Scuseme at the Cambridge Food Garden and Produce Show

In Cambridge, we have such enterprising and entrepreneurial people on our doorstep. We have one of the highest concentration of Nobel prize-winners in the world and an exciting technology cluster, but here I want to praise the entrepreneurs who bring us the Cambridge Food Garden and Produce Show, Oakleigh Fairs.

Last weekend the transformation of Parkers Piece into a country fair haven was quite spectacular. Despite the gloomy weather, there was a lively party atmosphere. Thousands gathered from all over the region, to sample, buy, and generally get excited by locally sourced food, drink, and interesting things for the garden. This family event provides such a diverse range of activities, most often seen in the countryside; including falconry, cooking demonstrations, traditional fairground rides, and pet petting – the puppy terriers are absolutely adorable. There really is something for all ages making it a great family day out.

A major attraction of this event is the, now firmly established food and garden competition. Open to all ages, the numerous categories include the heaviest pumpkin, the Cambridge cake, and my favourite, for children, the tallest cress hair in a decorated egg. For each category, the winning prize is £4 – making it all about the taking part and not the winning.

This year I heard, for the first time, the Cambridge Wind Band, they were fantastic. I’m quite tempted to dust off my clarinet and audition. So to a background of soundtracks from The Simpsons, Star Wars and Family Guy, as well as much other jazz and modern classics, I sampled lots of different locally sourced and produced fayre. Tempted by so many lovely things from the wide selection of craft stalls, I bought some of my favourites items and even stocked up on a few early Christmas presents. Unfortunately, I missed Ian Cummins from the Great Bake Off, but I did get to see the Rocking Raw Chef, which was a lovely treat.

Naturally, I chatted to lots of people and bumped into a few of our scuseme suppliers who were also soaking up the atmosphere. That’s what so wonderful about Cambridge, you can’t go anywhere without bumping into someone you know, and seeing the people we recommend out and about is reassuring, refreshing and nice to catch up in such a lovely social situation.

Thank you Oakleigh, I’m looking forward to your return at Christmas.

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