You are invited to our Annual General Meeting
Join us on 29th March at Berwick Parish Centre for our 2023 AGM. We'll be reflecting on last year and talking about our plans for 2023 including filling up our calender for members, events, our annual festival and more! Refreshments will be provided so please arrive at 6:30pm to begin the meeting at 7pm.
Click here for the agenda
What is Slow Food?
Slow Food is an International grassroots organisation which started in Italy with Carlo Petrini in the 1960s, linking the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and the environment.
Its aim is to defend regional traditions, good food, gastronomic pleasures and a slow pace of life by invigorating people's interest in food, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us.
Slow Food also recognises the value of local traditions and years of accrued knowledge and culture and as such attempts to preserve these through it's Ark of Taste Project.
In short Slow Food promotes true enjoyment of good food and food production systems which provide good, clean and fair food
This can be done through
- Children's education programmes
- The Ark of Taste – saving food production traditions
- Linking food producers to people / chefs
- Supporting local artisan producers
- Valuing the taste of our food
- Using Seasonal food
- Avoiding airmiles in the transportation of foodstuffs
- Keeping Traditions for next generation: cooking methods / ingredients / recipes

Berwick Slow Food are the local branch of Slow Food UK and with an elected committee we -
- Organise an annual Food & Beer Festival. With food and drink from local & regional producers, visitors have the opportunity to sample foods / meet producers to find out more about the produce / relax in a family friendly environment - find out more on www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk
- Facilitate talks and educational workshops
- Have social events to visit local restaurants, local food and drink based businesses featuring local produce, celebrating our region & bringing people together
- Organise visits to local producers and businesses
- Support & promote local & regional food producers.
Objectives
- To continue to develop Slow Food principles to the public
- To provide financial support for training to young person/s who would otherwise struggle to achieve a future in the food / drink sector
- To promote the work of Slow Food
- To encourage partnerships with existing food initiatives in Berwick
- To help support young person/s to remain in Berwick for employment
- Defending local and regional traditions
- Encouraging the socialisation of eating and enjoying food
- Introducing people to local and regional food & drink
- Encouraging people to share years of food knowledge
- Supporting local and regional producers of Good Clean & Fair food
- Campaigning

Berwick Slow Food Festival 2023
Confirmation of Dates : 18th - 20th August
Our Food and Beer Festival is back!
Now in its 16th Year we are buzzing to once again bring the celebration of all things local to the town.
With returning Festival Directors from last year Ray and Millie McRobbie will be working closely with the BSF committee and local community to pull together yet another weekend of fantastic food and drink for Berwick
Full details are available on our dedicated festival website so please head there for more information > www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk
Meet the Team
Our 2022 Committee is comprised of 4 Officers and 2 Members
Mouseover the profiles below to read a brief biography
Kev Wylie
Chair
Kev Wylie
Vice Chair
Leading on our communications for Berwick Slow Food throughout
Northumberland and the Scottish Borders
Ken Hardy
Treasurer
Ken Hardy
Treasurer
After leaving the Hospitality Industry after more than 30 year & still having a passion for Food & Drink I came across the local Food & Beer Festival. After volunteering for two years I was invited to join the committee and was delighted to be asked to stand as an officer and using my new career skills took up the position of treasurer
Phil Elliott
Vice Chair
Millie McRobbie
Festival Director
Millie Stanford
Committee
Manager & coordinator of Berwick Food & Beer Fest since 2022. Passionate about community, supporting local business and sustainable food with extensive experience in project management & volunteer coordination
Laura McGinlay
Secretary
Ray McRobbie
Festival Director
Ray McRobbie
Committee
Born and bred in the area with a great passion for supporting local business. 10+ years experience in hospitality has taught me a lot about good food and drink. Including running my own craft beer business for 3 years.
Festival Director alongside my wife for 2022 & 2023
Berwick Slow Food Video Demos

Further Contact Details:
Bursary Support Committee: A recent initiative offering support to local young individuals seeking support in furthering their skills and career.
Trader Support Committee: A recent initiative offering support to local traders and producers.
How to join Berwick Slow Food...
If you are interested in the Slow Food movement and wish to access key member benefits as well as the opportunity of joining the vibrant Berwick Slow Food group please apply here.
To discuss any issues before joining, or for further assistance from a member from the Berwick group, please feel free to contact our secretary or by completing our Contact Form below:
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