Saturday 3rd October.
Local food production day event in Ballydehob
Following the success of the Local Food Production Day held at An Sanctoir in Ballydehob September last, the newly formed Ballydehob Food Group have embarked on organising the return of the event scheduled for Saturday 3rd October. Once again the event is to be held in the beautiful grounds of An Sanctoir, with yet another full and inspiring days’ programme running from 10.30am through to 5pm. There will be no entrance charge and donations will be collected on the day to support with the costs incurred to running the event.
Food icon, Peter Ward from Country Choice Nenagh Co.Tipperary, will be making an appearance, giving his inspiring angle on the benefits to be gained through growing food locally.
As seen on late late show for Pat Kenny finale night, Peter is a mover and shaker who really makes things happen. He and his wife Mary have been part of the Irish Culinary scene for 25 years. He has a severe passion to promote good food produced as locally as possible to people that is nutritious, well prepared and well presented. He has aspired to the principles of good food Ireland that is linking local producers, farmers, and fishermen with the hospitality sector. He also supports the promotion of artisan producers all over Ireland, who he feels are the foundation stone on which our food culture is built.
Another highlight of the event will be in taking a look at two CSA (community supported agriculture) schemes successfully ran on the Sheeps Head Peninsular this past growing season, where farmers have been employed through individuals buying shares for the growing of potato and oats crops. Here is an ideal opportunity for finding out more about how it went, what difficulties came up, and as to what opportunities and possibilities the scheme could offer for the future.
Other talks, presentations and practical demonstrations include: how to build simple cloches for your garden; apple pressing; the ongoing plight of Bees and Beekeepers with the continuing decrease of the bee population, and the effects this has on food security.
Competitions are also being lined up in the following: the heaviest pumpkin; the largest sunflower head; and the funniest shaped fruit or vegetable-so come along and enter your most prized piece. A raffle will also be taking place with the main prize being a beautiful handmade basket filled with delicious local food.
Bring along your wellies (not only in case you would like to enjoy the nature trails on the premises), but so as you can join in the wellie throwing games being lined up!! There will also be face painting for the children, so the day should prove to be a fun and educational event for all the family.
There will be a selection of local foods and home produce in the cafe to taste and enjoy, with music from local musicians to entertain you whilst you eat lunch. There will also be a small selection of stalls selling local produce.
All proceeds from this event will go towards furthering the aims and objectives of the Ballydehob Food Group. Final programme information can be found on www.ansanctoir.com and www.growingawareness.org
To find out more about the group and it’s activities please
contact ballydehobfoodgroup@gmail.com
or phone Caz 028 25978.
A new website is currently being set up through which further information can be found with regards to the aims and objectives of the group. The group currently meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 8pm, in Vincent Coughlans Pub. New people are always welcome, and sub-groups are formed to look at specific projects and tasks being proposed.