UK’s Biggest Ever Family Bash!

• Now more than 2000 family friendly events to choose from:
• Sports, arts, education, entertainment... and the obscure
• Visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk to find out what’s on near you

This Summer half term [25-31 May 2009] sees the arrival of National Family Week, the first ever week for celebrating all that is great about the family and for enjoying family time together - and there are now more than 2000 weird, wild and wonderful family events happening across the UK to take your pick from.

Thanks to more than 150 national organisations supporting the week ranging from The Ramblers Association and the National Parks to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the Natural History Museum, there is something for every family. You name it, from rambling to white water rafting, classical concerts for kids to planet modelling, woodland crafts to writing workshops - there will be an event near you! Some of the events include:-

• The Ramblers Association:More than 100 family walks will be taking place week long
• The Tennis Foundation:25 tennis taster events on Monday 25 May
• National Parks:84 events at 14 parks
• Woodland Trust:A series of led family walks at key sites across the UK and a downloadable pack of ‘things to do for families’ whilst walking in the woods!
• Imperial War Museum:Family themed events at museums across the UK
• Butlins resorts:Family Week Story Time events with Pingu and Billy the Bear at resorts across the country
• Capital Shopping Centres:A whole host of National Family Week events in 10 participating centres across the week

National Family Week, the largest ever coalition on family issue starts with a record breaking attempt for the world’s largest simultaneous picnic with rugs going down at more than 100 locations across the UK. National Family Week co-founder Kevin Steele commented:

“We hear so much about how the family is in crisis - yet this first ever National Family Week, backed by the biggest coalition on family issues in the UK, shows that family life in the UK can be vibrant and fulfilling. During this one week there will be over two thousand events and activities being run for families around the UK.”

The founding principles behind the week are to celebrate family life, encourage families to spend more time together and to help create a more family-friendly culture.

For a full events listing, to enter the Favourite Family Recipe or Big Family Idea competitions or to use the new web-tool to help families get back in touch, organise a reunion or track down lost relatives, visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk.
Photograph and Logo courtesy of National Family Week

KIDS WEEK IN THE WEST END PRESENTS WEST END FAMILY FUN DAY AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
Get a real taste of the Kids Week experience with a theatrical extravaganza on Tuesday 26 May 2009
A summer of theatre fun starts here with a fantastic free family event thanks to the much-loved and eagerly awaited annual initiative - Kids Week in the West End! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a taste of the Kids Week experience at Southbank’s Centre Royal Festival Hall with a range of exclusive workshops, arts and crafts activities and a performance from Thriller - Live making West End Family Fun Day one you and your kids will never forget. The theatrical extravaganza will be held at The Clore Ballroom from 11:00am on Tuesday 26 May 2009.

West End Family Fun Day will feature songs from the cast of Thriller - Live, the spectacular show that celebrates the legendary career of the world’s undisputed king of pop, Michael Jackson. Parents and children will have the opportunity to take part in a fantastic ballet workshop hosted by the English National Ballet and a singing lesson taught by Mary King, the voice coach to the stars of London theatre. Plus, there’s the chance to be put through your paces by the resident choreographer and the children's resident director of Oliver! as they teach you the words and moves to Consider Yourself, the much-loved song from the hit West End musical. The action-packed day will be presented by Michael Absalom, aka Abs, the popular presenter of CBBC’s hit TV show ‘Best of Friends’ and CBBC’s F1 commentator.

If West End Family Fun Day puts a spring in your step and leaves you wanting more, then watch out for Kids Week as it takes centre stage this summer. Now in its 12th year, Kids Week offers children aged 5 - 16 the opportunity to experience the magic of London theatre for FREE! From 14 to 28 August 2009, head to London’s West End to see hit shows such as Wicked, Hairspray and the brand new musical in town, Sister Act. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s smash hit musicals, comedies or captivating plays, Kids Week guarantees a great theatre experience for all the family.

The Kids Week ticket deal is simple - one child (aged between 5 and 16) can go absolutely FREE to any participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult, and another two children can go for half price. Log on now to www.kidsweek.co.uk <http://www.kidsweek.co.uk> and sign up to the Family Bulletin to be the first to find out all the latest Kids Week news, plus details of other exciting events taking place this summer where children can experience the magic of London theatre.

So don’t miss out, bring your family to West End Family Fun Day at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on 26 May 2009 for an enthralling day of theatre fun and a taste of Kids Week 2009.

Say hello to Big and Small – set to be a BIG hit at St Anns Shopping Centre, Harrow

Saturday 23 May 2009
11:00am - 3:30pm
Visit St Anns Shopping Centre on Saturday 23 May 2009 to enjoy a special appearance from Big and Small, stars of the CBeebies hit TV show. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the loveable characters from 11am and have your photograph taken as they join the families of Harrow for an exclusive day of fun!

Watch out for the arrival of Big and Small, appearances will take place throughout the day: 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, and last approximately 35 minutes, make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Variety is the spice of life and Big and Small has added a touch of spice to CBeebies, proving an instant hit with little ones and their parents and quickly becoming one of the most popular shows on the channel. Celebrating the delightful differences between two best friends, every episode contains BIG fun which will keep little kids, big kids and parents learning and laughing together. Featuring the voices of legendary actor and comedian Lenny Henry as Big and Small and Imelda Staunton as their friends this is one show not to be missed.

Catch Big and Small every day on BBC 1 at 3:05pm, BBC 2 at 8:30am and CBeebies at 3:40pm. Fans of Big and Small can now enjoy the fun-filled adventures of the two best friends whenever they want with the release of ‘We’re Big and Small’ (RRP £12.99) on DVD, available to buy now from HMV at the St Ann’s Shopping Centre.

Don’t forget for your convenience St Anns has onsite parking facilities and is located directly opposite Harrow on the Hill tube station making it the perfect location for a great day out.

To obtain a full list of retailers or for further details relating to centre opening times please contact the St Anns Management Team on 0208 861 2282 or visit the website www.stannsshopping.co.uk <http://www.stannsshopping.co.uk>


BUTTONS FUN ON THE FARM FOR ALL THE FAMILY FOR FREE!
- Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Brings Half-Term Entertainment Extravaganza to Family Farms -

If you head down to the farm in May you’re sure of a big surprise - Buttons Fun on The Farm will be rolling into town! Full to the brim with family fun and smiles aplenty, it will be a day out for all to remember and it’s absolutely FREE!

Touring the country during May half-term, Buttons Fun on the Farm will make its first stop at Mudchute Park and Farm, London on 23rd - 24th May 2009, swinging open the doors to ticket holders between 10am and 4pm each day. For further locations in Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Liverpool, Gateshead, Bath, Leicester and Manchester visit www.buttonsfunonthefarm.co.uk.

Among all the farmyard excitement, Buttons Fun on the Farm will feature six entertaining activity zones hosted by Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons very own Cat, Pig, Panda, Owl, Monkey and Penguin.

Each area will be bursting at the seams with creative activities, games, face painting, story telling and treasure hunts to keep the whole family smiling from ear to ear!

Your guide on the day will be Cat who will welcome you to the farm and get your family adventure underway. With everything from painting to ball games to getting a professional ‘Photo on the Farm’ as a memento of your day, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.

Visit Pig’s Sty to show off your artistic talents with plenty of materials to create a masterpiece from. Make your way to Wise Owl’s Corner to take part in fun puzzles, riddles and quizzes. Afterwards test your family’s powers of deduction and explore the farm by unscrambling the clues in Wise Owl’s Treasure Hunt.

Panda’s Art and Crafts is where budding cooks can try a spot Biscuit and Button decorating to create edible souvenirs of the day.

For those with energy to burn, Monkey’s Climbing and Adventure Zone will be the place for you. And last but not least, head to Penguin’s Performance, the perfect platform for budding stars and starlets. With karaoke and plenty of dancing, it’s the ideal opportunity for the whole family to show off their singing and acting talents.

Full event information, including FAQs, will be available on www.buttonsfunonthefarm.co.uk Tickets are free via www.buttonsfunonthefarm.co.uk. A maximum of four tickets per person distributed on a first come first served basis www.buttonsfunonthefarm.co.uk.

