Hundreds of people attended Monmouthshire food festival run to promote the county’s produce at Caldicot Castle and it attracted foodies from across Gwent. Chef Tim McDougall from the Llansantffraed Court Hotel & Restaurant at Clytha photographed with Monika Kudaseva (24) from Newport (originally from Lithuania) at the cooking demonstration. Tim began his career at the 1 Michelin star and 3 Rosette Vineyard Hotel near Newbury as a college trainee and then as a Commis Chef. Monika said: “It is a great location at Caldicot Castle to enjoy the Monmouthshire Food Festival with lots of interesting information on how to cook healthy food. It is a great opportunity to learn more about cooking and staying healthy.”
Organiser Charlotte Greig said: “Caldicot Castle is a fantastic location for the food festival. It is a beautiful part of Wales and we have the best of food, scenery and hospitality.”
Bees and other pollinating insects are essential to our food supply. Without them we would have much less to eat. Russell Flynn, Carol Jobling, Eric Long, Ann Long Joseph Jobling from The Gwent Beekeeping Association at their stall at the food festival. Mr Flynn (treasurer) said: “We offer a free swarm collecting service and we often provide talks to groups that are interested in the importance of maintaining the honey bee and the environment.”
Monmouthshire Food Festival was delighted that Monmouthshire Youth Service once again hosted the Children’s Corner. The aim of the Children’s Quarter was to promote healthy alternatives to high fat and sugar snack food and drink as well as creating activities where young people can have fun and discover some healthier options for between meal snacks.
Steven Caswell, Darren Hickey, Joanna Lewis and Alex Harris from The Monmouthshire Youth Service were on hand to interact with younger visitors at the food festival. Alex said: We really enjoyed this opportunity of promoting the importance of both healthy eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Ruth Davis and Eric Smith from Border Publishing (Welsh Border Life and Welsh Coastal Life magazines) displaying their products at the food festival. Ruth said: “We really enjoy visiting such a lovely venue here at Caldicot Castle.”
Providing cool lemonade on the warm summer day at the festival were Joel Brains, Merryn Kelly, Pam Jenkins and John Jenkins from Bryn Farm. John said: “We are proud to serve fresh delicious produce and offer great value for money. We are delighted to be here in such a wonderful setting.”
Monmouthshire Food Festival was delighted to welcome a team from Guide Dogs Cymru. The charity offered visitors a chance to get up close to a guide dog or puppy and find out more about their vital work. Guide dog owners also took a leading role in cookery demonstrations, showing how blind and partially sighted people prepare mouth-watering meals from scratch.
Frank Greig, Hilary Lester, Trish Williams, Mike Williams, Trevor Philips and Joanne Butler. Mr Greig (Community Fundraiser for the Guide Dogs Cymru) said: “We enjoyed the two days at the Monmouthshire Food Festival showing everyone at the festival all of our wonderful dogs. It was a great opportunity to meet our dogs and enjoy the festival.”
Monika Kudaseva (24) from Newport (originally from Lithuania) talking with John Holden one of the speakers at the festival about the benefits of keeping bees and of making honey.
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