Last updated at 08:19, Friday, 29 May 2009

WEST Cumbrian farmers and small businesses will come together to celebrate their skills at this year’s Fell Gather event.

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Traditional skills: Willow craftsman Phil Bradley busy in his workshop. Phil will be demonstrating his skills at this year’s Fell Gather event

This year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, June 13, at Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre, will see stalls with a range of produce, displays and demonstrations which aim to appeal to both young and old.

Fell Gather is organised by members of the Cumbria farmer network and aims to explain and show the connections from field to plate and celebrate all aspects of Lakeland food and farming.

Partners for this year’s event include the National Trust and, for the first time, Jennings Brewery which is sponsoring the event.

Cockermouth farm Wellington Jerseys Ltd will be bringing Jersey cattle to the event and selling its Jersey ice cream, which it has been making and selling for four years.

Lee Stamper, who has been running the farm since 1976, said: “We went to the event last year and had a great reception from people so we decided to go again this year.

“The event is really positive for farmers and small businesses in the area.”

Helen Astley, 39, of Loweswater, who started up Helen’s Cakes in August 2007, will be selling a range of cakes such as lemon drizzle cake and chocolate brownies.

Helen, who runs her business from home and supplies businesses such as Honister Slate Mine and the Kirkstile Inn, said: “This is the first Fell Gather event that I’ve attended and I’m really excited to go.

“I started up my business last year and I supply larger businesses and cafes in the area. Sticky toffee pudding is my speciality.

“I will be taking a selection of cakes to the event and I hope that the public enjoys them.”

The West Cumbria Woodturners Association will also be demonstrating how to make bowls, boxes and other wooden items.

Secretary Dave Blanden, 66, of Kirkgate, Cockermouth, said: “We were there last year and we enjoyed it so much and received really positive feedback from the public.

“The club was invited to take part again this year and we jumped at the chance to show people what we do.

“We will be demonstrating wood turning, answering questions and some of our work will be on display to buy at very attractive prices.”

Also attending the event will be Phil Bradley of Deanscales, who will be demonstrating how to make baskets; Annabelle Armstrong, of Maryport, who will be selling home grown potatoes; Hilary Nixon, of Cockermouth, who will be selling plants, cakes and chutneys; Distington Walled Garden; Allerby Community Garden; J Bell Wood Designs, of Cockermouth, which will be displaying poultry housing; M & J Wildlife Photography, of Cockermouth; Cocky2, of Cockermouth, which will be selling wool felts made from local wool tops; and Colin Harrow, of Cockermouth, who will be selling paintings and prints.

More information about Fell Gather is available online at www.cumbriafarmernetwork.co.uk. The day’s activities will begin at 9am and continue throughout the day. Entrance costs just £5 for adults with no charge for accompanied children.

First published at 19:26, Thursday, 28 May 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk