CLA celebrates St George's Day in Cumbria
07/04/05

Three Cumbrian venues will be making a special effort on St George's Day April 23rd as part of a national initiative by the CLA to focus attention of the range and quality of local food.

Longtown Mart, Carlisle, the Sharrow Bay Hotel, Ullswater and the Stonecross Manor Hotel, Kendal will each be hosting a Great English Breakfast as part of a series organised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as a celebration of local pride and produce.

Each venue will be making a special effort to ensure a memorable occasion, with local produce featuring heavily on the menu and guests unashamedly celebrating the very best of English values in a relaxed setting.

Douglas Chalmers, CLA Director North, said: "Supporting local producers and suppliers was second nature in the past, and by doing so local businesses and employment in rural communities were sustainable. As interest in "real" food, produced by our farmers in our landscape increases, St.George's Day is an ideal opportunity to draw attention to the appetising and nutritious array of food produced in our Region. Tourism now seems to include food, so late April seems perfect timing to catch the first of the season's visitors. It is also worth noting that as well as being England's patron saint, St George is venerated in many countries throughout the world as the patron saint of agriculture and farm workers.

"As a Scot who celebrates St. Andrew's Day and Burns Night, I have always found it surprising that St George's Day is allowed to pass unmarked by so many. Let's be proud of our local communities, the countryside and the country.

The CLA is keen that as many people as possible support this most traditional of occasions, and non-members are more than welcome at the breakfast. It is also encouraging other community organisations to celebrate St George's Day in their own manner.

Ticket prices vary. To book a place or for further information contact the CLA Regional Office on 01524 782209 or visit the north west regional pages on the CLA website www.cla.org.uk