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Updated: Monday, 26 May 2008

forth valley community and local food news

Friends of the Earth try new Forth Valley Diet Latest News
As a follow-up to the talk by Mike Small on the Fife Diet, Friends of the Earth Falkirk will meet on Monday, 26 May at 7.30 Glebe Street, Falkirk , to attempt to have a meal of food exclusively from the Forth Valley area.

Among the menu items being considered are mint tea, and rhubarb for a sweet. The discussion will be on the environmental and social impact of food and how to raise the profile of local food production.

On Tuesday the group will have have a stall at a Healthy Living Event at Falkirk Town Hall- 6.30pm to 9.30pm. There will be a stand looking at the heath benefits associated with cycling, organic food and local food. (Norman Philip, Local Group Co-ordinator). (26 May 2008)

Think National, Talk Local Latest News
Members of the public and community groups came together in 3 Food Network events in Clacks, Falkirk and Stirling to debate the Scottish Government’s National Food Policy in April. The events, organised by NHS Forth Valley’s Community Food Development Workers, asked participants what the National Food Policy would mean for them. Morag Mackellar Public Health Nutritionist, NHS Forth Valley, gave a short presentation on the background of why a National Food Policy was being introduced, including the Scottish diet targets 1995 – 2005, and a brief idea of who will be affected by a Food Policy. Morag’s presentation is available on the FVFL website at http://www.fvfl.org.uk/scot_news.htm.

Comments were made about local food being important, that it should be affordable, available, fresh, seasonal food, and high on the agenda. In terms of what we need to do to support a food policy, suggestions included, a seasonal calendar to raise awareness, information to schools & community through the ‘Food Miles Plus’ game, have more allotments, food should be grown in Scotland, increase adult evening & day classes to grow your own, and subsidise local growers. Messages to send to the Scottish Government included: more teaching / encouragement to home-grow; better promotion of local produce; subsidy on local produce. For further information on the consultations, contact Susan Kennedy (Falkirk & Stirling) 07716 125666 or email susankennedy2@nhs.net, or Debbie Ross (Clacks) on 0788 150 2838 or email Deborah.ross@nhs.net. (15 May 2008)

Local Food-Friendly Falkirk Latest News
Friends of the Earth Falkirk enjoyed a highly entertaining talk from Mike Small, the man behind the Fife Diet experiment. The group learnt how around 200 people in Fife are attempting to spend a year eating – as far as possible - produce only from their small part of the world. Mike touched on the reasons behind the experiment and the problems people were facing. These included practical aspects like a lack of time for real cooking, Fife's dearth of diary farmers, and the fact that we have lost so many skills as well as more down-to-earth issues like a year without chocolate and coffee!! For more information, go to http://fifediet.wordpress.com/. (Source: Friends of the Earth Falkirk)(15 May 2008)

Falkirk Allotments Society Open Night Latest News
Falkirk Allotment Society held a well-attended Open Night on 12 May, with a display of information gathered during their research into allotments over the last year. The society explained their progress towards 21st Century allotments in Falkirk, and reported a growing level of interest in allotments in the area. Visit: http//falkirkallotmentsociety.tripod.com. (Source: Falkirk Allotments Society)(15 May 2008)

The Annual Friends of the Smith Art Gallery Plant Sale Latest News
The annual plant sale will be held on Saturday 17th May, from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. This is an opportunity to pick up reasonably-priced plants, including vegetable plants, from local gardens which will usually thrive in our climate and conditions, and support the ‘Friends’ at the same time. http://www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk/calendar.html. (Source: Forth Environment Link)(15 May 2008)

Braveheart Falkirk – Healthy Living Latest News
Braveheart Falkirk is holding a Healthy Living Event in Falkirk Town Hall, 6.30 – 9.30 pm on Tuesday 27 May. Falkirk Allotment Society and Friends of the Earth Forth Valley will be there promoting their work on local food. Contact: Gail Barton, Tel: 01324 624000 Ext 5400, Email: gail.barton@fvah.scot.nhs.uk. (Source: Braveheart Falkirk)(15 May 2008)

Ashfield Cook Book Latest News
A cook-book with a difference has been developed by residents of Ashfield near Dunblane. The book is full of mouth-watering recipes but also has photos, illustrations and personal notes, and is inspired by local food. The book is available at £10 from Jennifer Reid at the Well Read bookshop in Dunblane’s High Street or contact ashfield-artist@hotmail.com. (Source: Jennifer Reid, and Stirling Observer).(15 May 2008)

Killearn Wee Green Market Hopes for Big Success
The next market will be on Saturday, 3 May 2008 at Killearn Village Hall from 10.00 am - 2.00 pm.

Organiser, Jaqui McAlpine, reported a BIG success in March. The vegan bakers being sold out by 12.30 pm and Achray Bakers sold out at 1.30 pm! Jaqui said, "People who come to the market really love the local produce and can not get enough of it". Jaqui would like to hear from any local fruit and vegetable producers who could sell their produce at the market. Contact: Jaqui on 01360 551659 or email jaquimcalpine@hotmail.com. (added 30 April 2008).

