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July Newsletter. |
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Latest from Hugh,
Dear Friends of River Cottage,
Stop press... Almost a fifth of Tesco shareholders defied Tesco’s strict instructions to oppose our resolution. That is a figure they cannot ignore. Tesco said today that they are happy to take part in an industry wide forum on poultry welfare. I hope not only that they do but that they also take the lead in organising and helping to push through change. It has been a long slog to get to this point but has definitely been worth it. Britain continues to support our campaign and sales of higher welfare poultry continues to rise despite the gloomy economic climate. That is great news and long may it continue....
Well, we're all basking in an elderflower champagne glow after our Spring into Summer Festival, our big celebration for the Park Farm team and everyone who took part in the River Cottage: Spring programme. Our veggie butcher's apprentice Susan was there, and all of the families from the 'Bramble Farm' smallholding in Bristol. They raised a staggering £800 selling mouth-wateringly delicious rolls made from the pork roast of Pig 32, which they're busily reinvesting in turkeys, fruit trees and further developing their site. To see how they get on, make sure you tune into River Cottage: Autumn later on in the year.
Fuelled by pork sandwiches and elderflower fizz, we all went into a bartering frenzy at the produce swap shop in the tent. Jams were exchanged for asparagus, honey for chutney, rhubarb and lettuce for cake and bread. If you fancy creating a produce exchange where you live – and I'd strongly encourage you to give it a go – check out our forum and watch our website for details of how you can do this yourselves.
I truly hope that the new series has inspired some of you to get busy in the garden and the kitchen for the first time. Growing and cooking your own food is one life's most rewarding adventures – and I warn you, once you start, you wont want to stop!
And when you've grown all of your produce, what do you do with it? Well, our own Pam 'The Jam' Corbin might just have the inspiration you need in her new book, River Cottage Handbook Number 2: Preserves. It's published in August, but you can order it here now. If you need some help with your own jam making, why not think about attending Pam's Preserved Summer course? Or for those of you who think you already have a world-beating jam recipe (and I KNOW you're out there...), why not put it to the test and enter our forthcoming competition? I warn you – Pam is a very exacting judge...
Thank you all – over 145,000 of you – for your fantastic support for my Chicken Out! campaign. As you may know, we put forward a resolution at Tesco's AGM on June 27 to get them to upgrade their lowest welfare standard to RSPCA Freedom Food standards. Click here to find out what happened...
Finally, I have some highly delicious news to share. After much experimentation and a great deal of selfless tasting, we think we've created the best ice cream in the world! Our friends at Roskilly's in Cornwall are making this sensational ice cream for us from my own Real Ice Cream recipe. It's the closest thing you'll ever find to old-fashioned, home-made ice cream. Click here for more (and more...).
Until next month, enjoy all that July has to offer including, I hope, some of our ice cream!
All the best,
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River Cottage Events:
Last Minute Tickets
To dispel a 'rural' myth, tickets sell fast here at HQ for events, but we aren't entirely sold out. So if you fancy joining us down on the farm this summer, why not take a look below, at some of the fantastic courses and events we have available coming up.
Why not try our Preserved course with Pam Corbin on Tuesday 8 July 2008, our Bread Making course with Dan Stevens, or if you want to mix it up a bit and learn two excellent skills in one day, why not join our exciting new Bread & Jam course on Tuesday 26th August. You will spend the morning making jams with Pam and the afternoon making bread with Dan. The day will end with a High Tea featuring all the delicious produce you have made throughout the day. |
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Chickens!
If our Chicken Out! campaign has inspired you to think about rearing your own chickens and supplying your own breakfast table with deliciously fresh eggs each morning, then why not join Pammy Riggs, Hugh's very own chicken whisperer, for a day All About Chickens on Sunday 20 July 2008. |
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Grab & Cook
Stuck with what to do the kids during their Summer Holidays? Why not bring them along to learn how to Grab & Cook around the River Cottage Garden on Monday 28 July. And if you fancy joining in the afternoon, we are laying on a high tea for parents and kids, to round off a fun day out in Devon. |
Our recent spring fair featured music from the brilliant Martin Harley Band who we’re thrilled to say are coming back for the festival! Click here for news about their recent single launch.
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Festival
Finally, we are extremely excited to announce the launch of our second River Cottage Festival here at Park Farm on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September. The event will build on the success of last year's festival and our recent sold out Fair (which hopefully you caught on the recent TV programme!) to combine the most successful elements of both. To find out more about the Festival and book tickets click here |
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Bespoke Events
As well as the long list of regular scheduled events, we also operate a bespoke service for groups, tailor-made events, put together for that extra special occasion.
This summer we are giving you the opportunity to hire the River Cottage Kitchen Garden for a summers evening garden party, where you can dine out under the stars. Whilst you sip on cold stinger beers, our highly skilled chefs will spit roast or barbeque your favourite meat or fish to perfection. To accompany your rather special dinner al fresco there will be fresh bread made by Dan, seasonal delicious desserts by Nonie and salads hand picked from the garden where you dine.
We currently have a weekend free for any of our bespoke events, during the first week in August – if you are interested please email parkfarm@rivercottage.net or call 01297 630 302. Or be inspired by our suggestions and reviews. |
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River Cottage Shop
New Book Launch
Get your pans to the ready! The second in our handbook series, Preserves, is published on August 4th, but we're getting it early! The book will be available from us from the 11th July! Preserves, written by Pam Corbin, affectionately known as 'Pam the Jam', guides you through a world of jams, jellies, butters, curds, pickles, chutneys, cordials, liqueurs, vinegars and sauces, which can be made from local produce throughout the year.
Order your exclusive signed copy now and save £3 off the RRP. Click here for further details.
(Member and other combinations discounts also available)
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Getting into the Garden & Kitchen
River Cottage Spring TV show demonstrates how we can all get back in to the garden and grow our own produce with whatever space we have and take that to the kitchen! With that in mind, we have put together a couple of hampers to get you going. Click here for more details.
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