TASTE OF EDINBURGH SERVES UP A COCKTAIL OF SUMMER FUN
Taste of Edinburgh has announced a combination of refreshing new features which will allow visitors to try out Summer’s top tipples and embrace al fresco drinking. With over thirty drinks producers at this year’s festival, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a drink which best represents your taste of Edinburgh.

If you want to try something new, look no further than Scotland’s finest festival of food and drink, Taste of Edinburgh, to answer all your drinking dilemmas. The event is set to be a gastronomes paradise with an unrivalled number of top drinks connoisseurs coming together in a brand new setting - the scenic and spacious Inverleith Park from 29th May – 31st May 2009.

Along with Edinburgh’s finest producers and exhibitors, Taste of Edinburgh brings the city’s finest bars to Inverleith Park. The festival has today announced that Hamilton’s Bar and Kitchin are bringing their renowned pop art and ‘Treacle’ cocktail to the festival for this first time this year. The popular venue will join a host of Edinburgh’s top entertainment venues including boutique venue Bacaro who will host this year’s VIP bar and the Jam House, providing the soundtrack of the Summer festival as well as Festival Inns to name but a few.

From fine French wine to Russian vodka and Irish whiskey, Taste of Edinburgh brings you drinks exhibitors with tasting notes from around the globe.

On hand to guide you through the weekends festivities is acclaimed wine journalist, Olly Smith of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen fame, who will compare at the Taste Theatre sponsored by ScottishPower, where Taste of Edinburgh’s talent pool of star chefs take to the stage each year, along with inspiring cocktail flaring from Bacaro.

If you like your cocktails with a twist, stop by the Roseleaf restaurant stand and enjoy one of their signature creations, prohibition style, served in eclectic mismatched chintzy crockery. Their alcoholic tea parties go down a storm in their Leith home and they’ll be bringing the same charm and quirky vibe to Taste of Edinburgh.

VIP ticket holders can head across to the plush surroundings of the Bacaro enclosure, where they can enjoy a complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne.

Australia’s fun loving wine brand [yellow tail] are rocking up to Taste of Edinburgh with their new music and wine platform, the [yellow tail] Sample Sessions. The experts at [yellow tail] will be able to tell you which [yellow tail] wine serves as the perfect accompaniment to your tune of choice, be it Destiny’s Child, Blondie or Status Quo – all tastes are catered for, even though there’s no accounting for musical taste.

There really is something for everyone at Taste of Edinburgh and the designated drivers can stop by Firefly Tonic stand and sample their ravenously refreshing and energising drinks, before stopping for a bite to eat.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of Channel 4’s River Cottage fame will visit the festival on Friday 29th May, when he will join the city’s best restaurants, chefs and producers gathering for Scotland’s most celebrated food festival. While Jean-Christophe Novelli will join the crowds on Sunday 31st May, joining a feast of events planned for this year’s festival as leading chefs and rising stars demonstrate their culinary craft live on stage.

14 renowned city restaurants will be offering a taste of their outstanding Scottish fare including; abstract (just announced), Bella Mbriana, Centotre, Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols, Hotel du Vin (new for 2009), Malmaison, number one at The Balmoral, Ricks (new for 2009), Santini, The Bonham, The Rutland (new for 2009), The Tower, Tigerlily and Vincaffe.
Please enjoy Taste of Edinburgh sensibly. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for information and guidance on responsible drinking.

TROPICANA MAKES A SPLASH AT TASTE
World Breakfast Bar set to serve delicacies from around the globe

Tropicana, the UK’s number one juice brand and an official sponsor of Taste, will delight food lovers at this summer’s Taste festivals, with the Tropicana World Breakfast Bar in Edinburgh (29th-31st May) and London (18-21st June). The bar will serve the very finest juice with delicious breakfasts from a variety of countries across the globe. And who better to host a World Breakfast Bar than Tropicana, experts for over 60 years in blending the best tasting juice to enjoy with any breakfast.