Falkirk Allotments Society Open Night
Falkirk Allotment Society is holding an Open Night and a display of information gathered during their research into allotments over the last year, and progress towards 21st Century allotments in Falkirk. There is a growing level of interest in allotments in Falkirk and the society invites you to join them for some refreshments and a chat. The event is on Monday, 12 May at the Falkirk Christian Centre, Glebe Street, Falkirk, 7.30pm. All welcome. Visit: http//falkirkallotmentsociety.org.uk/index.html. (addedd 30 April 2008)

Braveheart Falkirk to hold Healthy Living Event
Braveheart Falkirk will be holding a Healthy Living event on Tuesday, 27 May 2008, from 6.30 - 9.30 pm in Falkirk Town Hall. Local food- promoting organisations signed up to take a stall will be Falkirk Allotment Society and Friends of the Earth Forth Valley.

The event is open to the public and this year, the organisers hope to top the 200 visitor mark set at last year's event.

For further information, contact Gail Barton on 01324 624000 Ext 5400, or email gail.barton@fvah.scot.nhs.uk.

Friends of the Earth Forth Valley Host Fife Diet Speaker

Friends of the Earth Forth Valley (FoE FV) will be hosting Mike Small from the Fife Diet Project , to tell them about his project of spending a whole year just eating food produced in Fife.

Norman Philip, FoE FV Local Group Co-ordinator, writes, "Mike Small, argues that we should eat local produce and save the planet, an idea that has obliged his family - and a growing number of adherents to his cause - to eat meals of local lamb, pork and a great many dishes based on parsnips, beetroots, kale, potatoes, leeks and all the other root vegetables that typify the agricultural output of this wind-swept corner of Scotland. Learn about the pros and cons of sourcing all his food within a 20 mile radius".

"It's part of our experiment to see if we can do it, how long can we do it for, what it costs, and what the health benefits are. We're not saying we've got all the answers. We've got small children, we work, and we're crap at gardening. We are not The Good Life, but it will just be interesting to see if it can be done. It might be that we can't do it and it ends up that we just buy seasonally and more locally. (Mike Small, The Guardian, 21 November 2007 )

What would a Falkirk Diet look like? What food would we be able to source within a 20 mile radius and could we sustain a healthy diet?

The meeting will be held in the Christian Centre, Glebe Street Falkirk on Monday 28 April from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Download the meeting flyer here .(10 April 2008)

All-Go for Food Networks
The first meeting of the Stirling Food Network will be held on Wednesday, 19 March 2008, from 11.30 am – 2.30 pm at Raploch Community Campus. The Network is for anyone with an interest or involvement in food activities of any kind or at any level. Hear about current food issues, local food, funding opportunities, training and resources. Share experiences, talk to other people, groups and organisations about what they are doing. Community Food Development, along with Forth Valley Food Links, would like to work with groups and organisations to share best practice. A locally made and sourced (as far as possible) lunch will be provided by Raploch Community Campus Hospitality Department.

Falkirk Food Network Meeting
The next meeting of the network will be on Wednesday, 2 April at Falkirk College, (time to be confirmed) where the subject for discussion will be the National Food Policy and the role of community food initiatives. For details contact Susan Kennedy, Community Food Development Worker on 01786 431171, mobile/text: 07881 503466, email: susankennedy2@nhs.net.

Clacks Food Network Meeting
As with the Falkirk Food Network, the subject for discussion will be the National Food Policy. The meeting will be held on Friday, 4 April at a time and venue to be arranged. Contact Debbie Ross, Community Food Development Worker on 01259 724324 or mobile 07881 1502838, email: Deborah.ross@nhs.net. See ‘Spotlight On…The National Food Policy Debate’. (Source: Susan Kennedy).(4 March 2008)

A-SPIRE-ing Balfron
Discussions are taking place to continue the successful Balfron High Rural Skills Programme pilot. SPIRE partners include Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission for Scotland, LLTCP, Carbeth Home Farm, Cashel Millenium Farm, and many other local rural businesses. The programme aims to develop employment skills among school students, and embraces food and sustainability at its core. (Source: NEWSNOTE 5, 31 January 2008, Daye Tucker). (4 March 2008)

Killearn's Wee Green Market
Following a successful Christmas Wee Green Market in Killearn, a second market will be held on Saturday 15th March, Killearn Village Hall, 10.00 am to 14.00 pm. Organiser, Jaqui McAlpine said, "It is hoped that it will be staged monthly but this will only be possible if more food producers can be found, as the market will not survive on crafts alone. And of course we need the support of the villagers too. The Wee Green Market in Killearn is a market with a conscience, bringing Fairtrade, ethically traded, local produce, locally made crafts and food to the village". Contact Jaqui on 01360 551659 or email jaquimaclpine@hotmail.com if you can supply produce for the market. ((Source: Jaqui McAlpine).4 March 2008)

New Community Orchard for Riverside
A new community group has been established in Riverside, Stirling, to develop a community orchard. The group is a spin-off of the Going Carbon Neutral Riverside group and is currently identifying areas where trees can be planted, and recruiting interested members. The next meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Monday 25 February at 16 Forrest Road, Riverside. For further information contact Diane Alderdice on 01786 463006 or email: mcalder@btopenworld.com. (Source: Diane Alderdice). (4 March 2008)

Sunlite Cafe - Local & Fair
The Sunlite Café, based in the Cowane Centre in Stirling, is hoping to source fruit and
vegetables from local producers for the café, and to sell on to their customers. The café only uses Fairtrade tea and
coffee, and is aiming to open a small Fairtrade outlet within the café. For further details contact Fiona Hamilton, Café
Co-ordinator on 01786 475459. (Source: Fiona Hamilton).

