OS from Sunny Suffolk and east Anglia

houseboatdream

Oh dear....looks like our thread is slipping further and further down the list..:(

After a couple of weeks I am now quite into the local shopping. Went to Alder Carr Farm this morning for veggies, eggs and "nice cheese" plus a couple of treats.

Very pleased to say that we haven't darkened the doors of Tesco for a couple of months now though we are still getting all the cheapo dry groceries from Lidl and going to morrisons occasionally to use the free vouchers we get from filling up my Co Car and OH's van.

We called into what is probably the most expensive food shop I have found in the area - the Food Company at Marks Tey, essex. Spring Onions 75p per bunch!!!...only went there because it is next door to where we store the motorhome and I have been searching for some semolina flour for a Jamie Oliver recipe, got the flour but everything sooooo expensive.

Last week I went back to my home town of Coventry on a visit. It made me realise how lucky we are in Suffolk and east Anglia for good pubs with good food and good farm shops. Had to take my Mum some purple sprouting broccoli (I have a bit of an obsession with it myself) 'cos she reckons you can't get it in the midlands

Have a good weekend everyone.

HBD

loopylass

Queen.Bess wrote: »

Hi HBD

Glad you enjoyed Alder Carr Farm! We didn't go in the end, as I was hoping to, but hopefully we'll start going as the PYO crops come up and so I can stock up on their strawberries and tayberries again!

I've been trying not to go to the supermarket during the month of March and have been doing quite well using the market on Wednesdays and one of the butchers in town and it's worked out quite well. So it shows that with markets and farmers markets we don't have to be so reliant on the supermarkets!

Hi
Can i ask what butchers you use in the town as i use one out of town as they have some good bargains

Eager_Elephant

Hi everyone,

I have been following this thread from the start.

I live between Stowmarket and Ipswich in a little village, I have lived in these parts all my life so I know quite a lot of good places.

Anyway the reason I am posting is because a few weeks ago someone mentioned the new Ipswich Food Cooperative but said they had lost their leaflet.

Well when I was in Ipswich on Wednesday they had a stall opposite the Town Hall, near Lloyds Bank and they were talking about it to people and handing out leaflets so I picked one up.

Not sure what you all want to know but here are a few facts from the leaflet:

The start date for this is Saturday 21st April between 10 - 1 at Salvation Army Hall on Bramford Road.

This is going to happen on a fortnightly basis every Saturday although they are looking to open 1 day in the week in the future.

The majority of the goods will come from Suma Wholefoods, the majority of the products for sale will be there to buy on the day but if it isn't they will take orders and it will be available next time.

It also says they are looking at local suppliers for other things such as fruit juice and hopefully local allotment holders or hobby gardeners will be able to sell any excess fruit and veg they have or anyone who makes chutneys, jams.etc

The only downside I can see is as there is no fridge or freezer on site they will not be selling chilled and frozen food.

To join you need to become a member which costs £10 per year per household or if you can afford to a larger donation.

If you don't want to join but want to browse you have to pay £1 for day membership and anything you purchase will have a slight mark up on price.

The leaflet has the membership slip on which has to be returned along with the money or you can join at the Salvation Army Hall itself.

If you want any more info ring Gemma on 07816 146 567 or email her at sayersgemma@hotmail.com. (This info is published on the leaflet so not confidential)

HTH

EE

Queen.Bess

loopylass wrote: »

Hi
Can i ask what butchers you use in the town as i use one out of town as they have some good bargains

I used the one next to the Body shop (sorry, can't remember the name!) And the mince was very nice! Haven't tried it yet, but the one next to Oxfam also does deli items, so I might make that my next next place to try! Where is the out of town on you use, and have you got any bargain examples?!

On another matter, I went for the first time to the farm shop at Westley yesterday. DH and I were very impressed and have stocked up on their farm-grown potatoes - 12.5kg for £4.50 - and that should last us for a while! The range of fruit and veg was also pleasing to see and I was thrilled when the lady who served us said they do PYO of strawberries, raspberries, tayberries and also seed and thorn free blackberries! Being as this is only on the outskirts of town, rather than a small trek to Needham Market, I think this will be our farm shop of choice from now on - thoroughly recommended!!

loopylass

There is a butchers at st olaves precinct and they have good buys 2 big trays of chicken £5 he did a deal if i bought 2 trays very good quality and their mince is nice i was told about this butchers as my friend lives near there it used to be quite expensive but it has different people in there now and again very friendly

The one next to the body shop used to be called dewhursts and they used to have some good buys as for the one beside oxfam i havnt tried as ive heard mixed stories about the quality

Im glad you liked the farm shop they are lovely people and the lady and her husband always take the time to chat and help

vivw_2

After going to see Show of Hands at the Royal Albert hall last night I suddenly thought I'd let you all know about one of their songs which all is about how we are letting the countryside die and at one point it mentions the demand we make for cheap food and the rise of the supermarkets. the song is called Country Life. It can be heard here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt2Svy-e0x4

smitty2702

Ooh i havent tried the Westley farm shop, its about 20 mins drive from me! I love doing PYO as well but we normally drive to Graces near Saffron Walden which is excellent but rather a trek!

thanks

Claire

sassi

There is a Weigh and Save in Lowestoft....not sure if this is the same as Scoop and Save.....

If anyone is interested it is near the train station.

norfolkgirlandproudofit

Hi this is my first post - I was finally energised to register by the person who said she used to attend the old Albion Fairs - so did I and it brings back so many happy memories. I live in central Suffolk now - a rural village - and cycle every week to Alder Carr Farm for my fruit and veg - hubby comes too and we take rucsacs to carry the goodies. We're both keen on OS and also on saving food miles wherever possible. We usually treat ourselves to a pot of tea (me) and a cafetiere of coffee (him) and sit in the courtyard to soak up the sun - or clouds! The farm shop sells Metfield Bakery bread and if they don't routinely stock the particular loaf you like then they'll order it in for you with their next delivery. The farmer's market there is held on the third Saturday of ever month and is very good but the farm shop itself always carries a good stock of local fruit, veg, frozen meat, bread, and other yummies such as local honey, jam, cheese and beer. The Eco shop for skin stuff and cleaning stuff and baby things such as organic cotton nappies is good but if you're going to visit you need to remember that it only opens on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The farm shop and cafe open every day except Mondays.
There's an excellent shop in Diss called Natural Foodstore in Nofrolk House Yard. It sells organic fruit and veg and again it sells Metfield Bakery bread. Also organic porrdige oats and muesli base and flours. Also carob bars, nuts, preserves, and BUAV approved skin products and shampoos etc. Well worth a visit.
I'm so glad there are OS folk out there in Norfolk and Suffolk - the ethos of Albion Fairs is alive and well. Anyone remember the Waveney Clarion? Coypu Liberation Army? Anyone read "I looked to the East"?

vivw_2

norfolkgirlandproudofit wrote: »

Anyone read "I looked to the East"?

Yes I have a copy. Have searched all the pics but can't see myself in them.

Welcome but I'm afraid this thread has all but died because of being moved