HGCA British Farmhouse Breakfast Week 23rd - 30th Jan 2008

The pro-active efforts of branch members within the WFU, have meant that the healthy eating message has been communicated to thousands of hungry recipients, during a fun packed week to celebrate The HGCA, British Farmhouse Breakfast.

Guests celebrate the British Farmhouse Breakfast promotion at Amerton Farm and Craft Centre,
Staffordshire.

The theme for 2008 has been a ‘Sporty Start’. WFU members managed to twist the arms of famous footballers and rugby players and local sporting heroes, whom each gave their time freely, to go into schools and speak to children about health and fitness; whilst endorsing the delicious, locally sourced breakfasts cooked by members of the WFU. As a result the HGCA/WFU Breakfast Campaign is educational, extremely popular and most important of all FUN!

“These events are always well received” said Debbie McBean, WFU Co-ordinator for The HGCA, British Farmhouse Breakfast Week. “Members of the WFU have to put in a tremendous amount of hard work behind the scenes to make these events run smoothly; but this always pays off in the end, local press from each participating County, love to feature happy smiley faces, enjoying a good hearty British Farmhouse Breakfast.”

Each year the HGCA produces a new promotional leaflet featuring lots of exciting breakfast recipes. One branch served over 1,200 breakfasts in 20 schools over four days. This was just one of the ways the WFU was able to explain to school children the importance of starting the day with a good hearty breakfast, to ensure a slow release of energy; essential for sporting stamina!

Children at Tiverton Primary School, Devon enjoying a delicious sausage and bacon breakfast.

Some comments of appreciation from the children were:
“That milk is lush!” “How many grapes can I have?”, “Is it O.K. to ask for more, please?”
Comments from teachers included: “A great idea…. the children loved it and a very good choice of food.”
“What a fantastic breakfast, it went down a treat with the children!”

Bacon rolls are always a favourite with breakfast events and this year was no exception. Together with bacon topped with egg in baps and sizzling sausage and tomato filled Staffordshire Oatcakes. Other favourites included fruit muffins, creamy farmhouse porridge, fresh fruit smoothies, fruit kebabs, and of course toast and local honey with a refreshing glass of chilled milk.

As an organisation, the WFU has members located throughout the British Isles. It is in the unique position of being able to spread the healthy eating message from Lands End to John o’ Groats. Sponsored by The Home Grown Cereals Authority, members from 19 branches pooled their imaginations to set up promotions at a wide variety of locations within their own Counties. In just one week, a total of 1,650 breakfasts were served throughout Britain.

Some of the more unusual publicity events featured locations as diverse as a local motor racing club, a horse racing establishment, an athletics stadium, a number of children’s sports clubs. Breakfasts were cooked and well received by hungry members of the local hunt, a young farmers club and at several farmers markets, a fire station, railway station and numerous radio stations.

One branch arranged for members to hold breakfasts in their own homes, catering for up to eight guests each. Another branch, organised a poster competition for children and received over 500 entries!

An abundance of goodwill and generosity is extended to WFU from local and national organisations, wanting to join forces to promote the local healthy eating message to the general public, but especially to children. A varied programme of events and 24 breakfast talks, were enjoyed by members and recipients a like.

The WFU wishes to thank all branches, members and helpers and of course, the suppliers of all the fantastic locally produced food, donated to help this campaign.
Once again, we look forward to working with the Home Grown Cereal’s Authority to promote their British Farmhouse Breakfast Week 2009.

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