Date: 25/09/2008
Environment-conscious visitors may be able to enjoy some green shopping and ease the credit crunch, thanks to some ecology-friendly exhibitors at this year's Great Peak District Fair.
Tissington-based Annie Maudling plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her business, On a Wick and a Prayer Ltd, by launching her new Eco Essential Candle, at this autumn's event, at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, on the weekend of October 18 and 19, 2008.
Cast in reclaimed bottle glass, using renewable natural ingredients, with recycled and recyclable packaging, the Eco Essential Candle can burn for almost three days -- and can be returned to Annie to be refilled. This will help to prevent generating more waste and ease the pressure on customers' pockets.
"Being environmentally aware is something I feel strongly about, and, as a dedicated recycler, I thought it would be great to develop an eco-responsible candle, using as many recycled, renewable and recyclable ingredients as possible," said candle maker Annie, of The Candle Workshop.
"I first got the idea when I was on holiday in Wales, and came across a UK-based company using the top ends of wine bottles to make wine glasses. I contacted the company to find out what happened to the bottom halves, and I am now using them as recycled and refillable containers for my Eco Essential Candles.
Photo above right: Annie Maudling and her Eco Essential Candle.
"Not only are they made with pure, natural ingredients, including soya wax and plant based essential oils, they are supplied in recycled and recyclable packaging. They are also economical because they have a long burning time, and when the glass containers are empty, they can be returned to me to be refilled.
"I then send them back in the same box, which can usually be re-used up to five or six times, to cut down on the amount of packaging used -- so the product is completely eco-friendly from start to finish."
Wirksworth knitwear designer Anne Bradley is also echoing this eco theme.
She will be persuading customers to save money on fuel bills by turning down their central heating and wearing her felted wood jackets and wraps to keep warm.
"While the Government is encouraging us to insulate our houses, I think it would be a good idea to insulate ourselves as well, by wearing wool, both indoors and outdoors," said Anne, who also makes woollen hats, scarves, brooches and wraps.
"As well as being practical and easy to wear, wool looks fantastic."
Photo left, knitwear designer Anne Bradley wearing one of her felted wool jackets.Bakewell-based Jenny Young and Rachael Marnoch also use recycled and re-used materials in designing and creating their own jewellery by hand. Fair trade and natural elements are incorporated, where possible, in their work, marketed as Earth Jewellery.
Photos above, Earth Jewellery by Jenny Young and Rachael Marnoch.
These creative women will be among about 100, largely Peak District based food, drink, arts and crafts producers, set to showcase their wholesome produce and creative work at this year's Great Peak District Fair. Admission is free to all.
Everything from beer to water buffalo meat, and ceramics to designer clothes, will be on offer to discerning shoppers throughout the event, co-ordinated by the Pavilion Gardens team, and open from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Exhibitors will include members of Peak District Products, Peak District Foods and the High Peak Artists and Craft Workers Association. Some producers will stage art, craft or food demonstrations throughout the weekend.
As well as a vast array of products ranging from chocolate to cheese and glassware to jewellery, the Fair will feature a range of other attractions for all ages, including face painting, an outdoor climbing wall, supplied by Upper Limits of Longnor, and brass band music.
A new, specially converted bus, on the Promenade, will display the varied work of Wadshelf based Derbyshire Photographic, whose members specialise in covering everything from sporting and school 'Proms' to special occasions, such as parties and weddings, as well as running photographic courses and lessons.
"Over the past few years, the Great Peak District Fair has played a leading role in promoting the message that supporting local producers and businesses makes environmental, economic and ethical sense," said Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Economic Regeneration.
"As part of our well established programme of regular specialist fairs, at the Pavilion Gardens, it's a great opportunity for both local people and visitors alike to sample the very best food, drink, arts and crafts the area has to offer, as well as helping to revitalise both the local and regional economy."
The Great Peak District Fair will coincide with the launch of the Great Peak Food Fest Week, co-ordinated by the University of Derby as part of the Food from the Peak District initiative. Special food and drink themed events will run from October 18 to 25 to encourage both local people and visitors to enjoy an authentic taste of local produce.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.