Meatline Newsletter 1 October 2012

RETAIL SPECIALS TO 06/10/12

IMPORTANT !!! The email & Facebook specials are at even better prices than the in store special price. Make sure you quote this weeks word to ensure you get these amazing prices. This weeks word :- It’s

Pay attention because over the next few weeks these words will make a sentence or ditty and the first three customers in with the correct sentence will get a whopping 20% off of their bill on that day. So tell your friends to come and join the fun.

Pork Valentine Steaks A great mid-week treat! Cut straight from the Loin and perfect for grilling! £4.80/KG Great beef mini roasting joint A roasting joint commonly known as the salmon roll is ideal for smaller mid week roast, cutting down on cooking times and so much easier to carve! £7.00/KG Chicken nuggets 100% breast meat, these nuggets are a great dinner for all the family and will go down a treat. £5.99/ Bag

Supporting our pig farmers

To raise the awareness of how British pig producers are facing increasing pressures due to rising costs - and how this may force many out of business, the National Pig Association last week released a top ten list of facts, some of which can help shoppers support the industry. 

This story joins our dairy farmers who are of course also under threat.

 

1. Bacon is Britain’s favourite According to the British Top 100 Foods Index compiled by Food Network UK, bacon is Britain’s favourite food.

2. The future of British bacon is under threat this summer Harvest failure around the world has made pig-feed so expensive that more British pig-farmers are quitting every week because of mounting losses.

3. Shoppers can save delicious British bacon for future generations If all shoppers make a special effort to choose bacon with the independent British Red Tractor logo they will push up demand and retailers will have to pay farmers a price that covers their costs of production.

4. Why British bacon is the best in the world British pig farmers are acknowledged world leaders in higher welfare pig husbandry — and meat scientists are clear that happier, stress-free pigs make better bacon.

5. Britain is only 25 percent self-sufficient in bacon Most shops and supermarkets sell mainly imported bacon which is usually produced on more intensive farms and is cheaper — sometimes they package it to make it look like British bacon.

6. Farmers who produce British bacon do not receive subsidies Unlike most farmers, British pig farmers do not receive European Union agricultural subsidies for their pig enterprises.

7. Britain’s pig farms are on a knife-edge Pig farming is a difficult way to make a living. It takes eight months to produce a bacon pig, and another six months for retail prices to reflect higher production costs — so pig farmers cannot respond instantly to changes in market conditions such as the current feed-cost crisis.

8. Shoppers reward supermarkets that support British farmers One retailer, which sells only British bacon, has seen its sales increase faster than any other retailer but some supermarkets don’t care where their supplies are coming from tomorrow... they are only interested in piling it high and selling it cheap today.

9. Supplies of cheap imported bacon will soon start to dwindle New European Union welfare rules come into force in January to force continental pig farmers up to the high welfare standards already used by British farmers.

10. Buying British Red Tractor bacon safeguards British sausages too Pork pies, sausages, Sunday roasts, chops, ham and spare-ribs all come from the same pigs as bacon... so when shoppers make a special effort to choose British Red Tractor bacon they are supporting the whole British higher-welfare pig industry.

The ESSG urges all  consumers to buy British and support our hard-pressed farmers - we must not allow cheap, low-welfare imports to strangle our industry and must be prepared to pay a fair price for a good product. The upcoming Countryside Alliance Awards (opening on 3rd September) give the perfect platform for consumers to praise their producers, farm shops and butchers and help us highlight the excellence of British farming. 

Electronic Movements - here's what to do!

