Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005

[gertvegan]

If you're coming or thinking about coming to the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 and need accommodation, check out the VegCom Bristol, Bath, Avon & Somerset listings for somewhere to stay or to place an ad.

Even more info about the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 here.

29 days to go.

[gertvegan]

I've learnt that there are rooms available at the Travelodge for the 28th*, the night before the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 , for £26. Yep £26 per room, and its only a 5-10 minute walk to the fayre - laughin.

More info about the fayre available on the Yaoh website.

27 days to go.

*Though you really outta stay on the Saturday night as well, and go to the After Show Party.

[catmogg]

Don't think i can afford to go to this one, gutted. I really enjoyed the London one....and this one has a special meal after....

[gertvegan]

this one has a special meal after....

Everything about this fayre will be special catmogg, including the The After Show Party at The Rajpoot.

"Way and above the tastiest Indian food in Bristol" and "If you are looking to impress, then you've come to the right place" the Vegan Guide to Bristol says about the restaurant.

Along with the Vegan Society Awards, a buffet to beat, and top tunes, it'll be a cracking way to end yet another memorable day.

[Gliondrach]

I've learnt that there are rooms available at the Travelodge for the 28th*, the night before the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 , for £26. Yep £26 per room, and its only a 5-10 minute walk to the fayre - laughin.


*Though you really outta stay on the Saturday night as well, and go to the After Show Party.

My, prices have shot up in recent years. The last time I stayed anywhere it was 12 guineas for B and B.

[Kiran]

I might go along for this one.. Trying to save up.

[snaffler]

Er we come my baber tiz the brizzle vegan fayre and all the way from zomerzet we will bring eh bristolians corrots n turnips and some of best drinkun zider to get theee all 3 sheets to the wind.


Not long now me old cock.

[gertvegan]

From the October Yaoh Bulletin

Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 a Sell Out. Well, almost. There are about 4 stalls left, with a month to go before the show. With over 100 stalls, 30 entertainers and speakers, bands, DJ's, kids entertainers and a vast array of vegan produce, much of it free. Undoubtedly the vegan event of the year.

Admission is free, everyone is welcome, and you don't have to be vegan or veggie to enjoy the show.

"Its Bristol" says Tim the organiser. "We do parties, not issues." Click here here for further information

[veganrockchick]

Yay its gonna rock!!

Shame Viva! aren't allowed to come this time tho

Oh Well i've been looking forward to it all year its gonna be great


-Animal Liberation... Until Every Cage is Empty-

[gertvegan]

Coach to Bristol Vegan Fayre.

Departs central Birmingham City centre at 10:00 am on Saturday 29th October (pick up point to be agreed). Prices are expected to be £10 per person (waged) or £5 per person (concessions) although this depends on the numbers booking.

To reserve your place, please contact Martin Doyle on 0121 243 2337 or info@ecraftsmen.co.uk

It is important to respond as soon as possible as it's on a first come first served basis.


More info abour the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 on the Yaoh and Vegan Bristol websites.

[snaffler]

We are defiently coming over Me & Sooz and with any luck we are dragging along her Sister, I think we need to say cake and she will come.

So at least the Vegan Metal Heads will be represented if nothing else....looking forward to it and it lands on the day after payday and I get a pay rise this month

Gert will TXT when I arrive me ol Brizzle mucker.

[gertvegan]

Also from the October Yaoh Bulletin.

After Show Party

Yaoh hosts the Vegan Society Awards 2005 At the Rajpoot, Clifton, on Saturday 29th October from 8pm till 1am. Legendary original award winning ClubYeyo DJ ChrisXCross will be dropping some classic late 80's and early 90's party tunes till the early hours, before that a gourmet Indian vegan buffet and the Vegan Society's 2005 Awards ceremony, compered by Tim from Yaoh, and featuring, among others, vegan MP Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East).Tickets available from Yaoh (0117 9239053) priced £23.50

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Anyone who would like to share a lift by car from Weymouth or any point along the way to the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005, and maybe contribute a bit towards petrol, pm me.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

There will be a number of easy to enter competitions on the stage all day, with a variety of prizes on offer. At the moment you can win a HAMPER from ESSENTIAL and a HEMP MILKMAKER from YAOH but there will be others added to the list shortly.

Check out the full list of timings here.

[gertvegan]

And now you're in The Vegan magazine as well moomin.

HERES the article. Just stumbled upon it.

[gertvegan]

CLIFTON LIFE

BRISTOL VEGAN FAYRE 2005

OCTOBER ISSUE

Intro

Now in it’s 3rd year, the Bristol Vegan Fayre returns to the L Shed on Saturday 29th October for a massive celebration of all things vegan – and a lot of it for free. Entrance is free, the talks are free, the stage and entertainment is free, plus a load of free samples from the latest in vegan food and lifestyle.

The show begins at 10 am and includes a full line up of talks from a number of vegan experts, including MP for Bristol North Kerry McCarthy, vegan sports nutrition guru Gareth Zeal, and supplements expert Mike Abrahams form Clifton store Wild Oats. Entertainment includes live bands and dj’s, a vegan fashion show, the vegan bodybuilders and a shoulder press competition, plus a vegan custard pie fight as well as a full kids area, magicians, face painters and other entertainers.

Special guests are the Bristol Cancer Help Centre, celebrating their 25th year, and Vegfam, who are working to end poverty in some of the most challenging parts of the world. The Vegan Society are also coming to town, and there will be a gourmet dinner at Clifton restaurant The Rajpoot after the Fayre for the annual Vegan Society awards.

‘Everyone’s welcome’ says Tim from Yaoh, the organisers. ‘It’s Bristol, and in Bristol, we do parties, not issues.’ So come on down for what promises to be a proper family day out at the world’s biggest vegan event!

For further information please visit www.yaoh.co.uk or phone 0117 9239053


Feature

The Bristol Vegan fayre is the biggest vegan event in the world – and this year sees over 100 stalls, 30 speakers and entertainers and thousands of visitors representing every aspect of one of the UK’s fastest growing lifestyles. – the vegan lifestyle. Spurred on by recent mainstream
coverage from the likes of Dr Gillian McKeith and her programme ‘ You Are What You Eat’, and TV Chef Jamie Oliver, suddenly the benefits of the vegan lifestyle are going mainstream and becoming common knowledge.

Special guests are The Bristol Cancer Help Centre, celebrating their 25th year, and Vegfam, a charity that helps developing countries with establishing sustainable plant based projects to assist in relief of poverty. And the Vegan Society – now over 60 years old – are coming to Bristol for their AGM as well as a celebratory gourmet dinner and awards ceremony at The Rajpoot on the night of the Fayre. Tickets are available for this event from Yaoh – please see www.yaoh.co.uk for further details
or contact the Yaoh office on 0117 9239053.