Mouth-watering breakfasts from five different countries will be dished up to coincide with the actual time people are sitting down to the most important meal of the day, in the breakfast’s country of origin. So if toast and marmalade doesn’t quite float your boat, be whisked away to New York for a sumptuous stack of Blueberry Pancakes or transported to Jamaica for some Green Banana Porridge, created and served by international chefs from some of the UK’s top restaurants. Each breakfast will be accompanied by a delicious Tropicana juice, individually matched by the chef to complement the flavours of the recipe.

Top chefs serving delicious breakfasts at the Tropicana World Breakfast Bar
• 1-2pm New York :Sujan Sarkar, Head Chef at Automat
• 2-3pm South America:Adrian Searing, Head Chef at Christopher’s
• 3-4pm Jamaica:Patrick Williams, TV chef and Head Chef at The Terrace
• 6-7pm New York: Adrian Searing, Head Chef at Christopher’s
• 7-8pm Japan :Nick Watt, Head Chef at Roka
• 8-9pm New Zealand: Winner of MasterChef 2009, Mat Follas*

In addition to the World Breakfast Bar, the chefs will appear in the ‘Taste Theatre’ - a must-see highlight of the event, where live cooking demonstrations will take place. Other top chefs including the likes of Atul Kochhar, Giorgio Locatelli, Gary Rhodes and Tom Aikens will also be on hand to provide tips on how to create the perfect breakfast dish, worthy of a true food aficionado.
The Tropicana World Breakfast Bar is stand number S5 at Taste Edinburgh and S3 at Taste London.
*Matt Follas will only appear at Taste Edinburgh. Further chef for London TBC

For more information on Tropicana at Taste visit www.channelfour.com/food, or for more information on Tropicana juices visit www.tropicana.co.uk/foodlovers

GREAT DAYS OUT THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND IN LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has something for everyone this Bank Holiday weekend.

Whether you are looking for a fun family day out or simply want to enjoy some of Scotland's most stunning scenery then look no further than Scotland's first National Park.

The Park is a unique breathing space on the doorstep of over 3 million people, with half of Scotland’s population living within an hour’s travel and 80% living within 2 hours, making it the ideal destination.

Elspeth Mclachlan, Brand & Tourism Manager for the National Park Authority gives her top 5 recommendations to enjoy this stunning part of Scotland. For more information about some of the fantastic things you can see and do in the Park why not visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org. Don’t forget this is only a sample of what’s on offer in the Park.

1. For the amateur photographer, why not take the mail boat from Balmaha boatyard to the jewel of Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch (meaning Isle of the Old Woman) part of Loch Lomond’s National Nature Reserve. Forming part of Scotland’s Highland boundary fault, this ancient island is cloaked in mystery and folklore. May is the perfect time to visitwhen the forests are carpeted with bluebells. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the white fallow deer swimming between the islands. Remember to take a picnic or why now enjoy a pub lunch as you leave the boatyard at the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha? Take the boat from McFarlane’s boatyard in Balmaha (£3) Tel: 01360 870 214. And if you’d like to stay longer on the island, there is a camp site in the south at Port Bawn and a delightful nature trail. To book call Balmaha National Park Visitor Centre Tel: 01389 722 100.

2. If you’re coming from Edinburgh, head for Aberfoyle and drive over the spectacular Duke’s Pass, named after Rob Roy’s arch rival, the Duke of Montrose. Passing three lochs en route, Lochs Drunkie, Venacher and Achray, make sure you stop at the David Marshall Lodge which sits just above Aberfoyle. Here you can watch the world famous Aberfoyle ospreys on CCTV or take one of the many walking routes in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. A visit to the red squirrel hide is a must! If you’re feeling energetic, grab some friends and fly around the tree tops at Go Ape. The Aberfoyle Go Ape course has the longest zip line in the UK measuring 426 metres. Travel back home via Callander and sample the delights of the many local eateries such as Mhor Fish before watching the sun go down over Ben Ledi. For more information about Go Ape visit http://www.goape.co.uk/ For events at the David Marshall Lodge visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk

3. From Glasgow, why not leave your car at home, get the train to Balloch and take a cruise on Loch Lomond or explore the recently refurbished Balloch Castle Country Park. and enjoy the local shops and restaurants. Take advantage of the Loch Lomond 4Bs! This unique service offers visitors the chance to cycle part of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path (either bring your own bike or hire from Can You Experience at Loch Lomond Shores 01389 756251) stretching from Balloch to Tarbet, covering 17 miles. The service links up train and boat timetables enabling you to catch a ferry over to Inversnaid and Rowardennan or a cruise on Loch Lomond. A bus service complete with bike trailer picks up from various stops along the way allowing you to do as much or as little of the journey by Boat, Boots, Bike or Bus. Be reassured there’s a fantastic range of quality coffee shops and hotels along the way. For more information visit http://www.lochlomond4bs.co.uk

4. To access the National Park by water, why not take a ferry from Gourock to Dunoon. Cycle, catch the bus or drive to see the glorious rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias coming into bloom at the award winning Benmore Botanic Gardens. In a magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula this enchanting Garden is steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Visit the great Redwood Avenue planted in 1863 and find out the latest on the Benmore Fernery Restoration project. If time permits take the opportunity to create your own mid-summer’s night dream and experience the magical walk into Pucks Glen. Drive back stopping for supper at one of the many loch-side inns such as The Coylet Inn on Loch Eck, http://www.coyletinn.co.uk or the Creggans Inn Hotel, Strachur www.creggans-inn.co.uk. Visit http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore for more information on the gardens.

5. Take your loved one on a romantic getaway. There’s something to suit all budgets from experiencing a cosy heated wooden wigwam at Strathfillan, near Tyndrum, after a bite to eat at the Real Food Café or opt for a relaxing meal and a pint of real ale at the Lade Inn, outside Callander, before sampling a local B&B. For that special occasion treat yourself to a stay at the one of the many country house hotels around the park and for five star luxury, situated on the shores of loch Lomond, Cameron House offers you the best of Scottish hospitality. For glorious isolation, Monachyle Mhor offers a unique experience. For more information on the full range of hotels, self catering and B&B providers in the National Park visit http://www.visitscotland.com and www.tripadvisor.co.uk. For information on St Fillan’s Wigwams visit http://www.sac.ac.uk/consulting/wigwams Tel: 01838 40025

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GOOD TASTE
If you have ever felt outwitted by a wine list, lost the battle with an artichoke or mistaken a Pinot Grigio for a Pinot Noir, then you’ll appreciate that having the right knowledge to hand makes all the difference to an evening of good food, drink and entertainment. There is certainly something to be said about being able to drop in a foodie fact here and some wine knowledge there and impressing a sommelier (and your mates) by ordering something other than the ordinary from the wine list, the epitome of understated cool. Now, Tio Pepe, the number one fino sherry, has created a solution for those that want a quick fix to food and drink shortcuts rather than enrol on a six month course.

The most influential names in food and drink have opened their little black books to create the Art of Good Taste Guide (www.artofgoodtaste.com), the ultimate online reference tool and guide designed to satiate the growing hunger for food and drink knowledge. These tricks of the trade will arm you with everything you need to be a modern gourmet.

Tio Pepe is bringing the Art of Good Taste Guide to life in July with an interactive masterclass with experts from the online guide and lots of good food and drink to match. The event will be held at award winning bar and restaurant, Camino, in Kings Cross, on the evening of Tuesday 21 July. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis, visit www.artofgoodtaste.com for more information.

ELEMIS' EXCLUSIVE MAY OFFERS
1. ‘See the Difference’ Eye Duo
Available at spas, salons and selected retail outlets nationwide or shop online at www.timetospa.co.uk
From 4th – 31st May 2009, Elemis will be launching the limited edition ‘See the Difference’ Eye Duo in a stunning limited edition faux leather jewellery box for just £55

2. Exclusive in-store Gift with Purchase – selected Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser nationwide from 7th May
Buy 2 full size Elemis products and get a choice of 5 travel sizes from a selection of 10 worth up to £110! (see flyer pdf attached). Offer ends 24th May.

3. Exclusive to www.timetospa.co.uk – online from 1st May
Spend £80 and receive a Daily Essentials Collection for your skin type worth over £40. I have attached a jpeg of one of the Daily Essentials Collection.