Electronic Movements - here's what to do!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
How do I register?
Go to the ‘Home Page’ on www.eaml2.org.uk and click on ‘Producer Registration’ on the left hand panel. After filling in the details a username and password will normally be emailed to you within 48 hours.
NB: You need to type in the password rather than ‘copy’ and ‘paste’ from the email. Copy and paste sometimes copies an additional space which will prevent you from logging in the first time.
You will also find additional information and user guides on the website. Alternatively contact the eAML2 Bureau Service helpline 0844 335 8400 or email: eaml2@bpex.org.uk
2.
What if I don’t have internet access or don’t want to use a computer?
There is a free-to-use eAML2 Bureau Service operated by MLCSL as well as other third party ‘Agents’, for example marketing groups or the British Pig Association. They will enter information onto the system and also provide copies of the movement document/haulier summary, prior to the movement taking place.
3.
How do I set up a movement?
Register first - see question 1. When you have logged in with your username and password, follow the simple steps below:
3.1 when using the system for the first time you need to confirm and complete your details in ‘Production Details’, then click on ‘Save’ at the bottom of the page. This is only required for the first time but you can make amendments in the future if needed.
3.2 Click on ‘set up a movement’; select your departure site from the drop down menu, tick the type of movement, then select your destination site from the drop down menu that will appear. Click on ‘new movement’.
3.3 Complete the questions that appear on a new page as applicable. There are ‘help’ notes to the right. When you come to the end, click on ’submit movement’.
3.4 You now have a new page with a link from which you can print off the Haulier Summary – the movement document that is legally required to go with the pigs. Double-click on the link to open the document and to print it.
If your destination is non-IT enabled you will need to print out an additional copy for their record keeping.
There are ‘help’ notes next to the questions and also quick start guides in the section ‘Help and User Guides’.
3.5 On the day your consignment is due you need to confirm the actual number of pigs loaded and the vehicle registration. This is equivalent to a signature and will confirm that your consignment has actually left the premises. You need to confirm the movement on the same day either online or by text message. – See also question 8.
4.
What is a Haulier Summary?
The Haulier Summary (HS) is a 1 page movement document that is legally required to travel with the pigs. If the haulier gets stopped on the way by an inspector the haulier summary needs to be presented.
NB: The Haulier Summary is only valid with an individual movement reference in the top right hand corner. This reference is automatically created by the system when you or the Bureau Service set up the movement.
The haulier needs to keep the HS for his records for 6 months.
5.
Why do I need to confirm my sent movement?
The eAML2 system works on a pre-notification principle. You are able to set up movements days/weeks/months in advance. Confirming the actual number of pigs loaded is an essential requirement of the system to ensure the correct information is recorded. The confirmation also serves as an electronic signature.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6.
Where do I confirm movements?
You have 3 options to confirm your consignment:
Online: When you log onto your eAML2 account and click on ‘Producer Services’ you will automatically see the consignments listed that you need to confirm. Click on the blue link of the showing consignment(s) and you will come to a screen where you can enter the required information. Click on ‘submit’.
By text message: You can send a text message from your mobile phone. Register the mobile phone(s) against your site(s) beforehand.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By phoning the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
7.
Can I register several mobile phones?
Yes, you can register several mobile phones for your account – when logged into your account go to ‘Register my mobile phone’ and enter the mobile number(s) in the required fields. You will then get a confirmation text with the mobile number to text to.
8.
How do I confirm a RECEIVED movement?
You can confirm receipt of a movement either online or by text message or through the Bureau.
Online: log on to your online account, click on ‘Producer Services’ where you will see the movement automatically listed.
By text message: after having registered your mobile phone for this service text the movement reference, the number of pigs received and any dead on arrivals.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By contacting the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
9.
Not registered yet and received a consignment?
If you have received a consignment but are not registered yet for eAML2, simply click on ‘not registered & received a movement’ on the left hand panel of the eAML2 page. Enter the movement reference from the Haulier Summary in the box and follow the steps. This will register you and enable you to provide the required confirmation.
10.
What happens if I don’t provide the required confirmation on my sent and received movements?
The system requires you to confirm your SENT movement on the day of loading and you are legally required to confirm your RECEIVED movement within 3 days of arrival at the destination. Failure to do so will automatically be escalated as an enforcement issue for Local Authorities. Persistent occurrence of non-compliance may lead to being blocked from using the eAML2 system.
11.
How do I delete a movement?

As long as your movement is still showing in the pending section in your archive you can delete the movement yourself:

Go to your archive/pending movements/tick the box of the movement you want to delete/click on the small ‘bin’ symbol in the header of the pending section.
If you want to cancel a movement that has already been ‘sent’ you need to contact the eAML2 Bureau Service
12.
Who can I contact to sort out queries/problems?
MLCSL eAML2 helpline: 0844 335 8400 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, calls are charged 5p/minute from standard BT phone lines) or via email: eaml2@bpex.ahdb.org.uk
13.
Do I still need to fill in separate Food Chain Information (FCI)?
No. The eAML2 is covering both movement document and FCI.
14.
How can I change Food Chain Information (FCI) after the pigs have been loaded?
If you need to alter the FCI information after loading the animals do the following: amend the FCI info by hand on the Haulier Summary. Confirm the movement online where you can enter any new FCI details.
15.
What do I need to do when sending to a site without eAML2 access?
If you send to a non-IT enabled abattoir the eAML2 system will automatically prompt you to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one for the haulier, one for the abattoir’s records.
The FSA vet/inspector at the abattoir will confirm receipt of the consignment electronically on behalf of the abattoir within three days.
If you send to a non IT-enabled farm you will need to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one copy for the haulier and one for the destination farm records.
The non-IT enabled farm must confirm receipt of the movement via the Bureau Service (phone/fax/post) or text message within three days of arrival.
16.
What paper records must I keep?
For keepers with access to a computer, all movements will be stored electronically and securely for three years in their eAML2 account and be available to the keeper/inspectors as required by law.
Keepers without computer access will need to keep a paper copy of their movement document/ haulier summary.
Hauliers will retain the single page paper summary as required by law.
17.
Do I need to keep a paper holding register
If you have access to the eAML2 movements stored on your eAML2 account on the farm unit you don’t need to keep a paper version of your holding register as well.
If you have no access to the eAML2 movement records on the actual unit eg because it is miles from the corporate office then you will need to keep a paper register.
This change has also been made in the Red Tractor assurance scheme standard.
If a unit’s computer fails the Bureau Service can provide Trading Standards with all the movement details for the farm.
18.
What if I get an inspection from Trading Standards or the RPA?
All inspection bodies have been briefed on the new system. As with your existing paper records you should give them access to your electronic eAML2 records if you are inspected.
19.
What should I do if my internet is down?
If for some reason your internet connection is down or you temporarily have no access to your eAML2 records and want to set up a movement you can contact the Bureau Service.
The Bureau Service will set up the movement on your behalf and either fax or post the applicable number of Haulier Summaries to you. Alternatively you can note the individual movement reference given by the Bureau Service on your pre-populated haulier summaries.
NB: We strongly recommend that you print off some blank pre-populated Haulier summaries for these situations. To do that go to ‘Templates, alerts & DPP’ when logged on to your eAML2 account.
20.
Moves to/from Scotland
Scotland has its own movement system ‘ScotEID’. The eAML2 and ScotEID systems are integrated to transfer movement information seamlessly.
You can set up your movement to Scotland on eAML2 as any other move.
The consignment information is transmitted to the Scottish destination which will provide the feedback to ScotEID.
 Movements from Scotland to England and Wales:
The Scottish sender will set up the movement through ScotEID and the consignment information will be transmitted to your eAML2 account.
Note: Scottish slaughter movements will be accompanied by paper Food Chain Information (FCI).
21.
Who are BPEX and MLCSL?
BPEX is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). MLCSL (Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHDB providing independent services to the meat and livestock Industry in the UK.
22.
Do I have to pay for this new service?
No. The new system has been paid for by Defra – no levy money is being used.