The first Bristol Vegan Fayre was held two years ago at the Watershed, and saw 40 stalls and approximately 1500 visitors. Last year the show moved to the L Shed, with over 80 stalls and 5,000 visitors. This year the show has grown to over 100 stalls, and a record turn out is expected.

‘It’s phenomenal’ says organiser Tim Barford, from local hemp firm Yaoh, the organisers of the Bristol Vegan Fayre. ‘I did the first one just for fun, and had no idea that it would be so successful. This year, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. The show is already sold out and we just don’t have the space to meet demand. It’s a big ask but I love it. Really, though, it’s the support from the community, both local and national, that makes it possible. Bristol firms like Wild Oats, Essential Trading, Earthbound, Health Unlimited and national firms such as Redwood, Beanies, Plamil and the Vegan society have been massively generous in terms of support, both financial and otherwise, and it is the quality and commitment of our sponsors, speakers, stallholders, entertainers and visitors that makes the show so successful. It really is a privilege to be able to work with such good will and positive energy. Sometimes you get the feeling that the Vegan lifestyle is an idea whose time has come – Big Time! ‘

Tim stresses that you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the show. ‘Oh no’ he says ‘never mind about that. Everyone’s welcome. Just come down and have a gander. There’s a bar, music, veggieburgers - there’s even a vegan donner kebab stand. The whole point of the show is to have a laugh, have a bit of a party, meet up with friends, and maybe learn something new along the line. Whatever. It’s Bristol. We do parties, not issues.’

For further information about the Bristol Vegan fayre, to be held at the L Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping road ,Bristol, on Saturday 29th October 10am – 6pm (admission free), Please contact Yaoh on 0117 923903 or visit www.yaoh.co.uk

[bittersweet]

We've just booked a small self-catering apartment for the weekend, and are dithering about the aftershow party. Seems a long way out, and I'm dubious about being able to get any food without onions in...

[gertvegan]

We are very privileged to have a first rate line up of talkers for the 2005 show, and this year we have a new talks room with room for approx 70 people seated. Talks will last half an hour, with a 10 minute period for questions and answers, plus 5 minutes ‘turnaround’ time, during which the talker will be available for further questions. For 2005 the talks room will be hosted by Mike Abrahams from Wild Oats, who also happens to be one of the shows sponsors.


10.30 am Mike Abrahams – Wild Oats
‘Vegan Nutrition’

11.15 am Clare Benjamin – Bristol Cancer Help Centre
‘The Bristol Approach’

12.00 Midday Friedenstern Howard – Vegfam
‘The Vegan Lifestyle and the Developing World’

12.45 pm Gareth Zeal
‘Vegan Sports Nutrition’

1.30 pm Robbie Hazeley
‘Vegan Bodybuilding’

2.15 pm Kerry McCarthy – MP for Bristol East
‘Why Vegan?’

3.00 pm Dr Stephen Walsh – Vegan Society
‘Plant Based Nutrition’

3.45 pm Dr Gina Shaw
‘Fasting and the Raw Food Diet’

4.30 pm Max Drake
‘Plant Based Protection Against Cancers’

5.15 pm Ben Walgate - Festival Wines
‘Vegan, Organic and Biodynamic Wine’

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Mike Abrahams set up one of the UK’s first vegan restaurants in Bristol back in the very early 80’s on the Whiteladies Road, and is now the manager of Bristol uberhealth store Wild Oats , which can be found nestling on the Lower Redland Road just off the Blackboy Hill. With a vast store of knowledge and experience in all things vegan and healthy, Mike presents a fascinating insight into the vegan lifestyle and all that can go with it.

An expert in vegan nutrition and supplements, Mike will be on hand all day to help answer some of your questions as he is very kindly hosting the talk’s room.

[gertvegan]

Clare Benjamin is from the Bristol Cancer Help Centre , who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The BHCH are our special guests this year and Clare will be chatting about the ‘Bristol Approach’ to living with cancer, which includes a diet rich in organic fruit and vegetables.

Find out more about the work of the Centre in the community and also some of the frequently asked questions concerning these delicate, sensitive and complex issues.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Friedenstern Howard helps run the charity Vegfam, who are our other special guests this year. Vegfam help finance sustainable vegan aid projects in developing countries, and here Friedenstern outlines some of the work of the charity and also some of the issues concerning land and water use and animal based farming.

Vegfam present a very strong case for the development of vegan based projects, not only to avoid unnecessary cruelty to animals but also to make better use of what can be very scant resources. For those of us who are supporting the MakePovertyHistory campaign, this talk is unmissable.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

I would fully reccommend this to anyone who does any keep fit or sport of any kind we went to Gareths talk in 2004 it was brilliant, you got a go just to meet his dog hes cool

Gareth Zeal is a hugely knowledgeable and passionate man whose specialist area just happens to be vegan sports nutrition. Recently nutritional advisor to Manchester City FC, Gareth has a wealth of experience in his chosen field, and has some fantastic insights into the correlation between diet and maximum performance and achievement in the sports arena.

A must for all sports enthusiasts as well as those seeking specific answers to specific questions in the nutrition zone. Gareth is also a qualified Aiki Jitsu examiner.

[gertvegan]

Robbie Hazeley is another one off, and his talk promise to be both highly entertaining as well as extremely informative. Robbie is a vegan Bodybuilder and is currently training for several national bodybuilding competitions, so he is currently in the form of his life, as well as being bang up to date on all the latest information concerning this fascinating area. Robbie will be talking about his training schedule and of course his diet, and he will be on hand to explain different options about muscle building on a plant based diet, as well as answer any questions you may have.

[gertvegan]

For Kevster.

Kerry McCarthy is the UK’s first vegan Member of Parliament, being the representative for Bristol North following last May’s election. Kerry talks about some of the issues surrounding the vegan lifestyle as well as explaining why she is vegan. Kerry will also be attending the Vegan Society’s awards ceremony at the Rajpoot restaurant after the Fayre.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Dr Stephen Walsh is one of the leading lights of the Vegan Society, and also the author of ‘Plant Based Nutrition and Health’, a comprehensive and thoroughly researched scientific approach to vegan nutrition and the vegan lifestyle. Stephen will be covering some of the key points concerning nutrition and the vegan lifestyle and will also be on hand to answer any questions. Very knowledgeable and able to back up his claims with scientific fact, and essential listening for anyone making the transition to a plant based diet.