NATIVE ‘BRITISH’ BEES COULD HOLD KEY TO HONEYBEE SURVIVAL
The native black honeybee, with its better ability to cope with the British weather, could help reverse the dramatic decline in honeybee numbers in the UK.

The population of the honeybee, nature’s most important pollinator, has declined by up to 30 per cent in recent years, but no one knows why.

Pesticides have been implicated by some experts, but others believe the problem is made worse by beekeepers use of a foreign, poorly suited, subspecies of honeybee from Southern and Eastern Europe. Moreover, they believe that a hardy British variety (Apis mellifera mellifera), which is likely only to be found in remote parts of the country, could hold the key to survival of the entire population.

That is why the Co-operative Group, which earlier this year launched Plan Bee, a 10- point programme to help save the honeybee, has today (18 May) announced it is funding the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders’ Association (BIBBA) to seek out and map locations of native black honeybees and their hybrids.

Native black honeybees are considered by some beekeepers to be more aggressive and poorer at producing honey than foreign strains. However, over tens of thousands of years, the native black honeybee has evolved thick black hair and a larger body to help keep it warm in a cooler climate, and a shorter breeding season to reflect the UK summer. With careful selection they are good tempered and good honey producers.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative said: “The hardy native black honeybee has had a bad press over the years but it may hold the key to reversing the decline in the UK’s honeybee population.

“There are isolated populations of the native black bee dotted around the country and we want to help BIBBA to confirm these and map these populations.

“We would also like to help to develop a breeding programme that would increase the number of native colonies and hopefully help reduce the losses experienced in recent years”

Beekeepers who think they have native or near native black honeybees will be asked to send samples to BIBBA who will carry out tests to determine their origins. Members of the public who think they may have seen a native black bee are asked to take a photograph and e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it stating when and where the picture was taken.

Dinah Sweet, Chairman of BIBBA said: “This is a much needed and long overdue research study which could possibly help unlock the answer to the potentially catastrophic decline in the UK honeybee population. However, we have to identify where they can be found so that we can use them in the BIBBA programme to expand the number of native black honeybee colonies and make them more available to beekeepers.”

FORTNUM & MASON HELPS YOU CELEBRATE ENGLISH WINE WEEK
There can be only one way to celebrate English Wine Week (23rd-31st May) and refresh your guests at Summer celebrations this year – with Fortnum & Mason’s own English sparkling wine.

Produced by the experts at Camel Valley in Cornwall, just for the shelves of Fortnum & Mason, this fresh yet vibrant fizz has elegant fruity aromas providing the perfect partner to this season’s British strawberries, light canapés and, indeed, any al fresco appetiser.

Made from a blend of grapes; Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner and Huxelrebe, this decadent sparkling is aged on lees* for 18 months. The long growing season helps to create delicate and subtle aromas maintained through careful practice in the winery.

To further celebrate English produce, why not add a little English Cassis? A patriotic way to drink one's favourite Kir Royale.

Fortnum & Mason English Sparkling, Camel Valley 2006 is priced £23.50 or buy with the English Cassis for £40. Available in store and online at www.fortnumandmason.com.

*Lees are the yeasts and other by products left in the bottle after the second fermentation. Longer aging on the lees gives greater character to the wine.

JERSEY ROYAL NEW POTATOES – THE TASTE OF BRITISH SUMMERTIME
Food lovers rejoice - it’s Jersey Royals time again! Jersey Royal new potatoes symbolise the end of dark winter days with a taste that is summer on a plate. Jersey Royal new potatoes form part of our summer consciousness along with the smell of cut grass, tennis whites and long evenings, and for good reason with their unique taste and flavour.

With ‘seasonality’ and going local being the buzz words on everyone’s lips, Jersey Royal new potatoes are one of the few truly British seasonal products still available – summertime is Jersey Royals time as the season runs from the beginning of April to the end of June. When you taste Jersey Royals, you taste the result of 125 years of hand planting and age old techniques in each bite.

