FARMERS HELP PEOPLE WAKE UP TO THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAKFAST

Farmers will be helping young people to wake up to the importance of eating breakfast during Farmhouse Breakfast Week (January 24/30, 2010).

Now in its 11th year, this HGCA campaign www.hgca.com/breakfast highlights the benefits of a great start to the day. Evidence shows that people who eat breakfast are less likely to suffer from stress and have increased concentration levels at work and in the classroom. An NFU South East spokesperson said: “Farmers across the South East will be helping children to understand the importance of a great start to the day by providing free samples of the finest local breakfast products. The tastings will certainly trigger debate about the origins of our food. Research shows that people under 30 lack awareness of where foods such as oats, flour and milk come from. It’s vital that we educate the adults of tomorrow about the food they eat and the role played by British farmers in producing our daily bread.” The NFU is supporting a range of events across the region, listed below. East Sussex On Tuesday January 26, from 11am, farmer Gill Hesselgrave of Stonehouse Farm, Hellingly, in East Sussex BN27 4HD, is hosting pupils from St Bede’s School (Upper Dicker, near Hailsham), for a lesson on her farm, on animal care. They will then tuck into a hearty Farmhouse Breakfast of local produce (sausages, locally-baked bread, apple juice and Cox apples). Contact Gill Hesselgrave tel: 01323 844613. Wednesday January 27 sees Frant and Mayfield NFU branch cooking a Farmhouse Breakfast for commuters from 5.30am until 8.15am at Frant Station, Bells Yew Green, TN3 9BJ. Richard Padfield of Renhurst Farm, Mark Cross near Crowborough is supplying bacon, egg and sausages to be served in locally-baked bread rolls. Richard Padfield: 07786 981441. Isle of Wight A range of in-school Farmhouse Breakfast activities at Arreton, Mayfield and Weston are being supported by the NFU, Healthy Schools, Community Chefs and Isle of Wight Economic Partnership. There is also an event at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Wootton. Contact dairy farmer Judi Griffin tel: 01983 882239 or Carlene Williams at IWEP tel: 01983 535819 / 07780 671754. West Sussex A weeklong event involving Twineham CE School pupils visiting a neighbouring farm for a breakfast of local produce, followed by farmers giving talks about breakfast in school -7.30am until 8.15am daily from January 25/29. Venue: Twineham Place Farm, Twineham Lane, RH17 5NP, home to NFU members Jo and Robert Worsley: 01444 881376. Bury C.E Primary School near Pulborough RH20 1HB - January 28/29. Children will hear a farmer talking about breakfast during assembly at 9am on the first day. Each class will then enjoy practical activities - tasting porridge, preparing dough for bread and so on. On January 29, all will enjoy a Farmhouse Breakfast of local produce, run by Friends of Bury School (parents’ association) from 8.30am. Farmer’s wife Caroline Harriott (a parent governor) has led the organisation of the event. Contact: Headteacher Kate Thomas tel: 01798 831502