[gertvegan]

Dr Gina Shaw is an expert in the benefits of the raw food diet and is also experienced in the benefits of fasting and other cleansing programmes. Her talk outlines some of the advantages of accessing the majority of our nutrition in a raw (uncooked) state. The raw food diet is for many the ‘next step on’ from the vegan diet and is often coupled with quite intense self cleansing programmes that may often include fasting, and Gina is on hand to guide you through some of the issues involved in this evolved approach to diet, healing and cleansing.

[gertvegan]

Max Drake is now working in Napiers in Bristol (Park Street) and is a trained herbalist as well as researcher into the benefits of certain plants, and in particular their anti– cancer properties. Max’s work is ground breaking and extremely fascinating as mankind seeks to understand its unique relationship with the plant world around us. Awesome.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Ben Walgate from Festival wines concludes the day with a light hearted and informative talk about the different aspects of vegan, organic and biodynamic wine making. Those of us who like the odd tipple will be enthralled by the insights Ben provides into the wine making process, and in particular those which avoid the use of animal and chemical ingredients.

[Kevster]

Ah yes, i'd be interested in going along to Kerry McCarthy's talk, also Gareth Zeal and Friedenstern Howard. There's a good line up of interesting speakers. I'm looking forward to the visit, and also helping out a bit if need be.

[gertvegan]

I'm looking forward to the visit, and also helping out a bit if need be.

Nice one Mr Kev.

If we get a few more volunteers to do say an hour or two during the day, then everyone could have a bit more free time during the day. All it involves is pointing to the toilet etc, handing out programmes, flyering (depending on how busy it it), maybe do a bucket collection for VegFam and Bristol Cancer Help Centre.

Any offers of help appreciated, pm me.

[gertvegan]

The stage will be running at the far end of the L Shed for the whole of the day, with an eclectic combination of entertainment, music, shows, competitions and talks. Compere Tim from Yaoh will introduce a wide variety of individuals covering a huge range of topics, highlights of which include a live performance from Bigfoot and also a vegan fashion show and a shoulderpress competition with the Vegan BodyBuilders.

10.30 am Short talk with ESSENTIAL about the growth of vegan products in the South West followed by PETE SIMPSON from the VEGAN RUNNERS group.

11 am How to make a vegan BLACKCURRANT TOFU CHEESECAKE with Julie from Yaoh.

11.30 am COOKERY DEMO from BEANIES followed by a short presentation from DAVE from ANIMAL ASIA FOUNDATION.

12.00 pm ROBBIE HAZELEY the vegan bodybuilder POSING for the public, followed by a vegan FASHION SHOW featuring BOURGEOISE BOHEME, TOTAL LIBERATION and FREERANGERS.

12.30 Sally from WILD OATS talks about the growth of the demand for vegan products in Bristol, followed by TIM from YAOH’s celebrated HEMP SEED MILK and SMOOTHIE MAKING demo. One of Yaoh’s raw hemp milk makers is up for grabs in a simple – to – enter competition.

1.00 Cookery demo, including some tasty ideas for the festive season.

1.30 pm Adrian from PLAMIL chats about the UK’s original vegan company, and hands out free samples of Plamil’s immaculate vegan chocolate, followed by a presentation from KARIN RIDGERS, founder of www.veggievision.co.uk , the UK’s first vegan internet TV station.

2.00 pm Live music from BIGFOOT – electric cello, fiddle, guitar and vocals combine into semi acoustic Celtic blues jazz.

2.30 pm PAT and MARTIN from EARTHBOUND talk about their shop in Bristol as well as their previous existence running a veggie B + B in the Lake District, followed by Claudia Tarry from ANIMAL AID, chatting about the work of this much – loved national charity.

3.00 pm TONY BISHOP – WESTON introduces his best selling book ‘Vegan’ along with a highly entertaining and not to be missed cookery display, and then ROB FREE from HEMP IN AVALON presents a fascinating insight on what its like to live off hemp alone, including experiencing several 28 day hemp seed milk fasts (just drinking fresh hemp seed milk all day). If you want to know more about raw food diets, hemp seed nutrition and fasting then this one is a winner. Cutting edge.

3.30 pm REDWOOD WHOLEFOODS presents their range of vegan delicatessen products for tasting, as well as chatting about what its like to be the UK’s biggest producers of veggieburgers – followed by a star performance from the incredible new age contortionist RUBBER RITCHIE, who literally ties himself in knots in front of your eyes, and then unties himself. Remarkable.

4.00 pm VEGANBODYBUILDERS SHOULDERPRESS COMPETITION – open to everyone who is vegan. Two competitions – one for the girls and one for the boys, 8 kilo and 15 kilo weights respectively. Trophies for the winners, loads of runners –up prizes – sponsored by REDWOOD and YAOH. Check out www.veganbodybuilding.org for entries forms, or enter on the day.

4.30 pm Pat from HEALTH UNLIMITED talks about some of the latest health products on the market, followed by much – travelled vegan author ALEX BOURKE, who has written several books about travelling vegan abroad, and is also Chairman of the Vegan Society.

5.00 pm Live music from BIGFOOT.

[gertvegan]

Some of the stallholders for you's.

A Lot of Coffee 33 Douglas Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5BH, Tel 0118 3759375 Fresh coffee as well as fair trade and vegan chocolate on offer.

Beanies Unit 6 Cherry Tree Industrial Park, 312 Botley Road, Burridge, Southampton, SO31 1BQ, Tel 01489 574593. Importers of the fabulous Fry’s range of vegan burgers, sausages and meat free alternatives.

Wild Oats 9-11 Lower Redland Road, Bristol, tel 0117 9731967. One of the South West’s biggest selections of vegan products, with service to match.

Plamil www.plamilfoods.co.uk tel 01303 850588 The UK’s first vegan company, and still Champions league when it comes to vegan products – especially the soya milk and the chocolate.

Pukka Herbs The Home Farm, Barrow, Court Lane, Barrow Gurney, Bristol, Tel 01275 461950 Bristol based firm with delightful selection of herbal teas, supplements and remedies.

Redwood Redwood House, Burkiff Road, Earlstree, Corby, Northants, NN17 4DT, Tel 01536400557. Top of the range vegan delicatessen with many award winning products, including their unique vegan melting cheese.

Tiffins 151 St Michaels Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DB, Tel 0117 9734834 Lush range of Indian snacks and savouries, including their gorgeous katchouries.

Earthbound 8-10 Abbotsford Road, Bristol, BS6 6HB, Tel 0117 9042260. Great shop in Cotham with massive range of vegan products including fresh organic fruit and vegetables.

Health Unlimited 248 North Street, Ashton, Bristol, Tel 0117 9020622 www.silver-gecko.com. Cutting edge suppliers of range of health remedies and supplements as well as gifts.

