This year I was a Soil Association Organic Food Awards judge, judging cheese (wonderful taste memories, quality outstanding).
So I was invited to the actual awards last Wednesday.
They were held this year at the launch of the 12-day Start festival to celebrate sustainable living.
And at Clarence House gardens, open to the public for the first time.
So I made an effort, bought a reclaimed frock for £25 at Dutty’s in Bristol, caught the coach (National Express not golden) to Victoria, and walked to the Mall.
Me (in sister’s shoes) in front of earth house with grass roof and circular windows.
My first royal photo of Higher Hacknell Farm Organic Food Award winners, Jo and her husband Tim Budden, receiving rightful organic congratulations from HRH Prince Charles.
I had a touching royal moment myself exchanging greetings – I feel Prince Charles (and Soil Association patron) is an earth ally, and uses his position well. I award him the Winkler Seal of Approval.
It was an uplifting evening, meeting old friends and new, especially enlivening because it was held outdoors. Outdoors on a summer evening = good!
Here is a pic from the Bee keeping stall with Daylesford foundation
And a pic of the organic veg garden at Clarence House (could the bare earth do with more plants growing, permaculture-style?).
Here is a chest of drawers imaginatively filled with plants from Garden Organic
And an organic chicken
Pic of the Organic Food Awards certificates awaiting collection by their winners.
At the end of the evening, on my way to Green Park station, I saw the ubiquitous discarded Tesco plastic bag.
Funny. Because my day had begun by taking a Guardian photographer round Stokes Croft in Bristol for a feature by John Harris in next weekend’s Weekend Guardian on UK-wide campaigns against Tescos.
What does it mean?
PS Here is the pic that Guardian photographer, Jon Tonks, took of me outside Cafe Kino in my Dutty royal get-up.
Real Food Lover 