Good Luck

Electronic Movements - here's what to do!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
How do I register?
Go to the ‘Home Page’ on www.eaml2.org.uk and click on ‘Producer Registration’ on the left hand panel. After filling in the details a username and password will normally be emailed to you within 48 hours.
NB: You need to type in the password rather than ‘copy’ and ‘paste’ from the email. Copy and paste sometimes copies an additional space which will prevent you from logging in the first time.
You will also find additional information and user guides on the website. Alternatively contact the eAML2 Bureau Service helpline 0844 335 8400 or email: eaml2@bpex.org.uk
2.
What if I don’t have internet access or don’t want to use a computer?
There is a free-to-use eAML2 Bureau Service operated by MLCSL as well as other third party ‘Agents’, for example marketing groups or the British Pig Association. They will enter information onto the system and also provide copies of the movement document/haulier summary, prior to the movement taking place.
3.
How do I set up a movement?
Register first - see question 1. When you have logged in with your username and password, follow the simple steps below:
3.1 when using the system for the first time you need to confirm and complete your details in ‘Production Details’, then click on ‘Save’ at the bottom of the page. This is only required for the first time but you can make amendments in the future if needed.
3.2 Click on ‘set up a movement’; select your departure site from the drop down menu, tick the type of movement, then select your destination site from the drop down menu that will appear. Click on ‘new movement’.
3.3 Complete the questions that appear on a new page as applicable. There are ‘help’ notes to the right. When you come to the end, click on ’submit movement’.
3.4 You now have a new page with a link from which you can print off the Haulier Summary – the movement document that is legally required to go with the pigs. Double-click on the link to open the document and to print it.
If your destination is non-IT enabled you will need to print out an additional copy for their record keeping.
There are ‘help’ notes next to the questions and also quick start guides in the section ‘Help and User Guides’.
3.5 On the day your consignment is due you need to confirm the actual number of pigs loaded and the vehicle registration. This is equivalent to a signature and will confirm that your consignment has actually left the premises. You need to confirm the movement on the same day either online or by text message. – See also question 8.
4.
What is a Haulier Summary?
The Haulier Summary (HS) is a 1 page movement document that is legally required to travel with the pigs. If the haulier gets stopped on the way by an inspector the haulier summary needs to be presented.
NB: The Haulier Summary is only valid with an individual movement reference in the top right hand corner. This reference is automatically created by the system when you or the Bureau Service set up the movement.
The haulier needs to keep the HS for his records for 6 months.
5.
Why do I need to confirm my sent movement?
The eAML2 system works on a pre-notification principle. You are able to set up movements days/weeks/months in advance. Confirming the actual number of pigs loaded is an essential requirement of the system to ensure the correct information is recorded. The confirmation also serves as an electronic signature.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6.
Where do I confirm movements?
You have 3 options to confirm your consignment:
Online: When you log onto your eAML2 account and click on ‘Producer Services’ you will automatically see the consignments listed that you need to confirm. Click on the blue link of the showing consignment(s) and you will come to a screen where you can enter the required information. Click on ‘submit’.
By text message: You can send a text message from your mobile phone. Register the mobile phone(s) against your site(s) beforehand.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By phoning the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
7.
Can I register several mobile phones?
Yes, you can register several mobile phones for your account – when logged into your account go to ‘Register my mobile phone’ and enter the mobile number(s) in the required fields. You will then get a confirmation text with the mobile number to text to.
8.
How do I confirm a RECEIVED movement?
You can confirm receipt of a movement either online or by text message or through the Bureau.
Online: log on to your online account, click on ‘Producer Services’ where you will see the movement automatically listed.
By text message: after having registered your mobile phone for this service text the movement reference, the number of pigs received and any dead on arrivals.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By contacting the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
9.
Not registered yet and received a consignment?
If you have received a consignment but are not registered yet for eAML2, simply click on ‘not registered & received a movement’ on the left hand panel of the eAML2 page. Enter the movement reference from the Haulier Summary in the box and follow the steps. This will register you and enable you to provide the required confirmation.
10.
What happens if I don’t provide the required confirmation on my sent and received movements?
The system requires you to confirm your SENT movement on the day of loading and you are legally required to confirm your RECEIVED movement within 3 days of arrival at the destination. Failure to do so will automatically be escalated as an enforcement issue for Local Authorities. Persistent occurrence of non-compliance may lead to being blocked from using the eAML2 system.
11.
How do I delete a movement?

As long as your movement is still showing in the pending section in your archive you can delete the movement yourself:

Go to your archive/pending movements/tick the box of the movement you want to delete/click on the small ‘bin’ symbol in the header of the pending section.
If you want to cancel a movement that has already been ‘sent’ you need to contact the eAML2 Bureau Service
12.
Who can I contact to sort out queries/problems?
MLCSL eAML2 helpline: 0844 335 8400 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, calls are charged 5p/minute from standard BT phone lines) or via email: eaml2@bpex.ahdb.org.uk
13.
Do I still need to fill in separate Food Chain Information (FCI)?
No. The eAML2 is covering both movement document and FCI.
14.
How can I change Food Chain Information (FCI) after the pigs have been loaded?
If you need to alter the FCI information after loading the animals do the following: amend the FCI info by hand on the Haulier Summary. Confirm the movement online where you can enter any new FCI details.
15.
What do I need to do when sending to a site without eAML2 access?
If you send to a non-IT enabled abattoir the eAML2 system will automatically prompt you to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one for the haulier, one for the abattoir’s records.
The FSA vet/inspector at the abattoir will confirm receipt of the consignment electronically on behalf of the abattoir within three days.
If you send to a non IT-enabled farm you will need to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one copy for the haulier and one for the destination farm records.
The non-IT enabled farm must confirm receipt of the movement via the Bureau Service (phone/fax/post) or text message within three days of arrival.
16.
What paper records must I keep?
For keepers with access to a computer, all movements will be stored electronically and securely for three years in their eAML2 account and be available to the keeper/inspectors as required by law.
Keepers without computer access will need to keep a paper copy of their movement document/ haulier summary.
Hauliers will retain the single page paper summary as required by law.
17.
Do I need to keep a paper holding register
If you have access to the eAML2 movements stored on your eAML2 account on the farm unit you don’t need to keep a paper version of your holding register as well.
If you have no access to the eAML2 movement records on the actual unit eg because it is miles from the corporate office then you will need to keep a paper register.
This change has also been made in the Red Tractor assurance scheme standard.
If a unit’s computer fails the Bureau Service can provide Trading Standards with all the movement details for the farm.
18.
What if I get an inspection from Trading Standards or the RPA?
All inspection bodies have been briefed on the new system. As with your existing paper records you should give them access to your electronic eAML2 records if you are inspected.
19.
What should I do if my internet is down?
If for some reason your internet connection is down or you temporarily have no access to your eAML2 records and want to set up a movement you can contact the Bureau Service.
The Bureau Service will set up the movement on your behalf and either fax or post the applicable number of Haulier Summaries to you. Alternatively you can note the individual movement reference given by the Bureau Service on your pre-populated haulier summaries.
NB: We strongly recommend that you print off some blank pre-populated Haulier summaries for these situations. To do that go to ‘Templates, alerts & DPP’ when logged on to your eAML2 account.
20.
Moves to/from Scotland
Scotland has its own movement system ‘ScotEID’. The eAML2 and ScotEID systems are integrated to transfer movement information seamlessly.
You can set up your movement to Scotland on eAML2 as any other move.
The consignment information is transmitted to the Scottish destination which will provide the feedback to ScotEID.
 Movements from Scotland to England and Wales:
The Scottish sender will set up the movement through ScotEID and the consignment information will be transmitted to your eAML2 account.
Note: Scottish slaughter movements will be accompanied by paper Food Chain Information (FCI).
21.
Who are BPEX and MLCSL?
BPEX is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). MLCSL (Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHDB providing independent services to the meat and livestock Industry in the UK.
22.
Do I have to pay for this new service?
No. The new system has been paid for by Defra – no levy money is being used.

Good Luck

PRESS RELEASE

Hobby Pig Keeping Course - Massive Success

An amazing 50 people attended the course on Hobby Pig Keeping at Stisted Village Hall that was  funded by DEFRA  and presented excellently by Odelle Walker from ADAS and Bev Mair from Chelmsford Trading Standards.

Odelle covered the following:

• 5 freedoms associated with the Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Bio Security, Disease Control - Including Notifiable Diseases, and effective quarantine.
• Pig Health, Vaccinations and worming and fallen stock. (You can't just bury dead pigs, they legally have to be disposed of in the correct manner, which in Essex is via W Martin and Son in Braintree.)
• Feeding and legislation - it is illegal to feed any catering waste including domestic kitchen waste even if these establishments only cater for vegetarians.
• Record Keeping Requirements - how we must keep movement logs (even the infamous micro pigs need a walking licence) and medicine books and the length of time they must be kept.  

Bev Mair, from Chelmsford Trading Standards, then moved on to talk about

Odelle Walker in
full flow

movements of pigs including the new EAML2 Online movement recorded system, which will completely replace the paper forms from the 1st April 2012. Identification of Pigs - Tags, Slapmarks or Tattoo's and the associated legislation was also covered.

The course ran from 2pm-5pm, breaking half way through for refreshments supplied by East Essex Smallholders Group with a marvellous selection of homemade cakes.

People attended from all across Essex, along with members from East Essex Smallholders Group, Herts &Essex Smallholders and Suffolk Smallholders.

The course was very informative and everyone who attended commented on how much they had learnt.

Fingers crossed DEFRA funding can be obtained for a similar course to be run on sheep. 

*******************************   end ****************************

Next meeting ........... Feb 12 and Mar 12

Events for 2012

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Lets go Turkey Mad!

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

7pm for 7.30pm start

Come and find out all about Kelly Bronze Turkeys from the man in the know!

As a 'bring and share' evening, this should be fun for everyone........

see you there

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Pig Mania

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

A chance to meet Essex Girl, Tracy, and hear about her exploits in the world of Giggly Pigs

Starts 7 - 7.30 pm - don't be late

Hobby Pig Keeping - Health and Welfare Workshops - ADAS

Health and Welfare Workshops

ADAS invites you to the first Defra-funded

meetings for hobby farmers with pigs.