Essential Unit 3, Lodge Causeway Trading Estate, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3JB Massive distributor of vegan produce throughout the UK, with shops in Bristol and Bath (Harvest)

Yaoh PO Box 333 Bristol BS99 1NF tel 0117 9239053 www.yaoh.co.uk Hemp products outfit supplying top quality hemp food and bodycare.

Natures Treats tel 0239 2611607 Chris Kennet from Nature’s Treats specialises in gourmet raw food cakes, which are quite fantastic. Plus a full range of fresh raw foods available throughout the day

Zedz The Old Station Bakery, Mill Lane, Llanfyllin, SY22 5BG, Tel 01691 648001. Vegan and gluten free snacks, cakes and savouries. Unmissable. Top fellas.

Real Olive Company St Nicks Market, Bristol. Gorgeous selection of olives plus other Mediterranean produce

Blue Juice 39 Cotham Hill, Bristol, Tel 0117 9734800. Serving up fresh juices all day long with exciting variations from the norm

Fresh and Wild 85 Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QS, Tel 0117 9105930. Excellent quality vegan groceries and delicatessen from Clifton favourites.

Veganstore.com Tel 01273 302979 www.veganstore.com Superb selection of every possible vegan item you could consider, with an especially large vegan sweets selection. Not to be missed.

Fresh Water Company Unit 8, Kentish Town Business Centre, Regis Road, NW5 3EW, Tel 02074 824066. 21st century answer to your clean water problems – cleans tap water in seconds to complete purification levels.

PETA Europe PO Box 36668 London SE1 1WA Tel: 020 7357 9229 Huge animal rights group originating from the USA, now with European branch.

Healthy Oils 34 Church Lane, North Weald, Essex, Tel 01992 524671
Importers of the massively popular Luque brand of organic olive oil – on sale in Earhtbound and Wild Oats.

Community Foods Brent Terrace, London, NW2 1LT, Tel 02082088826. Suppliers of quality vegan groceries and other produce.

The Regent Practice 13 Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HW, Tel 0117 9735500 21st Century Health Care based in Clifton Village.

RealFoods Po Box 339, Wolverhampton, WV10 7BZ, Tel 01902 562463. Organisers of the Heart of England vegan festival with info/t-shirts about the vegan lifestyle.

Animals Asia Foundation Po Box 835, Uxbridge, UB8 9AX, Tel 08702413723 Protecting animals all across the Asian continent.

Festival Wines Po Box 5088, Brighton & Hove, BN52 9BZ, Tel 01273325307 Vega, organic, biodynamic – come and sample.

All Love 15 Millbrook, Fence In Pendle, Lancs, BB12 9PE, Tel 01282697931 Top t-shirt and gift selection from these regulars on the veggie/vegan circuit.

Bioflow 30 Dinsdale Ave Wallsend NE28 9JD Tel 0191 2628844 Aches and Pains? Bioflow can assist with improved energy and healing, reduced pain and inflammation.

Natural Organics/Organic Soap Company 23 Farquhar Road, London, SE19 1SS, Tel 02084 882469 Much as it says in the title – organic soaps, vegan of course.

Vegan Organic Network 161 Hamilton Road, Longsight, Manchester, M13 0PQ Helps pioneer eco friendly vegan methods of growing vegan organic food, both commercial and non-commercial.

Europeans For Medical Progress Po Box 38604, London, W13 0YR, Tel 02089 972951 Campaign group dedicated to the establishment of alternative methods to animal testing.

Amnesty International tel 0117 9756684 Bristol branch of human rights charity and pressure group.

Tonic Attack Hill Farm House, Shepton Montague, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8JW, Tel 01749 812652. Fresh wheatgrass juice in abundance from these people with a passion.

Captive Animals Protection Society Po Box 573, Preston, PR1 9WW, Tel 01772 740076 Campaigning group that monitors and assists captive animals worldwide.

The Happy Hippo 31 Arthur Street, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 1QR, Tel 02920631741 You know what? I haven’t got a Danny what these people do. By the end of the show I will. They must have a hippo with a smile on it or something. Enigmatic.

Save The Newchurch Guineapigs Po Box 74, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 3WF, Tel 01902 564734 Campaigning group that has recently achieved noticeable results in their efforts to close down the Newchuch guinea pig breeding farm.

ReBar 269 Brighton Road, Belmont, Surrey, SM2 5SU, Tel 0800 960 708. Massively popular health bar containing 22 different fruits and vegetables, with the equally popular Chris on the stall.

Natural Vitality 5 Keels Hill, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8ER, Tel 01761 434856. Outstanding selection of hummus made fresh in the area, served with pitta and salad all day long.

Vital Queenswood Cottage Queenswood Ave Bath BA1 6EU Tel 07821 272915 Bath market stallholders Vital specialise in fresh local vegan produce, and also run vegan cookery classes.

Princess Phoebe’s 26 Bere Lane, Glastonbury, BA6 8BB, Tel 01458 834673 Clothes and gifts stall from this friendly outfit named after their cat Phoebe.

Bar Run by Bristol pub the Cornubia, full of Grolsch and Becks, I should imagine, as they are both vegan.

Veggies 245 Glastone St, Nottingham, NG7 6HX, 0845 4589595. Award winning and seasoned campaigners from Nottingham serve up their unique taste – busting veggieburgers, cooked fresh and handily placed next to the bar.

House Of Life tel 08704 870215 Suppliers of the worlds first ever vegan donner kebabs. Absolutely unmissable, especially after a couple of pints at lunchtime.

Ethical Investors Group 11a Fredington Grove, Plymouth, PL2 3EA Massive Argyle supporter Chris takes valuable time away from the game to showcase his ethical investment company. Fortunately Plymouth’s game has been moved to a Sunday.

Earthpure 2 Trevaughan Terrace, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 Tel 01994 241484 Seductive hand crafted soaps from Wales.

The Dreaming Tree 21 Tower Hill, Dilton, Westbury, Wilts, BA13 4DA, Tel 01373 822870 Mandy and Dave provide an eclectic combination of clothes and cakes at their double stall – top choice for shopping and snacking.

Ethical Wares Caegwgn, Temple Bar, Ceredigion, SA48 7SA, Tel 01570 471155 Delighted to have this brilliant collection of vegan goodies from well respected old skool crew, perfect with Christmas coming up.

Hempish Stonelea, Catbrook, Nr. Chepstow, NP16 6NA, Tel 01600 861871 Great collection of beautiful hemp goods from this local firm, including hemp clothes, gifts, bodycare, food and information, and now the most amazing hemp pesto imaginable.

Hemp In Avalon 1a Market Place, Glastonbury, BA6 9HD, Tel 01458 8535769. The enigmatic Rob Free is the owner and drive behind the West Countries leading hemp shop – learn all about the wonders of hemp at this stall.

