May updates from Harvest Workers Coop – Harvest News

Our latest newsletter May updates from Harvest Workers Coop went out to subscribers today: Check it out or read the text version below

News from Harvest Workers Coop

It is a joy to see freshly picked, locally grown lettuces in the shop. Martin and Sara’s Hilltown Salad Mix is going out of the door by the bag full! Picked in the morning, bought in the morning and eaten at lunchtime – what could be better! However we are into hungry gap when the winter harvest has been used and the new crops are not yet ready. The wet and cold of early Spring has certainly taken its toll but the wet garlics, new potatoes and asparagus are all signs that the new produce is a coming in.

You may well have noticed that the Harvest team has grown. Fran, Chris, Adam, Jess, Lizzy and Callum are all taking on different roles both in the shop, on the mobile shop and out in the community. Meet the two probationary new co-op members below.

Look out for our new Working Together for a Wilder Town Project. Sara says “This will be promoting environmental and social sustainability in the Okehampton area. The aim is to contribute to regenerative efforts by working at the intersection of food production, local ecology and community building for a greener, wilder and healthier Okehampton.” The next event is Pete Yeo’s walk Okehampton’s Changing Green Spaces. Martin says “There are still spaces left for this Sunday with some deep nature connection in one of Okehampton’s beautiful green spaces. Our gardens and woodlands are changing as climate changes. What will our woodlands look like with fauna and flora moving north, which plants and trees will fill the spaces as they become vacant. People by nature want to resist change, but It’s already happening.” Thought provoking stuff indeed.

Warmest of wishes 🙂

Martin, Sara, Fran, Chris, Jo and Kevin

In the Shop

We are really lucky to be working with Fran and Chris. They are working in the shop every week and starting to explore what other areas can be developed with Harvest. It is very exciting.

Chris says “I am a conscious nature lover who deeply values health and believes our mind and body are our greatest possessions. I love outdoor adventure, natural movement fitness, growing my own food, cooking and learning about human potential and living a natural non-toxic lifestyle.”

Fran says “I’m Fran and along with my partner and young son have begun a small holding. We have a couple of sheep, a few pigs, laying chickens and have planted many a hedgerow and fruit tree. We wish to develop our connection to the natural world and live closely to the land. I’m interested in increasing the accessibility of well produced food and the joys that go with it to more people in our community! I’m excited to be working with Harvest and look forward to sharing in this journey with you.”

In the next newsletter we will be introducing some other new faces!

Project News

The MOBILE SHOP is now out in NORTHLEW on FRIDAYS!

The mobile shop is stopping at Northlew on Friday mornings. Look out for us outside the Green Dragon between 10 and 12! Sadly the village’s Square Shop closed a few weeks ago. We think all communities should have a shop and so our mobile shop is starting a weekly stop. Not the same as having an everyday shop but the best we can do. Where shall we go next?

Thanks to David Blackshaw for the picture. It is Jo and Jess in the picture. Jess has started doing some work in the shop and out on the mobile as well as helping with some of our sessions.

A reminder of all the stops and times for the market and mobile shop!

The Tuesday Market
Hatherleigh Market (market stall not mobile shop) 9am to 12.30pm

The Thursday Route
Sampford Courtenay, The Square 1.15 to 2.00pm
The Beeches, nr Sampford Courtenay Station 2.15 – 2.45pm
Belstone, Car Park 3.15 to 5.00pm

The Friday Route
Northlew, by the Green Dragon 10:00 – 12:00

Community Outreach

Lizzy has been working for Harvest on developing links out in the wider community visiting a wide range of groups including parish councils, schools, National Trust, Mental Health Alliance and more! If you are part of a community group that would be interested in talking to us about projects and possibilities then do get in touch at community@harvestworkerscoop.org.uk (mailto:community@harvestworkerscoop.org.uk)

And who is Lizzy? You will have to wait for her introduction in the next newsletter!

Events coming up

The Great Big Green Week Eco Fair in the Charter Hall Saturday 17th June
Celebrations in the Park Sunday 9 July
Taw River Dairy Open Day Sunday 16th July
The Okehampton Show Thursday 10th August

Harvest will be at these events with a mixture of information stalls (did you know last year Harvest won first prize for the best trade stand at the Okehampton Show?) the mobile shop and, excitingly, some drop in food workshops – bike powered smoothies and fermented vegetable pots anyone!! More information about all of these in the shop and in the next newsletter.

Our Next Events

Family Workshop : SPRING BLOSSOM

Working Together for a Wilder Town : Okehampton’s Changing Greenspaces with Pete Yeo

All About Calendula with Diana Lee

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We are a not for profit workers’ co-operative made up of farmers, educators and storytellers.
We grow and source good organic food for our little farm shop in Okehampton.
We create opportunities for our community to explore all things food and farming and to celebrate Good Mood Food!

It would be lovely to see you in the Harvest Farm Shop
Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 5:00 in Red Lion Yard or Tuesdays at Hatherleigh Market or out on the mobile shop on Thursdays and Fridays
Do keep an eye out for all our latest happenings on our website, in store, or on social media