. Watch this excellent video of the special day look out for Pam and Mary from Todmorden.
Cakes fit for Royalty
Posted on 30. Apr, 2011 by Lily in Event, Food and Drink
Ever since the announcement of the Royal Wedding people up and down the country have been planning events to celebrate on this special bank holiday weekend. Baking to celebrate the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton has been a key element. Whether the cakes were for street parties or family brunches Pennine Life is sure that the sales for flour and other ingredients including cake decorations rose over the last few days. Here are just a few cakes that local people were inspired to bake, decorate and share for the special occasion. They look absolutely delicious don’t they?
Easter and eggs
Posted on 25. Apr, 2011 by Lily in Article, Food and Drink, Local Business
With the shops busting at the seams with chocolate eggs, Pennine Life has taken a closer look at the meaning of the Easter Egg and the different non- chocolate eggs available.
Easter is a period of marking re-birth and the egg is the symbol from where all life comes.
There are approximately 11 billion hens eggs consumed in the UK each year. The beauty of eggs is that they are multi-purpose, have flavour and great nutritional value.
Many scientists have previously stated that eggs were diary products but now experts categorise them into the alternates food category.
There are of course many kinds of eggs that we can eat.
Duck eggs have a slightly richer yolk than hen eggs and excellent to use in dishes such as omelettes. They also have slightly more protein in their whites so the eggs are ideally suited for baking. Their thicker shells mean that they will store for a little longer than hen eggs.
Quail Eggs are a delicacy in many countries, they have a higher proportion of yolk to white compared to a hen’s egg, and a slightly stronger flavour. Served with celery salt they are a quintessential English summer canapé.
Gulls eggs are a traditional British classic, the gull egg is available in early spring and is a real breakfast treat served with caviar and toast.
Ostrich Eggs can you believe are equivalent to approximately 24 hen eggs. Can you imagine the huge omelet you could make with one egg!
You can find out where to buy local produce at Pennine Prospects local food mapping project. Happy egg hunting!
Farmers Markets spreading in South Pennines
Posted on 17. Apr, 2011 by Lily in Food and Drink, Local Business
Farmers markets are spreading throughout the South Pennines giving a boost to the local economy. With a big push from Local Authorities and organisations like Pennine Prospects farmers markets are looking to become not only part of local tourism offer but also a key player in the local economy.
Buying and promoting local food offers farmers opportunity to sell their produce. It gives the opportunity for local shops, restaurants, tearooms to sell fresh food knowing that its been locally sourced. In some areas there is a push for local food to be supplied to not only markets and local businesses but also to supermarkets.
There are several local markets and farmers markets operating at the moment in South Pennines. In areas such as Littleborough, Uppermill, Mossley, Ramsbottom, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge to name but a few. Unfortunately Pennine Life couldn’t find a full list of farmers markets that covers the Pennines so we suggest you keep an eye out as to when they are open through your local websites and press. However we did find a map on Pennine Prospects website that shows you where to buy from local businesses near you.
Remember shop local – you know it makes sense.
Country Markets spreading to Cities
Posted on 19. Mar, 2011 by Lily in Article, Environment, Food and Drink, Local Business
Some say buying local is not only a good way to rejuvenating the local economy but it’s also good for the environment – less carbon emissions and if you are buying locally produced food much better for your health.
Buying local is all about the individual producer, products are unique and are produced with care.
Country Markets roots go back to 1919 when the then equivalent to DEFRA the Agricultural Organisation Society sponsored the setting up of co-operative markets to sell surplus produce. Today it is a membership-based co-operative social enterprise with a turnover of £10million with over 65 regional Market Societies throughout England it is now going to be established in Manchester. Check out the details below:
A Country Market for Greater Manchester
What?: A meeting to bring together people interested in establishing a new Country Market for Greater Manchester.
- Can you produce good quality fresh food and crafts?
- Would you like to work from home and around your family commitments?
- Would you like to be part of a social enterprise that has co-operation, community and quality at the core of its values?
Interested? Become a producer, and/or help set up this new Country Market.
Where? Go along and find out more at Manchester Friends’ Meeting House (6 Mount Street M2 5NS)
When?: Tuesday 22nd March at 6.30 pm.
To find out more about plans to establish a Country Market for Greater Manchester contact Beate on 07746 395 101 or email us on gmcountrymarket@gmail.com.
For more information about Country Markets see www.country-markets.co.uk or http://gmcountrymarket.wordpress.com
Can’t make the meeting? If you are interested in getting involved but are unable to make the meeting, please get in touch by email, indicating whether you’d like us to add your email address to our mailing list [email gmcountrymarket@gmail.com].
Vintage teacups and saucers to be won daily
Posted on 22. Jan, 2011 by Lily in Food and Drink, Local Business
There is still time to enter the popular online vintage tableware providers Dormouse and The Teapot January giveaway!
If you shop at Dormouse and The Teapot before 31 January and spend £10 or more you will automatically be entered into a daily draw to win one of their vintage teacup and saucer sets.
With only just over a week to go you can be drinking your afternoon tea out of a lovely china teacup and saucer. Check out what you need to do by visiting: http://www.dormouseandtheteapot.com/
Fell Runners cake
Posted on 12. Jan, 2011 by Lily in Culture, Event, Food and Drink
Local Pennine Fell Runners in the Littleborough and Ripponden area were presented with this wonderful cake to go with their cups of tea and toast after their weekly run.
We are sure you will agree that it is certainly a wonderful cake – shame to spoilt it by eating it.