Avon Wildlife Trust 5 Herbury Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4PN, Tel 0117 9081969. Protecting wildlife in the very beautiful Avon area.

Animal Aid The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1AW, Tel 01732 364546 These lovely people from Kent are with us once more representing one of the UK’s most popular and well known animal charities.

Napiers Herbal Health Care Ltd 90 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5LA, Tel 0117 9450698 Dynamic, cutting edge, expert, a great selection of herbals plus trained therapists on the stall.

Turtle Bags 1 Hardcastle Villas, Worcester Road, Stourport, DY139PA, Tel 01299 827092 Every sale of one of these delightful bags goes to help the preservation of turtles as well.

Seddlescombe Organic Vineyards Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5SA Large selection of wines form this Southern England estate – all organic and vegan.

Yorkshire Hemp Ltd PO Box 120, Driffield, YO25 9YS, Tel 01924 375475 Excellent choice of hemp food products from this popular hemp firm, now visiting the Bristol Vegan Fayre for the 3rd time running. Well done that man.

Excellart 3 Primrose Terrace, Midsomer Norton, Bath, BA3 2US, Tel 01761 413022 Vegan design and marketing consultancy, specialising in adverts and poster design as well as advice on marketing strategy.

Dogs Kitchen (Our Billy) And Vegan Fitness Fir Tree Cottage, Bell Lane,Bromsberron Heath, Ledbury, HR8 1NX, Tel 01531 650900 Get the best in vegan dogfood at this shared stall – Vegan Fitness representative on hand to advise too.

Vegecommerce 6 Southbrook Close Havant Hants PO9 1RW tel 02392 471699 Leading suppliers of vegan pet food as well as huge range of other vegan produce.

Humane Reseach Trust 29 Brammall Lane South, Brammall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 2DN, Tel 0161 4398041 Nationa Charity working with scientists to develop new medical research techniques without the use of animals.

Love Network 4 Rock House Holywell Rd Malvern WR14 4LE Selection of superfoods and supergreens from this cutting edge firm.

Perle De Provence 60 Hazelhurst Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 6AB, Tel 0121 4442300 Gorgeous selection of bodycare that is free from all the nasties, and rich in organic olive oil.

Anila’s Authentic Sauces Po Box 407 Walton, Surrey, KT12 3WS, Tel 0208 5776162. Lush range of vegan hand made sauces and pickles as well as herbs and spices.

Animal Protection Agency Brighton Media Centre, 68 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL, Tel 01273 674253 Assists in the protection of animals from cruelty in the UK.

Bourgeois Boheme Garden Flat, 115 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NP, Tel Animal friendly fashion accessories for men and women, including bags, belts, wallets, skin care, footwear and more.

Free Rangers 87 Derwent Street, Stopwell, Newcastle, NE17 7HZ, Tel 01207 565957 Long established vegan footwear from this respected company, available mail order the rest of the year round.

Funk Bubble 1 Pond Cottages, Littlebourne, Canterbury, CT3 1TN FunkBubble started life on the Lower Redland Road in Bristol but now Provide their delicious bodycare range from Kent. Amazing flavours, gentle ingredients, all vegan, on sale all over Bristol.

Bristol District Association Of Healers 46 Court Road, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 9SP, Tel 0117 9322411 Keith and Helen return for the 3rd time and are on hand to chat about their work.

The Vegan Society Donald Waston House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex, TN37 7AA, Tel 01424 427393, www.vegansociety.com. The original. Much loved, much respected. Providing information and advice about the vegan lifestyle for over 60 years now, and generally accepted as the best of its kind. Their trademark continues to be the definitive vegan trademark.

Avon & Somerset Greyhound Action Tel 07899 715216 Look after the welfare of Greyhounds across the nation, often victims of the track.

Big Banana Juice Bar 21 – 22 St Nicks Market, Bristol Big up the Big Banana juice bar. This St Nicks based outfit do us all proud with their innovative range of juices and smoothies.

Clifton Coffee Company 23 Wellington Park, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2UW. Absolutely essential part of the show, especially for all us hard working stall holders. The Clifton Coffee boys make a mean brew which hits the spot every time.

Shambhu’s Kitchen Nishma Shah 77 Beverley Drive, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 5NQ, Tel 02089 310030 Hot Indian meals and chapatti from this husband and wife team from London.

Vegan Runners 13 Peers Lane, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes, MK5 6BG, Tel 01908 503919 Information stall from the vegan runners, a group of vegans who cover vast distances of the UK on foot. Discover essential training information from this stall.

Raw Living 41 Southdown Ave, Brighton, BN1 6EH, Tel 0208 6081857 Specialising in raw food products and well worth the visit upstairs for their Hi Bar and Hi – Trail mix, including raw chocolate - gorgeous.

In 2 Balance 21 Pitch & Pay Park Bristol, BS9 1NL, Tel 0117 9091148 Fancy a quick massage? Trained practitioners make your wish come true.

Healing in The 21st Century 16 Manor Road, Pawlett, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4BG Take some time out to visit this fascinating display up on the balcony.

Total Liberation South Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AD, Tel 01297 631133 Cruelty free footwear including kids selection, trainers and football boots, all at really excellent prices. The business.

Forever Living Products 43 Birkbeck Mansions, Birkbeck Road, Crouch End, N8 7PG, Tel 0208 3400726 Specialists in Aloe Vera products, renowned for its health giving properties.

Bristol Animal Rights Coalition.

Artel Allergy Products 1 Kingston Ind Estate, Kingston Farm, Matching Lane, White Roding, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1RP. Information and products for allergy sufferers.

Aroma Foods PO Box 111, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2ZQ, Tel 0117 9834076 Peter and his wife make a varied and consistently excellent selection of vegan treats, mainly savoury but also sweet. Unmissable.

[gertvegan]

At 5.30 pm on the stage is the vegan CUSTARD PIE FIGHT – entrance open to anyone brave enough to indulge in a proper job stand up vegan custard pie fight – free prize for every entrant for this YAOH sponsored event, cleaning facilities and towels available afterwards.

Anyone up for it?

[gertvegan]

Plamil article from the programme

Plamil are one of the original vegan firms in the UK, set up in 1963 to provide the countries first commercially available soya milk. They are also one of the sponsors for this year’s Bristol Vegan Fayre.

‘Plamil are committed to helping other organisations bring to the public awareness some of the alternatives and choices they have in purchasing everyday items that promote health and reduce animal suffering’ says Adrian Ling from Plamil. ‘One of the best things about being vegan is understanding that you are helping fellow creatures and humans by making simple and easy choices.’

