MP samples ‘proper’ English marmalade at the Burpham village fete

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert tried out ‘proper’ English marmalade when he visited Burpham’s village fete on Sunday (2 June).

Mr Herbert met Petworth-based marmalade-maker Lucy Deedes, whose award-winning produce has evolved from an old Katie Stewart recipe.  Lucy, also a writer, provided tastings of the homemade citrus preserves which she sells online and through local fayres.   

Marmalade made the political news last week after the BBC’s Nick Robinson interviewed the Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, revealing that the Conservative Party leadership contender’s first business venture was to try and export English marmalade to Japan.  The business did not succeed, although Mr Hunt went on to set up a highly successful global training company. 

Burpham’s traditional fete was held on the cricket pitch overlooking the Arun valley towards Arundel Castle.  Stallholders provided visitors with cream teas, local produce and activities.  Live music was provided by the Jazz Smuggler, and the local Air Training Corps cadets volunteered their services to manage the car parking.  Profits from the event will go towards looking after the village hall, recreation ground and church. 

Lucy said: “I’m so grateful that Nick is a supporter of local businesses like mine.  We’re all becoming more aware of what we eat, and it’s lovely for me as a small producer that people appreciate food that’s been carefully made at home.“ 

Mr Herbert said: “I really enjoyed visiting Burpham’s traditional village fete in such a wonderful setting, and it was great to see Lucy’s marmalade selling so well.  There is a growing interest in high quality and locally-produced food, and the food stalls at the fete were deservedly popular.” 

ENDS 

Notes  

1.     Photograph – Nick with marmalade maker Lucy Deedes at the Burpham village fete. 

2.      For more information about the Burpham Village Fete see https://www.facebook.com/Burpham-Village-Fete-2019-349064379258533. 

3.     For more information about Lucy Deedes’ marmalades see www.lucydeedes.com/marmalade.

4.     To listen to Jeremy Hunt’s interview with Nick Robinson visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07bw308.