David Hider Oct 2013

Just a few items to report from my normally routine diary, and I should start at the delightful farm shop at Doddington Hall, near Lincoln, to witness the ’launching’ of the “2 Boys in a Boat” challenge. These 2 intrepid youngsters will soon be setting off to row the Atlantic Ocean in December, 50 days of non- stop rowing in a boat that I would think twice about crossing the Humber in let alone the Atlantic Ocean! We have donated food in a variety of calorific formats to keep them going and to become hopefully the youngest, at 21, to row the Atlantic - I wish both Luke and Jamie the very best of luck.

Meanwhile I rowed back up to the East Riding to visit the charming farmers behind the “3 Little Pigs” brand of Yorkshire chorizo. I can now claim to have met all the rare breed pigs, watched the intricate production line and shared coffee with Jon and Charlotte, the brains behind the brand. Actually between these events I crossed the Fens to visit the spires of Cambridge and specifically David and the ladies of the Cambridge Cheese Deli, with more excellent cheese than you could consume on a month of Sundays, with biscuits and chilli sauces to match. Back through the Fens to visit the delightful La Hogue farm shop and Worzals farm shop, both excellent purveyors of a vast range of foodstuffs (and good cappuccino).

Then back to the East Riding for the Beverley Food Festival and an event that showed food retailing at its best, linked to local chefs’ demonstrations of their cookery skills and perfect weather. Another highlight was the Harvest Festival Concert at Beverley Minster, arranged by Drewtons Farm Shop to celebrate their 3rd anniversary. A lovely evening gave us the cream of young, local talent in a wonderful setting.

Finally the Deliciouslyorkshire Food Awards evening (September 25th), held on the platforms of the National Railway Museum, York carefully decorated and lit, forming a perfect venue to highlight the quality of Yorkshire food. The enthusiasm, variety and personalities of the producers and retailers never fail to impress me.

Finally, Hull Fair has arrived - a signal for the weather to change, the nights to draw in and sales of Wright’s Brandy Snap to soar. The rides get faster, scarier and more expensive. They also seem to last for a shorter time, similar to certain manufacturers now giving you less, but charging you more. But maybe that is life!