I thought it might be nice to summarise what happened last year, as a celebration of what went on, as thanks to those who organised and helped, but also because many of these things will be continuing and evolving alongside new projects for 2011.
Community Orchard
Grange Park now has almost 100 extra trees planted by TTWK and The Friends of Grange (FrOG), including apple, plum, damson, cherry, cobnut, walnut, quince, fig, mulberry, medlar and sloe. It's presently an opportunity to practice planting, pruning etc of fruit trees, but in a few years will be a great resource for community activities - apple days, cider making sessions etc.
Foraging
Fabienne and Zel led a well-attended and enlightening walk along the Wirral Way in the Spring which revealed a plethora of edible plants within a very short distance. This was complemented by a picnic with breads, falafel, salads and dips made using locally foraged food.
Bread Making
Bridie took a group through the process of breadmaking using yeast and interesting flours and a variety of added seeds, fruit, veg etc.
Marko led another session on the principles & practice of sourdough breadmaking, including bringing along his own family starter to share.
Fungus Foray
Ted Tuddenham of the famous Haringey Fungus Foray once again came north to stay with Zel and lead an amazing fugus foray. We estimated 50 different types of edible and non-edible fungi were found, including the most beautifully perfect fly agarics found on a lawn in Caldy.
Buying Group
This continues, with six-weekly deliveries of bulk storecupboard items from a wholesale vegetarian cooperative. This is now combined with an order of organic fruit, vegtables, preserves and honey from Dale farm.
Fruitshare
Recently started, 14 volunteers have offered to come and join in sessions picking and distributing unwanted fruit from local gardens. We just need some trees to pick now, and to hear from groups that can use the fruit!
Allotment
We now officially have approval for a new allotment site in West Kirby, and work has already started on access and fencing etc. A wildlife survey has been undertaken with funding from Your Wirral. There is interest from local schools and other community groups.
Farmers' Market
We are aiming to have a regular monthly market but at the moment we are constrained by Birkenhead Market's monopoly. Our first one-off Farmers' Market was a great success in October. We undertook a survey (5.6Mb) during the event to collect evidence about where customers came from and what would be the value of a regular market in West Wirral. We have a provisional date for the second one in March - just awaiting permission from Birkenhead Market to proceed with this.
Dates for your diary
Tuesday 18th January
TTWK food group - 7pm on Hoylake Community Centre. All welcome. As well as developing the projects currently underway, a chance to think about new projects for 2011.
Wednesday 23rd February
Community tree planting, 11- 4pm, Grange Park. Planting new trees and pruning 2-year old fruit trees. Includes lunch with home made bread.
Wednesday 23rd February
Community bread-making session - 10.30, Scout Hut, Grange Park. Come and have a go at bread making, take some home, and bake some to share for lunch with the tree planters.
Saturday 5th March
Apple Espalier Day, 11am to 3pm, Dale Farm, Heswall. An RHS-accredited tutor will cover the principles of espaliers, covering staking and wiring, tree selection, planting and pruning, with practical guided pruning of establishes espalier. There will be a small charge to cover the cost of the tutor.
Sunday 27th March
At the moment still a provisional date for the next food fair at Hoylake Community Centre, but hopefully this will be confirmed soon.
With very best wishes to you all for Christmas and looking forward to an active and fulfilling new year.
Margaret
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Margaret Campbell
Contact for Transition Town West Kirby Food Group
www.transitiontownwestkirby.org.uk
Tel 0151 625 0608
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