Step back in time
In a cookery demonstration with a twist, Wroxeter Roman City is holding a cookery workshop that will really take participants back in time. Find out more about authentic cooking techniques, ingredients and recipes of the Roman era. The event is run by English Heritage and costs £25 for members and £30 for non-members. Wednesday 25 February 10am- 1pm and 2-5pm, booking essential through english-heritage.org.uk or 0870 333 1183
Community café to help those in need
A new community café is to be launched in Broseley as part of a project to equip people with new skills. Steph Brett and Julian Evans, who run Wyldwoods in Broseley, will open the cafe in a converted barn at Dean Corner Farmhouse early in the New Year. Thanks to a £12,000 grant from the European Social Fund, the cafe will be used to provide up to eight work placements for unemployed people with learning difficulties, disability or mental health problems. Ms Brett said, “As part of the placements people will be trained in handling orders and payments, cooking and preparing food, hygiene and safety. Our aim is to equip individuals with new skills and promote self-confidence. Being involved in the running of the community cafe will engender a great sense of achievement and we hope the public will come and support.”
Wyldwoods is also looking for experienced volunteers to help with the running of the cafe and training of small groups in the kitchen. For further information visit wyldwoods.co.uk
Double accolades for food centre
The Ludlow Food Centre has a double reason to celebrate. At The BBC Good Food Show last November the centre was crowned Midlands’ Best Deli/Farm Shop 2014 and it is also on the shortlist of the 2015 FARMA (National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association) retail awards for its butchery and farm restaurant. Judges from BBC Good Food described the centre as “the ultimate food destination in the Midlands” as they reviewed hundreds of customer nominations from across the region. Managing director of the centre Edward Berry said, “The team work hard to hand-make more than half the food we sell. I’m proud their efforts have been recognised by the judges. We’ll have our fingers crossed and will be working extra hard to ensure we come out on top in the FARMA awards, which will be announced in February.”
‘Made in Shropshire’
A number of local foodies are collaborating on a project to celebrate the local producers and chefs who go towards making Shropshire the ‘capital’ of food and drink. ‘Made in Shropshire’ will be a recipe book featuring contributions from some of the county’s most passionate foodies. The driving forces behind the project are Beth Heath of Ludlow Food Festival and Shrewsbury Food Festival, Jo Hilditch of British Cassis, and the team at Photopia food photographers and stylists, and they plan to launch the book at the Ludlow Food festival 2015. Beth said, “We aim to have over 100 recipes and envisage the book being a substantial, hardback coffee table publication which will be sold in farm shops and visitor attractions across the region and beyond. It will be full of beautiful photography, emphasising the quality of the food and drink, the stories behind the products, and what makes them so special.” For more information or to contribute visit recipesmadehere.co.uk
Community pub reopens
After years of dedicated fundraising, planning and commitment, the Pheasant at Neenton has reopened its doors to the public. The pub, which is wholly owned by the villagers, has been a feat of successful community cohesion. “There have been a few challenges along the way,” said John Pickup, chairman of the Neenton Community Society, “but we’re delighted with the end result. Our village has got its heart back.” The menu offers relaxed pub dining and is overseen by chef Mark Harris who, together with Sarah Cowley, has been entrusted with managing the pub on behalf of the village.
