Join us at the Shurdington Community Centre on Sunday 16th March 2025, for a crucial conference dedicated to “Supporting Farmers for Food Security”. You will hear from passionate speakers who have expert insights into how and why bureaucrats are implementing radical changes in farming and how the bureaucracy being put in place is designed to radically corporatise our food supply. What is the future if we do nothing? We must act now to bolster food security for farmers, and find ways to support them in the future. Our government won't do it for us. 

Organised by the Our Free Town volunteers, this gathering promises to spark engaging discussions and network-building among like-minded individuals passionate about doing something about what has brought us to this disconcerting place for our farmers. To look at why and how farming and our food security are at the critical stage they’re in today and the daunting future if we do nothing. To understand why we are facing such radical changes in farming we need to look at what was put in place to bring this about.... We will then be looking at some of the great schemes that enable the public to buy directly to support farmers, and how we can help to set these up via existing schemes or by creating new ones that work locally; and how we can assist with the distribution of local goods to local shops. The intention for the day is to hopefully inspire us all to work together to enable our food security now and for future generations. Those that are willing to be a part of this exciting vision can sign up to one of our follow-up hubs that will be organised on the day, to follow through on the critical action required.

For a give-away £15 entry, you mustn't miss out on this unique opportunity to be the change you want to see – this event of wonderful speakers is bound to sell out. Secure your spot today. If we choose to collaborate and co-create together, we can achieve the future we want and be empowered in the process.

LUNCH CAN BE PURCHASED WITH YOUR TICKET

This is so that our amazing Stroud-based wholefood chef, Sam, knows how much to prepare. His wonderful dishes are all from locally sourced ingredients. Order lunch now so we can have a delicious wholesome lunch together. LUNCH ORDER 

£8 - Puy Lentil, Porcini and Chestnut Casserole or   £12 - Beef Pot-au-Feu.

Please choose from one of the following options: Beef Pot-au-Feu – Ox cheek and shin pieces, gently braised with apple cider and the best local market garden veg – Charlotte potato, turnip, carrot, Savoy cabbage and leek – scented with a clove studded onion, bay and thyme – finished with a dash of apple cider vinegar, garlic, cold pressed sunflower oil and horseradish. Served with freshly home baked sourdough bread. Or for a vegan option: Puy Lentil, Porcini and Chestnut Casserole – Authentic Puy lentil from the French Massif Central braised with Porcini and Chestnut mushroom, caramelised onion and Primitivo organic red wine – folded with roasted chestnut - finished with thyme, garlic, mustard and cold pressed sunflower oil. Served with sautéed new potato tossed in flat parsley and garlic and a dash of apple cider vinegar.

and for just £4 a cordon-bleu tray bake dessert... 

Our wonderful chef will also be offering a tasty tray bake: Either Spiced Apple Crumble Pie – Russet apples gently baked with warm spices and orange zest in a lemony sablée pastry case - topped with almond and oat crumble clusters of the perfect size and crunch. 

or Apple, Sultana and Fennel Cake – Beautifully moist and fragrant with chunks of Russet apples, cider marinated sultanas and freshly ground fennel seeds. 

(please bring cash)