Festivals, events and open days

FlintShare members enjoy holding events that celebrate the significant turning points in the growing year. We hope to hold at least three events per year, to which all members will be invited.

Our first event celebrated the Summer Solstice on June 21st which was the longest day of the year and marked the official beginning of summer. Despite the odd rain shower we had a fantastic turn out for the celebration at Cilcain. Members pulled together to rig up some temporary shelter, loos and an open fire to keep us warm on what was a cool midsummer evening. Plenty of food, drinks and great conversation fueled a lovely relaxed atmosphere that felt like our own mini-festival. The event also went with a swing thanks to the fantastic music performed by some very talented members and friends.

Fun childrens’ activities are also a key part of FlintShare events. Earlier in the year one of our young members held a  miniature garden workshop which had the kids to collect materials needed for their gardens on site. Gardens were created using moss for grass, twigs for trees, small stones for paths, even Dr Who made an appearance!

Some ideas for future events are….

• Apple pressing at Northop
• A Potluck Party where we cook and bring what we are harvesting at the time. Everyone can enjoy the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• A Build a Scarecrow workshop for helping deter unwanted flying pests!
• The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives. Maybe we could include honey in a recipe, or possibly have a honey themed party.
• We could celebrate the Winter Solstice too as a turning of the tides in nature’s yearly cycle. Arriving on December 22nd this year, the Solstice is a time to celebrate the coming of longer and warmer days, followed by the arrival of spring. On this, the shortest day of the year, we could possibly throw a bonfire party or barn dance to warm us all up!

Members can put forward their ideas on the forum and to get involved in all our events.

It has been said of the Community Supported Agriculture movement that “it is a vehicle for re-establishing a conscious connection with the rhythm of life, the rhythm of seasons”. Festivals provide a great opportunity to keep in harmony with the seasons.