And when it comes to choices, Plamil certainly provide plenty of them. Their range includes different soya milks including flavoured and organic versions, as well as various mayonnaises and deserts that are all dairy free, of course. But perhaps their best choice lies in their chocolates – the organic cayenne is superb, and there are various others to compliment, including mint and fruit and nut versions – all fantastic, and an excellent alternative to the milk-heavy sugar- laden commercial sector. In fact, so successful has their range been, and with such a rise in demand for vegan chocolate, Plamil, innovative as ever, have gone one step further and brought out No Added Sugar chocolate – in two superb varieties, plain and with added shelled hemp seed.

‘There are a growing number of customers that want to reduce their sugar consumption or who wish to cut out sugar all together.’ Says Adrian. ’These no added sugar bars use the sweetness in Xylitol, which is made from birch trees. Xylitol is known to have benefits in oral health and therefore ideal for those that do not want sugar replaced by chemical additives.’

With 60% cocoa these bars have a really good chocolate taste, and are vegan and gluten – free, as well as having no added sugar…..a truly ground breaking product, and one that Plamil are justifiably very happy about. ‘I am proud that as an independent chocolate manufacturer we can be truly innovative,’ adds Adrian. ’These bars are truly unique – loads of cocoa, no added sugar, dairy or gluten – and the shelled hemp variety in particular is a real breakthrough. Hemp has really ‘come of age’ and the hemp seed is rich in protein as well as an excellent source of essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9. These bars really are good for your health, as well as tasting superb.’

Adrian has been vegan all his life, and sees the growth of the vegan lifestyle as unstoppable. ‘There will be ups and downs, reports and counter reports, scares and health benefits, but overall logic will prevail, and more people will follow a vegan diet. And that’s the key, I think…..people will follow the vegan ’way’ but not define themselves as being ‘vegan’.

Very astute comments from one who knows. Massive thanks to all at Plamil for sponsoring the event, and especially Adrian for his commitment, drive and energy for the vegan lifestyle. For him, and many others, being vegan is more a complete way of life than a just another fad diet.

You can visit Plamil at stand 4, where you will find not only their new range of chocolates but also discounts on all their lines.

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

11 days to go.

[snaffler]

It has come round really quick now, it feels like it was only 12 months ago

[gertvegan]

It has come round really quick now, it feels like it was only 12 months ago

Even less time til the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2006. It'll make sense when you read the programme.

[gertvegan]

More useful info for you's

INFORMATION POINT/FIRST AID/LOST KIDS
If you need the information point, or some first aid, or if we have a missing child, or any other crisis for that matter, please come to the stage area and ask for Tim or Nick. St John’s ambulance volunteers will be at the stage area too.

BAR
This year the bar is being run by Maggie and Geoff, who also help run the Cornucopia in the centre of Bristol. All the alcohol on sale on the day will be vegan, and will include beer, wine, spirits and cocktails as well as soft drinks. Decent prices and decent choice and handily placed next to the stage and speakers for continuous music, and the veggieburger and the doner kebab stand for comfort eating. No chips though, sorry about that. Maybe next year. Pickled onions though. And crisps.

FREE FOOD AND AND SPECIAL OFFERS
Loads of freebies and tasters on offer around the show – checkout BEANIES and REDWOODS especially to sample the latest in meat free healthy options. The STAGE is a good bet to cadge a whole range of free samples as well as all the prizes, PLAMIL will have their new chocolates available to taste on their stall as well as their whole range on offer, WILD OATS will definitely be flush with freebies as well as promotions, meanwhile ESSENTIAL and THE VEGAN SOCIETY will be also well be worth a try. HEALTH UNLIMITED and EARTHBOUND will have a large selection too. Many stalls will be sampling their products for free as well as offering special show discounts – just ask.

KIDS AREA
This year the nippers have their own backroom, tastefully decorated and entertained by the Illustrious SALLY NOVELLO and ROBBIE McMAGIC. And magic they are too – ask anyone who saw them at last year’s fayre. Clowning, face painting, mask painting, magic, a puppet show….and the kids room is handily place next door to the PRAM PARK. This is a specially designated area for prams and pushchairs, and perhaps a small space for changing etc. We all know how hard it is with little’uns at these events and especially with prams, pushchairs and loads of people, so take a few minutes respite in this small but quite(ish) room. Meanwhile, up by the stage, a whole host of kid – friendly competitions to enter, plus a face painter and a close up magician

THE BACK ROOM
Don’t forget that the back room is also filled with stalls and well worth a visit for the complete vegan experience! Stalls include the BRISTOL ANIMAL RIGHTS COALITION, an ALOE VERA stall, ARTEL ALLERGY PRODUCTS and others.

COMPETITIONS
Loads of competitions to enter, free and easy and suitable for all the family. Key prizes include a hemp seed milk maker from YAOH, a hamper from ESSENTIAL, a gift voucher from WILD OATS and also HEALTH UNLIMITED, some organic olive oil from EARTHBOUND, some books from The VEGAN SOCIETY, chocolate from PLAMIL and some products from REDWOOD and BEANIES. Plus more on the day – listen up at the Stage for details.

MUSIC
There will be a continuous programme of music this year playing around the show, with the volumes louder down by the bar and stage. Ibiza chill and blues are the order of the day. Live performances from BIGFOOT at 2pm and at 5pm give the show a truly musical flavour.

FOOD + DRINK ZONE
You will discover a whole variety of vegan food and drink all over the show on many different stalls, but both at the entrance of the show, and up by the stage, there are two specially designated food and drink areas. By the ENTRANCE, you will find The CLIFTON COFFEE stall serving, amongst others, vegan lattes, the BIG BANANA JUICE BAR with a variety of different smoothies and juices, AROMAFOODS with a choice of snacks and savouries, and SHAMBU’S KITCHEN with a selection of Indian curries, rice and chapatti. And then down by the STAGE, check out not only the BAR serving up beer, wine and spirits, but also VEGGIES from Nottingham with their legendary veggieburgers, freshly cooked and served hot, and the amazing vegan DONNER KEBABS as supplied by HOUSE OF LIFE. And on stall number 7, just up from the stage, sample the delights of TIFFINS Indian snacks, both hot and cold. Meanwhile, BLUE JUICE are sorting the juices in the stage zone, ZEDZ are also stage area with their muffins, amongst other sweets and savouries, whilst PUKKA serve up top dollar herb teas. And if you fancy a bit of hummus and pitta, plus a salad, check out NATURAL VITALITY.

HARBOURSIDE – BEWARE SMALL CHILDREN
Please note that the L Shed is situated by the Harbourside in the middle of Bristol. Water, water everywhere. Small children especially will need full attention.

