Celebrating seasonal food

Wednesday July 22 2015.  For immediate release

Two free events celebrating fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables are to run in Copeland this September.

One event, in Egremont, is a cookery demonstration from Grainne Jakobson.

The second, in Lamplugh, allows participants to learn about growing food, and together cook and eat a meal.

The sessions are part of the Lengthsmen schemes, facilitated by Copeland Borough Council and funded by Copeland Community Fund, Leconfield Estates, Home Group and parish councils.

• Tuesday September 1, 10am until noon, at Egremont Rugby Union Club, Bleach Green. Grainne Jakobson will talk about what is in season and cook using produce such as french beans, courgettes, tomatoes, sweet corn, kale and raspberries.

Participants will also learn about growing food, preparation and safe cooking. This workshop is open to residents of Egremont, St Bees, Haile and Wilton, Beckermet and Lowside Quarter.

• Wednesday September 9, 10am until 1pm at Lamplugh Village Hall. Helen Shipton-Smith of Helen’s Herbs will offer tips on growing and cooking delicious seasonal food. Participants will then put their knowledge into action, using local ingredients to cook a healthy meal, before sitting down together to enjoy it. This event is open to residents in the parishes of Moresby and Parton, Cleator Moor, Arlecdon and Frizington, Ennerdale and Kinniside, Lamplugh, and Weddicar.

Places on both events are limited and need to be booked, but the events are free and all equipment will be provided. To book contact Chris Pickles at chris.pickles@copeland.gov.uk. Those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

As well as providing events like this, the lengthsmen schemes employ environmental workers and apprentices who carry out tasks like grass cutting, litter picking, unblocking gulleys and maintaining fences, noticeboards and benches.  Giving the community new skills in sustaining and nurturing the environment is an important part of the lengthsman scheme. The Lamplugh event is linked to a recent project at Lamplugh School where the lengthsmen upgraded the raised beds, enabling children to grow their own beans, onions and potatoes

Ends

Notes for Editors

• For media enquiries, please contact Leila Cox on 01946 598315.

• Copeland Borough Council – Proud of our past. Energised for our future.

• Copeland Borough Council’s vision – Working to improve lives, communities and the prosperity of Copeland.

• One of the funders of this project is the Copeland Community Fund.  It was established to recognise the role Copeland plays in hosting the national Low Level Waste Repository close to Drigg.  The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority pays £1.5m each year into the fund for every year that the current operation vault receives waste; in addition to an initial endowment of £10m.  A board of directors representing Copeland Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the private sector manage the fund. For more information visit www.copelandcommunityfund.co.uk.