Food projects and growers managed to have some fun during summer despite the washout, with loads of exciting open days, festivals and markets. After enjoying days out at places like the Wigan 'Good Life Show' and the Tameside Food, Drink, Health and Wellbeing Festival, the FeedingManchester team have now turned their attention to the next event of their own.
The next gathering of Greater Manchester's sustainable food sector will be the 11th such event and will take place for the first time outside central Manchester. FeedingManchester #11 is being brought together in collaboration with groups in and around Prestwich and will be a full day event (9.30am – 4pm) on Saturday 10th November. It is going to be a packed day, full of informative and inspiring presentations, discussion groups and skills sharing workshops. Guest presenters include Simon from the Handmade Bakery in Slaithwaite, Yorkshire, who will describe the inspirational vision for, and successes of, their community supported bakery.
The FeedingManchester team has changed since everyone last came together for FM #10 in July. Attendees will have noticed that our coordinator, Beth, was well on her way to having a baby, which meant that an able and willing person was sought for maternity cover. Nona Ethington came on board in August, splitting her time between the project and her work at the Mossbrook Growers farm near Leigh. With a passion for, and academic background in farming and the sustainability of local food supplies Nona was able to hit the ground running.
Looking ahead, beyond the next gathering, FeedingManchester will be looking at the further development of the website alongside the long term vision for the network and how individuals, groups and organisations want it to progress. There's no doubt that conversation flows when everyone is in the same room, so let's make the most of FM #11 and look forward to 2013.
For more information and to contact the FeedingManchester team please email rob@feedingmanchester.org.uk or Nona@feedingmanchester.org.uk