10 days to go

More info about the fayre on www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Bristol Cancer Help Centre article from the programme

The Bristol Cancer Help Centre is celebrating its 25th year this year, and we are very happy to welcome them once again to the Bristol Vegan Fayre for the 3rd year as our special guests.

The Bristol team provide a comprehensive and practical support programme for those who are living with cancer, with the centre offering residential therapy courses and physical, emotional and spiritual support from an experienced team of doctors, nurses and complimentary therapists.

One of their main concerns is diet – and the centre provides practical advice on nutrition and healthy eating, helping people learn more about the way food affects us both in a positive fashion and also negatively.

It is now widely accepted that a diet rich in organic fruit, vegetables and grains can not only protect against many cancers but also aid recovery for those with cancer. This may be mainstream knowledge now, but when the centre started its pioneering approach to living with cancer it was ridiculed and abused by many, especially other health professionals.

But now, the centre is much loved and respected not only by those who have experienced first hand their love, care and support, but also for all of us who believe that a sensible and informed approach to a good diet is the way to try and avoid illness in the first place.

The Bristol Cancer Help Centre has been leading the way the world over for its holistic and groundbreaking approach, and indeed the phrase ‘The Bristol Diet’ has been coined amongst many the world over in reflection of their contribution to the understanding of diet, healing and living with cancer.

Thanks very much to all the team for providing valuable time once again to come to the fayre. Half the collection on the door at the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 will be donated to the Centre.


9 days to go.

[Gliondrach]

The Bristol Centre does a wonderful job.

About ten years ago I remember a report was published which said that women with breast cancer who attended the Bristol Centre were more likely to die than those who had conventional treatments. I was a helper in a cancer support group at the time and many of the women there were distraught. Some had been to the Centre and most of the others were basing their lives on the Centre's teachings. It really caused a lot of distress to those women. Then it was discovered that the report, funded by the big cancer research organisations, was false. The women who were following the Bristol methods were not as they had been described in the report. They were not in the age groups that they were said to be in. They were not all free of cancer at that time - but the report said that they were, implying that the Bristol methods had brought their cancer back again. In fact, some of them had been classified as incurable - a far cry from being 'cancer free'. Some of the women who were supposed to be just receiving conventional treatments were actually also receiving complementary treatments.
When these lies were eventually exposed there was a lot of criticism of the authors of the report. In fact one of them committed suicide. Perhaps he realised how much damage he had caused. I know that a lot of the women in my group were very badly affected. I think that some of them neve fully recovered.

[snaffler]

Even less time til the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2006. It'll make sense when you read the programme.

Aww is it going to be in the warmth of the summer much better, far much better - they can flog vegan ice cream then LOL.

I am looking forward to it, let me pee myself with excitement like an untrained dog. sorry I went off on one then.....see ya their....

[gertvegan]

Vegfam article from the programme

Vegfam are also our special guests this year and you will find them on the top balcony next to the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. Vegfam was set up in 1963 to help developing countries with projects that were vegan only, and avoided the use of or suffering of animals. Vegfam has over the years supported a vast number of poor and often drought and famine ravished areas of the world with practical, sustainable cruelty free projects that help ensure a future free from external aid.

Vegfam works with a number of other selected charities that then work closely with the individuals and locals in small villages and areas where a little, in the right hands, can go a long way. All of their projects are carefully managed to ensure that they work, and are sustainable and easily continued by the local inhabitants, without damaging the already fragile environments, wasting resources, or causing cruelty to animals. This is what makes them unique, and worthy of our support.

In a year of big hopes, big promises and little action on the world poverty front, it is of some small comfort to know that a small contribution really can make poverty history for some, without being wasted, or falling into the wrong hands, or financing badly thought out, ineffective unsustainable and often environmentally damaging projects that unfortunately ‘mainstream’ aid donations so often seem to result in.

And because they are vegan, you know that your donation to Vegfam is not going to finance animal suffering of any kind, either. Half the collection on the door for the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 will be donated to Vegfam. Your generosity really will be appreciated.

[gertvegan]

Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 Directions and parking, busing, training it info for you's.

More info about the fayre www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

See you there.

[gertvegan]

Earthbound article from the programme.

Cotham Hill is an area of Bristol that is particularly rich in Vegan options as it happens. There is of course Blue Juice, serving up fresh juices and wraps, Cork’s the off license, with a specialist vegan alcohol selection, and Cathy’s laundrette, which admittedly isn’t vegan but is extremely handy for the best service wash in town as well as a good natter. But the jewel in the crown is Earthbound, a mid sized independent organic health store that specialises in a massive range of fresh organic fruit and veg – the mainstay of the vegan diet. They are also one of the sponsors of this year’s Bristol Vegan Fayre.

‘Some of our most loyal customers are vegan,’ says Pat, who together with husband Martin runs Earthbound. ‘I think they prefer to shop in small community shops because they appreciate the quality and the service – as well as shop itself. It often seems that people who have made a choice to become veggie or vegan, or even just increase their consumption of fresh fruit and veg, have also thought about other issues. And often they don’t much like the ‘corporate’ world either, and prefer to use the power of their spend to challenge the big monopolies. I think a lot of people, especially in Bristol, vote with their choice of spend these days, and I know a lot of vegan people appreciate us as an alternative to the supermarkets. And in return we appreciate the vegan community enormously. That’s one of the reasons why we are sponsoring the Fayre.’

Earthbound stocks a huge variety of groceries, bodycare, supplements, chocolate, snacks and sweets – all of them organic and most of them vegan.

But undoubtedly the emphasis is on the fantastic collection of fresh organic fruit and veg on offer. Admittedly supplying fruit and veg is challenging, to say the least. ’It’s hard work,’ says Pat, ‘and it is sometimes difficult to predict what will sell….organic fruit and veg has an even shorter shelf life that commercial crops and can go out of date easily. But we have noticed a tremendous rise in demand for fresh local produce like this and are also not spoilt for choice as to supplies anymore – there’s no shortage of superb fruit and veg to be had from all over the South West and Wales’organic farms now.’

As with all our sponsors, Earthbound’s contribution to the success of the show has been immeasurable. Please do visit their stall number 8 on the day, and say hello

www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Health Unlimited article from the programme

South of the river Avon, not far from Ashton Gate (Bristol City FC) and tucked away on North Street, you will find Health Unlimited, one of the sponsors of the Bristol Vegan Fayre. Health Unlimited is a shop that specialises in cutting edge nutrition and bodycare products – most of them vegan, naturally. As well as that they have a wide range of gifts such as incense, candles and cards, but there are two things that stand out particularly about this shop – their supplements range, and their working knowledge and free advice on all things health related.

