The Year of Food and Farming celebrations got underway in Bedfordshire this week when fourteen pupils from Ridgeway School, Kempston were welcomed by students and staff to Home Farm at Shuttleworth College to take part in the Lambing Event.
Although no lambs were actually born during the visit, the delighted pupils got the opportunity to handle some new born lambs and also to make friends with other animals from the College Small Animal Care Department. They also saw some of the ewes and older lambs.
The visit was arranged as part of the pupils’ project on ‘Spring’ which they are studying this term, and was organised as a joint venture between Shuttleworth College and BRCC (Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity).
A wide variety of food and farming themed events and activities are planned over the next few months across the county and the aim is to encourage children and young people to understand where their food comes from, how it is produced and the important part that it has to play in healthy eating.
Due to an overwhelming response from local schools, Bedfordshire Year of Food and Farming coordinator, Anne-Marie Hamilton, is urgently seeking more farmers, food producers and country people who would be willing to spare a few hours from time to time to ‘link’ with their local school and enable all pupils to gain direct experience of farming, food, cooking and the countryside. She is keen to reassure those that are willing to help: “No previous teaching experience or skills are necessary, only enthusiasm and a desire to help children and young people get involved in the Year of Food and Farming.” she said.
If you feel you can help, please contact Anne-Marie on 01480 212772, who can help match you to your local school and provide you with the necessary support.
Notes to Editor:
The Year of Food and Farming runs from September 2007 to July 2008. The Year aims to give children direct experience of seeing, growing and cooking food. Farmers, food produces and many other organisations are working together to make the Year a unique opportunity for pupils. HRH The Price of Wales is Patron of the Year, which is endorsed by DfES, Defra and the Department of Health and is sponsored locally by EEDA.
Visit www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk for further details.
BRCC was established in 1953. It is an independent, county-wide charity delivering a wide range of community development services to Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities.
For further information or queries, please contact:
Anne-Marie Hamilton,
Bedfordshire Coordinator
Year of Food and Farming
Tel: 01480 212772
Fax: 01480 471335
Email: [email protected]