It’s almost been the perfect summer for growing; all my vegetables at the farm have really enjoyed the warm weather and periodic rainfall, creating a wonderful harvest this year. That said, most produce is coming to an end now, so time to start pickling, curing and preserving for the long winter ahead.

Our recent Universal Cookery and Food Festival travelled to Padstow Farm Shop for a wonderful day of coastal foraging, artisan suppliers, Great Taste Award winners and several demonstrations, debates and workshops. A huge thank you goes to Rational, Essential Cuisine, Iceland, Santa Maria, Alaska Seafood and Westlands who kindly sponsored the event. Some of our Business Partners also travelled west and showcased their products to hundreds of chefs in a field, under canvas, through typical Cornish weather (see pages 42-45).

Recently, I judged the FSM awards and I’m now looking forward to the evening in November when all will be revealed. I also attended the British Food Summit to discuss farming, food and routes to market, followed by a wonderful lunch at Elystan Street.

Congratulations go to winners Danny Young and Luke Selby for their recent achievements in Young National Chef of the Year and National Chef of the Year respectively, held at the Restaurant Show (see pages 36-39).

Lastly, I would like to welcome Blue Apple as our latest business partner and, at the same time, my new employer. Being appointed in September as their chef-director has created a very exciting future!

Lee Maycock, National Chairman