Both Julia and Patrick, who manage the shop, mail order and wholesale departments between them, are qualified therapist and nutritional experts, and their unbiased, informed and balanced information comes for free. This is not a shop where you get the traditional ‘hard sell’ – far from it. In fact, it is a shop like Health Unlimited that epitomises the true spirit of 21st century health care – free, informed, unbiased, practical, but above all placing the emphasis on the individual to take responsibility for their own health and educate themselves into making responsible lifestyle choices.

Recently they have both seen a marked rise in sales of certain products. ‘Essential fatty acid omega 3, 6 and 9 are big news right now’ say Patrick.’ We get a lot of young parents especially looking for good sources of essential fatty acids for themselves and their children. Hemp and flax oil are big sellers right now.’ Supplements are also in big demand, and Health Unlimited has a big range, most of them vegan. And the rise in demand for natural bodycare products has continued to grow rapidly. A few years ago, there were hardly any chemical free products on the market, but now a shop like Health Unlimited carries more than just a few cutting edge ranges, all of them free from sodium lauryl sulphates, parabens and harsh chemical additives.

Like many small businesses, Julia and Patrick work extremely hard, and their contribution as sponsors to this year’s fayre (as well as last year’s) is very much appreciated. Their wholehearted and unselfish support for a community event like the Bristol Vegan Fayre further underlines their honesty, dedication and commitment to helping others access unlimited health for themselves. Respect.

[gertvegan]

And a Wild Oats article from the programme.

Wild Oats, on the Lower Redland Road at the top of the Blackboy, is the business when it comes to 21st century health stores. Gone are the days of sandals and rainbows, in comes top notch advice and knowledge from a team of experienced and qualified experts in natural health care, plus the latest in a huge selection of products. Supplements expert Mike Abrahams, one of the managers of Wild Oats, opened Bristol’s first vegan restaurant way back in the early 80’s, and has been an astute observer of the vegan lifestyle ever since – as well as one of the sponsors of this year’s Bristol Vegan Fayre.

‘Vegan philosophy can embrace a very healthy, eco- friendly approach to life,’ says Mike, ‘and it seems that if you want to be really healthy, then you have to do it the eco-friendly way – eating fresh, local, seasonal, and especially, organic foods. Over the last 28 years we have seen proof of this way of living, and so it only makes sense that we support any attempts to bring this to a wider audience and thereby help create a healthier community with all the social and environmental advantages that can bring.’

Mike and the Wild Oats team have seen a big rise in demand for vegan products recently, especially in the convenience food sector. ’Chilled and frozen sausages, tofu products and ready meals are appealing to an increasing number of customers,’ says Mike, ‘and the lunchtime salads and soups are all vegan in response to demand – and they fly out the door. Bodycare too – products like Dr Hauschka, LaVera, Green People and Yaoh have in a very short space of time established themselves in the marketplace.’

And it’s not just committed vegans who are buying the products. ’Those concerned with their health’ adds Mike ‘often find that leaving out animal products can significantly improve their health, and there are a lot of people who, for one reason or other (perhaps entertaining a vegan guest) have tried vegan products and enjoyed them in the same way they might discover something unusual in a deli. And of course, our committed vegan customers are highly valued and respected, and we are always on the look out for new vegan products that might appeal to them.’

So – a big growth in the vegan lifestyle then – and one that Mike predicts will continue for some time. ’Fashions come and go because they have no intrinsic value, but a vegan lifestyle brings so many benefits to the individual and the environment that I don’t think people will let it go that easily. I think it’s here for the long haul….’

As will be Mike and all his team at Wild Oats, we hope. Thanks to Wild Oats for sponsoring the Bristol Vegan fayre

More info about the fayre www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

See you in 6 days.

[gertvegan]

Beanies article from the programme for you's

Beanies are a family outfit based on the South Coast that are responsible for importing and distributing the hugely popular FRY’S range of special vegan foods, which include burgers, sausages and schnitzels. This lovely bunch of people are never shy to support events of this kind, and sponsoring the Bristol Vegan Fayre for the second year running was an easy choice.

‘We want to see the show keep expanding and growing year after year’ says Lisa from Beanies, ‘and sponsorship is one of the best ways of doing this. The Bristol Vegan fayre also presents us with many fantastic opportunities – we do free tastings of the FRY’S range and it gives us a chance to meet some of our customers face to face and to get an instant response to our products.

This year we have been sponsoring some of the Viva! UK roadshows, as well as being at the Heart of England vegan fest last June and the London vegan festival in September. We love ‘em!’.

‘The Bristol show has a great buzz to it’ adds Lisa. ‘We love to wander about and find out what’s new in the vegan world, and one of the best things is being able to catch up with so many familiar faces too. We are all looking forward to the party after the fayre too at The Rajpoot, when the Vegan Society will be presenting their annual awards. We are fully supportive of all the great work the vegan community do, especially in Bristol.’

Beanies products are on sale all over Bristol, and their next move, along with their African Bush Teas range of rooibos teas, is to bring in a range of vegan ice cream made from rice – ‘truly scrumptious’ according to Lisa, who is vegan herself. Big thanks to all the family at Beanie’s for their support for this year’s (and last year’s) shows.

More info about the fayre www.yaoh.co.uk and www.veganbristol.makessense.co.uk

[gertvegan]

Sponsors info from the programme

Our sponsors are a wonderful bunch of people, both as individuals and as organisations and companies. They all of them dig deep to support this show, and it is definitely true that without their wholehearted support this show would not be going ahead.

All of them have been consistent in their support for both the Bristol Vegan Fayre and a number of other projects too, and prove that there really is an integrity, belief and honour amongst the Natural Products trade that is virtually unique. Thankyou very much indeed, all of you, for bothering to sponsor the show – you didn’t have too but you chose otherwise, and I and many many others are extremely grateful for that.

Our sponsors are

• Redwood Wholefoods
• Plamil Foods
• Earthbound
• Wild Oats
• Health Unlimited
• Essential
• Beanies Healthfoods
• The Vegan Society

[bittersweet]

So excited about this weekend!!

Do we have plans to actually meet up?...the thread's getting too long to check!

[Gorilla]

i think many of us who are going to the fayre (myself included) find it easier to try and meet up with individuals as and when they turn up. if you have a mobile it's easy to text someone when you arrive. the problem with arranging to meet everyone all in one place is it's usually too busy to find enough room, you can't really talk to everyone, etc.

i see you don't have your photo in your profile Bittersweet, have you posted it somewhere else? it helps other people recognise you if you haven't met them before (see my profile if you're interested )

PM people if you want to swap mobile numbers with them

[bittersweet]

I don't do photos, particularly not on the internet!

I also don't give out my phone number to people I've not met yet (however nice they may seem), or use texts (nasty, English mangling things that they are!).

Ah well, it would have been nice to meet folks.