Food Miles Plus Game Piloted
Piloting for the food game is now underway throughout Forth Valley. The pilot is being undertaken by NHS Forth
Valley staff with a number of client groups ranging from community food groups to schools. The interactive game encourages participants to discuss the issues involved in bringing our food from where it is produced to where it is eaten. If you would like to help pilot the game from now until the end of March, then please contact either Janey Brown on 01786 431175 or janey.brown@fvpc.nhs.scot.uk to book it. (4 March 2008)

Food Hub for Clackmannanshire
Making local fresh and healthy food more available to people in Clackmannanshire will be the focus of work by Forth Valley Food Links (FVFL) in the coming months, thanks to a £10,000 grant awarded by The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT).

The funding award made by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), the charity exclusively dedicated to the regeneration of our coalfield communities, will be used to research the possibility of setting up a Food Hub in Clackmannanshire, initially in the Tullibody, Alloa South and East, and Sauchie areas, with a roll-out of services to other areas in Clackmannanshire in future.

The hub will be a central depot and distribution centre for locally-produced seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables. It will make locally-grown fresh produce accessible and affordable to communities who would not normally consume the suggested daily amounts for a healthy diet.

FVFL Project Officer, Diane Alderdice said, “We are delighted that the CRT has funded this work, which will help contribute towards the targets set out in the Clackmannanshire Regeneration Outcome Agreement for increasing the numbers of people eating five or more portions of fresh fruit and vegetable per day”.
Dr Alison Dawson from the Department of Applied Social Science at the University of Stirling, has been appointed to research the feasibility of setting up the hub. She will link with the Clackmannanshire Green Mapping Project, to consult with appropriate local community groups and other relevant persons and organisations, to find out possible locations for the hub, how it would operate, and the nature of the products and services to be offered.

The Food Hub would be an example of sustainability in practice. It would look into the possibility of delivering weekly boxes or bags of locally-sourced, fresh produce direct to customers, which would be expected to reduce local food-related vehicle miles and transport-related carbon dioxide emissions.

Diane continued, “The hub will also create new income and new employment opportunities in Clackmannanshire, and help to support and stimulate the local economy. Research has shown that when food is sold close to where it is produced, local food businesses are more likely to use local services and suppliers”.
Anyone interested in being involved in the consultation about the Clackmannanshire Food Hub, or would like to find out more should contact Diane Alderdice, Project Officer on 01786 446255 or email diane@fvfl.org.uk.

LOCAL PRODUCERS AND CATERERS WANTED FOR THE DOUNE & DUNBLANE FLING
Forth Valley Food Links will be managing the food and catering tent at the Doune & Dunblane Fling at Doune Castle on Sunday, 28 May 2006.

This year, there will be a Medieval Theme, so the event would not be complete without a hog roast (provided by Heritage Meats).

If any other local producer or food caterer is interested in taking a stall (£20) then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact Alex Fowles on 01786 446255 or contact us via email.

SPUDS WE LIKE! Dunblane's 1st Potato Day
Dunblane Gardening Club, in association with Dunblane Allotment Group, will host its first ever Potato Day on 11 March 2006, from 11.00 am - 4.00 pm in the Cathedral Halls, Dunblane. Entry is £1.50.

There will be up to 50 modern and heritage varieties to purchase and grow, including organic potatoes. Expert advice will be available and your questions answered.

SLOW DOWN, GO FURTHER!

Friends of the Earth Forth Valley is holding a public talk on Wednesday 29th March 2006, 7:30 to 9:30 at the
Old Sheriff Court, Hope Street, Falkirk, about the Slow Food Movement in Scotland.

The talk will be followed by a discussion about what action could be taken locally to encourage the public to buy local fresh food.

Information & Links:

Slow Food was founded by Carlo Petrini in Italy in 1986, and is an "international association that promotes food and wine culture, but also defends food and agricultural biodiversity worldwide."

Friends of the Earth Scotland - www.foe-scotland.org.uk
Slow Food Movement - www.slowfood.com
BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/slowfood.shtml
Slow Cities (Cittaslow) Network UK - www.cittaslow.org.uk

FREE BUS RUN TO KILDEAN FRUIT MARKET

Cultenhove Opportunities Partnership is sponsoring a free bus run to Kildean Fruit Market for all Cultenhove Residents. The bus will leave from Cultenhove Post Office at 10.00 am every Thursday and return at 11.00 am.

To book, please call 01786 450613.