Furthermore, when you see the name Jersey Royals, you know that you can trust you’re buying quality, as they are the only vegetable to have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning they can only be grown in Jersey. They are often referred to as the ‘champagne of the potato world’ by people who care about where their food comes from.

Each bag of Jersey Royals sold can be traced back to the farm on which the potatoes were grown, guaranteeing taste and quality. The name Jersey Royals is emblematic of the sun soaked côtils, the fresh sea breezes and, in some cases, the ‘Vraic’, or seaweed, which is used by farmers as a natural fertiliser.

There is only one real Jersey Royal, but there are hundreds of ways to enjoy it, from recipes created by some of the world’s top chefs to Jersey Royal new potatoes simply boiled and finished off with butter and mint. However you choose to eat Jersey Royal new potatoes, rest assured that they are lovingly handled from field to fork.

• To find recipes using Jersey Royals, please visit www.jerseyroyals.co.uk
• Jersey Royals are in season between April and June
• Jersey Royals are available from all major retailers

CELEBRITY CHEFS SERVE UP RECIPES FOR ‘BIG GREEN BOX WEEK’
International disaster relief charity ShelterBox has teamed up with celebrity chefs to produce mouth-watering recipes to mark ‘Big Green Box Week’ from 18-25 May and promote the charity’s work in providing emergency shelter to those affected by disasters.
Anthony Worrall Thompson, Rick Stein, James Martin, Marcus Wareing, Marty Berry, Liz McCaldron as well as Master Chef winner Mat Follas have all contributed their favourite recipes to the Cornwall-based charity. Dishes include a Kitchen Sink Sandwich, Lambs and Roast Pots with Dumplings and - for those with a very sweet tooth - a Hokey Pokey. The Big Green Box Week recipe book can be downloaded from the charity’s website at http://www.shelterbox.org/biggreenbox.htm

“We are encouraging everyone to try at least one of the recipes during Big Green Box Week,” says Becky Maynard, Fundraising Manager, at the Cornwall-based charity. “Why not hold a dinner party and ask each guest to make a donation to ShelterBox rather than bringing a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates? It’s fun way to spend time with your friends and help a good cause.”

Since 2001 ShelterBox has worked in over 80 disasters in more than 50 countries, providing desperately needed shelter and equipment to more than 600,000 people. The Cornwall-based charity is currently working in four countries – the Philippines, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - getting emergency shelter to thousands of people who have lost their home through no fault of their own.

MEET YOUR ATHLETICS HEROES AT MCCAIN TRACK & FIELD ROADSHOWS
Running from May to September up and down the country, McCain Track & Field Roadshows give everyone the opportunity to give athletics a go in a fun and relaxed environment.

Starting on Sunday 17th May in Nottingham, these free public events give everyone the opportunity to try out different athletic disciplines with the support of UK Athletics (UKA) coaches. Top athletics stars including past and present Team GB heroes such as Sally Gunnell, Marilyn Okoro, Steph Twell and Perri Shakes Drayton will be at the roadshows to give tips, inspire and challenge you to get involved and find out more about athletics. Activities available to try out on the day include testing reaction and strength as well as jumping, throwing and sprinting exercises. Top nutritionist Jane Griffin will also be at each roadshow to ensure you are supporting your active lifestyle with good food. Each McCain Track & Field road show takes place in city centres around key athletics meets designed to encourage people to attend and support their local athletes.

McCain Track & Field Roadshows are part of a nationwide campaign launched by McCain, Principal Partner of UKA, to make athletics more accessible and enjoyable to more people. Through the £5 million 5 year sponsorship of UKA, McCain will play an integral role in helping to find and nurture the champions of tomorrow at grassroots level by inspiring more people to get more active.

At each event there will be talent spotters who will select someone who demonstrates excellent athletic ability to receive sponsorship to trial athletics at their local club, ‘best seat’ tickets for their family to a main Aviva athletics competition and adidas kit for training. There will also be other prizes up for grabs just by coming along.

McCain Track & Field ambassador, Sally Gunnell, comments, “I believe in balancing an active lifestyle with enjoying good food. As a busy mum with three growing boys, I know all about the pressures that parents face in getting their children to eat healthily and get active and am delighted that McCain has joined forces with UKA to help support them and encourage everyone to get into the sport I love.”

