Sat 21 August 2004

Wye Farmers Market is proud to announce that stallholders Mead Farm Cakes and Classic Preserves have both won awards in this years Great Taste Awards.

Following on from their success last year when they received a gold star for their Fruit Cake without alcohol, Mead Farm received a silver start this year for their Fruit Cake, with alcohol.

In their first year of entry Classic Preserves received a Silver Star for their Pear & Ginger Jam.

For such a small market Wye is particularly proud to have 2 stallholders who have done so well in such a prestigious national completion and feel that it shows all the more, the excellence of our local Kent produce and producers.

Were it of interest, there could be, at Wye Methodist Schoolroom, a discussion on that which is perceived, correctly to be English, (written and spoken). It could provide relief from the 't-less' alphabet, 'wiv' instead of 'with' and other things which ruffle the sensibilities. Light might, too, be shed on the comma, split infinitives and dangling prepositions. If 'as best as you can' sets your teeth on edge then this could be a meeting which you would find congenial. Conceivably, you could be uncomfortable with cliché and, too, inclined to use adjectives only sparingly. Again, if 'change and decay all around' you hear of our language and need an opportunity to discharge your feelings, let us help to provide a sympathetic audience.

Come and have both some fun and your say. Inevitably, coffee will be served.

Time 10.30am. Date 14th July.

For further details contact either Pat McNeill, 812710 or Geoff Chapman 813011.

The 3rd July marked Wye Farmers Market's 5th Birthday.

Wye was the first Farmers Market in Kent, and is still one of only 3 in the country able to obtain FARMA (formerly NAFM: National Association of Farmers Markets) accreditation.

The market was started in 1999 by Richard Boden with the aim of making local produce available to local people. 5 years later Wye is still one of the most successful Farmers Markets in Kent.

Celebrations were led by Pip the Magic clown who gave a magic show and led the children in a singing Happy Birthday to the Market. A birthday cake was cut by Peter Zeen of Pollards Dane Organic Farm, one of the original stallholders.

Wye Farmers Market has updated its web site to provide background information on producers and a calendar showing who will be at which Market together with a diary of events and more ...

The history of Wye is of more than local interest, but the only previous general history of the village was published in 1842 by William S. Morris, the village doctor. A New History of Wye  details some of Wye's links to the wider history of England and covers aspects of its history from the early settlements through to the end of the Second World War.

The pages are enlivened by accounts of eccentrics, philanthropic citizens, political radicals, scientists, religious pioneers and even a lady poet who wrote of the hurricane that devastated Wye exactly 300 years ago. Most of the chapters have been written by members of Wye Historical Society with a special interest in their chosen subjects. The book draws on the extensive archives of the Society and incorporates the results of original research by the individual authors. There are almost three hundred illustrations (approximately one third in colour) and a bibliography accompanies each chapter.

A New History of Wye is available from Wye Newsagency.

The Wye Business Association invites all clubs and societies to have a stall at this very well supported venue.

Why not sell items produced by yourselves, run a game or provide some form of refreshment. Bric-a-brac is always popular or maybe you can come up with a completely new idea. Having a stall is an opportunity to raise funds for your organisation and of course it goes without saying the more the merrier!

The Christmas Street Party doesn't just light up the centre of the village with lights but gives villagers and friends an opportunity to enjoy each others company in the approach to Christmas. It also gives children something special to look back on when they grow up and remember their village.

We look forward to seeing you there! All funds raised by The Wye Business Association go towards the maintenance and upkeep of The Christmas Lights, plus good causes within our village. Any organisation can apply.

For stall details: please contact either Mary Hemsley on 813717 or Ann Sutherland on 812671.

WyeCycle has won a Biffa Award 2001 in the Sustainable Waste Management Category. The waste collection study was one of 18 projects shortlisted for the final round, and went on to defeat two outstanding projects from Yorkshire.

Wye has already achieved a rate of 70% recycled waste – higher than most other parts of the UK, and is carrying out a project to determine ways to minimise waste still further.

Surveys are being carried out throughout the country to look at the amount and content of waste going to landfill in an attempt to meet government waste reduction targets. More info...

Tatiana Cant, the Co-ordinator of your very own Wye Web Site recently jumped 220ft to raise funds for clearing landmines.

You can still sponsor the jump for Mineseeker here or by contacting Tatiana at surf@wye.org. If you have already pledged an amount please send it in. Thank you for your support.

Landmines still threaten life and limb in more than 70 countries. The Mineseeker Foundation uses the latest technology installed in airships to safely detect landmines.