The workshops will provide small holders with easily accessible, relevant practical and technical training delivered by experienced pig specialists with a recognised track record in small holder sector training; to increase the health, welfare and productivity of the small pig herd.

Topics covered: 

•      Pig Welfare legislation – 5 Freedoms (Animal welfare Act 2006) 

• Biosecurity, disease control and effective quarantine 

• Pig health, vaccinations and worming, fallen stock 

• Movements, ID and legislation 

• Feeding and legislation

• On farm record requirements

The workshops will be held during the day (10.30 am – 1.30pm) unless otherwise stated, in January and February 2012 and are free to all small scale pig keepers.

If you are interested in attending please contact Georgie Fomes for further details on 01354 697200 or email georgie.fomes@adas.co.uk

A series of workshops sponsored by Defra and organised by ADAS

24/1/2012 Plumpton (7pm-9.30pm)

2/2/2012 - Exeter

9/2/2012 - South Lincolnshire

16/2/2012 - North Yorkshire

25/1/2012 - Billinghurst

8/2/2012 - Gloucester

10/2/2012 - Staffordshire

17/2/2012 - Hexham

Pig Movements - as at October 2011

Must for any serious pig keeper!

also visit Liz Shankland's website

Bell Meadow Show - 28 August 2011 - Woodham Walter

How many men does it take to put up the boards? 

Danni directing opertions

Gazebo City

"Jus' like that"

Team EESG - Carlie missing as she is taking the picture

Darren just loves the camera - photographer to the left....

Cllr Robert Long, Chairman of Maldon District Council
meets Fred and Dude

Look.... I want to climb in here......

Gloucester Old Spots x 3

Lewis, one of our youngest members with Dude, Fred and Darren.  Darren in the tee-shirt!

"What lovely eyes you have!"

SHEEP - never do what you want them too

Relaxing 

What's his name?

Hello Mr Sheep

Let me out!

Am I cute or am I cute?

No I'm the cute one!

What is that red thing?

Gosh - loads of people....

Look girls, these are Gloucester Old Spots

Bell Meadow Show - 28 August 2011 - Woodham Walter

"A very warm welcome awaits you!" - so says Mark Durham, Chairman of the Bell Meadow Day Committee which is preparing for this year's event, to be held on Sunday 28th August in Woodham Walter. Now in its 7th year this traditional country fair, which celebrates the best of rural life, has become a popular event in the Essex summer diary, offering entertainment for all the family; there really will be something for everyone to enjoy in a wonderful rural setting. 

Daytime events from 1pm include demonstrations and stalls with traditional crafts, rural skills and ever popular activities including: 

Pony rides

Competition Tent, 

Pets Corner, and local livestock from East Essex Smallholders

Pigs

Traditional Steam Engine, 

Pony Rides, Fairground attractions, 

Cupcakes

Face Painting, 

Refreshments and Homemade Cakes, 

BBQ, Fine Dining Catering, 

Beer Tent with live music throughout the day,

traditional games & stalls plus displays of traditional rural skills and crafts, 

agricultural machinery and blacksmith demonstration. 

Falconry

Arena activities include a Falconry Display and Gun Dog Trials plus family games and events. 

With live music on offer throughout the day, the entertainment will culminate in a brand new set from one of the UK's premier 70's/80's disco bands, For Funk Sake, who return to Woodham Walter by popular demand following their fantastic appearance last year.

Woodham Walter is a hidden gem of a village which boasts a traditional old-fashioned community feel. 

There is a primary school with about 80 children, a small shop/post office, 2 golf courses, a brand new holiday lodge park, 3 pubs plus the only surviving Elizabethan church in Essex built in 1563. 

St Michael's Church, Woodham Walter

The village is well worth a visit and on the day of the event, Sunday 28th August, Woodham Walter (just off the A414 between Danbury and Maldon) will be buzzing with excitement and atmosphere.

The event is organised by the Bell Meadow Village Association which was formed on behalf of the Parish Council in 2005 by a group of volunteers with a keen interest in Bell Meadow after it was gifted to the village. 

Bell Meadow, Woodham Walter

Bell Meadow Day has now become an annual event, held on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, when the whole village comes together to celebrate its rural heritage and to warmly welcome visitors.

Bell Meadow Day is supported by local individuals and businesses.

Prices

Admission: Adults £3, children Free.

Event details

Dates and Times

Dates	Times
Sun 28 Aug 2011	13:00