Bill Bartlett, Corporate Affairs Director at McCain says, “Our Track & Field Roadshows are a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and have a go. We make good, simple food and have a role to play in promoting a healthy balanced lifestyle to our consumers, ensuring that they are leading an active life as well as enjoying good food.”

McCain Track & Field Roadshows will take place in the following cities from 11am to 4pm with special guest appearances by Team GB athletes between 12-3pm:
17th May: Nottingham, Old Market Square
24th May: Plymouth, Plymouth Hoe Promenade
27th June: Sheffield, Barker’s Pool
4th July: Birmingham, Victoria Square
11th July: Brighton-Hove Lawns
22nd July: London, Trafalgar Square
15th August: Durham, Millennium Square
22nd August: Newcastle, The Blue Carpet, Northumberland Street

For those who enjoy what they experience at the McCain Track & Field Roadshow, they can then head to their local Athletics Club, many of which are now part of a McCain Athletics Network*. Every club offers prospective new members a chance to try the sport on the track, and all you need to do is get in touch. You can search for clubs and find out all about the McCain Athletics Network by visiting www.uka.org.uk.

To find out more about McCain Track and Field Roadshows visit www.mccaintrackandfield.co.uk.

ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW WELCOMES RURAL TV
RURAL TV, the Worlds Rural Channel, will be at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show, England’s biggest and best regional show. Joining RURAL TV at the show will be select trainers from Parelli Natural Horsemanship. They will be on hand at the RURAL TV stand throughout the event to discuss the Parelli Programme, famed for combining elements of common sense equine psychology with natural communication methods to achieve exceptional training results.

The Royal Bath and West Show, running from Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 30 May, is recognized across the UK for featuring the best of the region’s rural traditions, including competitive livestock events, equestrian classes, folk entertainment, country artisans and a delicious selection of homemade food and local drinks.

RURAL TV, now the UK’s most important channel for rural lifestyle, farming, equestrian and country music entertainment programming, will be a major fixture at this year’s show. Located at stand number 82A, representatives from RURAL TV and Parelli will be available throughout the duration of the show to welcome visitors and answer questions.

Available on Sky channel 279 and Freesat 403, RURAL TV airs new Parelli episodes every Monday at noon GMT (and repeated throughout the week). According to Dan Kripke, Vice President / General Manager for RURAL TV in London, “Our viewers report back to us how much they’ve benefitted from watching the Parelli series. It enhances not only their relationship and communication with horses, but these natural methods touch every other aspect of the animal to human and even human to human relationships within their lives.” Adds Kripke, “We’re very excited to have Parelli joining us at the Royal Bath & West Show We encourage everyone to stop by our stand to discover more.”

The Royal Bath and West Show is being held at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallett, Somerset. For tickets and information about the show, please visit the RURAL TV web site: www.ruraltv.tv or phone 01749 822 222.

RICHARD CORRIGAN’S BENTLEY’S CELEBRATES A TASTE OF SPAIN WITH A FANTASTIC OYSTER OFFER
On 31 May 2009, Regent Street will be transformed into a grand showcase of Spanish culture for the annual Taste of Spain festival. There will be regional food tastings, including two giant paellas, as well as flamenco dancers, traditional folk dancing, dancing horses, an art display and activities for children. Bentley’s, one of London’s premier seafood restaurants since 1916, is joining the celebrations with an offer of six Maldon Rock oysters with a glass of Spanish Albarino for just £9.50.

Situated at the southern end of Regent Street, on the borders of Soho and Mayfair, Bentley’s provides a classy respite away from the hubbub of the festival. Guests can sit at the marble-topped bar to watch the oyster shuckers at work, or relax in cosy red leather banquettes. The Grill, located on the first floor is divided into several smaller rooms warmly decorated with William Morris designs and wooden flooring for old-style elegance. There is also a peaceful alfresco dining area, outside on traffic-free Swallow Street.
Address
11-15 Swallow Street
London
W1B 4DG

Nearest Tube
Piccadilly Circus

Contact Details

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