Thursday 23 April 2015

April to June 2015

As many will already know the last couple of months have been very exciting here at Hunters.  We were named Best Small Shop in Britain, a great honour and total surprise.

Chris and I had a lovely day at the House of Commons where we were presented with our trophy.

The press coverage has been wonderful and the congratulations, cards and flowers received, have been a real boost to us all, thank you to all who expressed their good wishes.  A very enjoyable  evening at the Black Smiths Arms  Westow was enjoyed by all, as a way of celebrating and thanking the team.

New signage has arrived to advertise this new accolade and announce our 25th Anniversary, for which events will be taking place throughout the year.

Chris and I attended The International Food Expo at Excel in London during March, a bi annual food show where producers from the UK, Europe and the Rest of the World launch and exhibit their wonderful products. Key trends for the coming months are the reduction/removal of added sugars in foods and a huge increase in the use of coconut based products for baking, spreading, cooking and desserts. Protein based healthy snacks and free from food is on the increase, with a  emphasis towards local, ethical and sustainable.

A very busy Easter soon followed, when the lovely weather brought the crowds Helmsley, it was great to see the town buzzing again. The 10k run was as usual well attended, as was the dog show at Duncombe Park.

Our 25th Anniversary celebrations commence in earnest with a specially commissioned  cake from Rhian at Celebrate Country Cake Design, this creative masterpiece will be unveiled in May and will be sold by the slice for our chosen charity Ryedale Special Families. Look out for the announcement on Social Media and in the Press.

An Anniversary sandwich is being created full of delicious Yorkshire goodies and is sure to be a winner, 10p from everyone sold will also go to the charity.

We are welcoming two new team members, both from Helmsley, Susanne Smith and Rebecca Martin (her Mum Bridget already works for us). Both ladies I know will be excellent additions to our lovely knowledgable team.

May will no doubt be busy with two bank holidays, a half term and the Tour de Yorkshire passing within 8 miles of Helmsley, good weather once again will be most welcome and we look forward to seeing many visitors both old and new.

The General Election and council elections are hotly debated topics here in Helmsley, as in the rest of the country, not least because our very own John Windress aka Snowy is standing for election as Helmsley Councillor for the Conservative Party.

On the 18th May we are joining forces with a local Nutritionalist Andrea Wood for an information Day 10.30 until 3.00pm, she will be bringing examples of tasty healthy dishes with her and be available to discuss dietary issues from allergies and intolerances to the latest diets and eating plans such as Paleo, which I know is of interest to many.

June brings Fathers Day and the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta of which Helmsley is one of the original 25 Baronies  and did have its own copy of the Magna Carta in 1215, when Baron Robert de  Ros owned this area.

If you have any interesting stories, photos and memories of Hunters from the last 25 years, please share them with us.

Don't forget to keep an eye on social media and the press for details of events and celebrations.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Sarah & Andrew of "Johnsons Butchers" in Thirsk


Sarah and Andrew supply the wonderful scrummy pies that you can find in Hunters.
 
  1. What three words would you use to describe yourself?Friendly, hard working and loyal (Sarah)
  2. What would be your ideal three course meal?Scallops, roast beef & Yorkshires, cheese (Andrew)
  3. What is your favourite sandwich?Cheese & pickle (Sarah)
  4. What is your favourite place in Yorkshire (after Helmsley)?York (both)
  5. Where would be your recommendation of a great place for a picnic?Castle Howard (Sarah)
  6. Name three famous people (dead or alive) you’d invite to a dinner partyJohn Lennon, George Best & Chris Evans ( Andrew)
  7. What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
    R
    um and raisin (Sarah)
  8. What’s your favourite sport?Football (Andrew)
  9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?Gardening, reading, concerts (Sarah)
  10. Where’s your favourite holiday destination?Italy (both)
  11. Where (other than Hunters) should every visitor to Helmsley make sure they go?Walled Garden (both) Link here
  12. What’s your favourite film?Ghost (Sarah)
  13. What is your favourite product from Hunters?Johnsons pork pies of course! (both)