We are very much looking forward to seeing you all at the Welsh Emporium Pop Up Shop at John Lewis & Partners' Reading Branch on Saturday 29th February (9am to 7pm) and Sunday 1st March - St David's Day (11am to 5pm) and would like to thank the team at John Lewis & Partners for this wonderful opportunity.
Joining us are:-
Angharad is a farmer's daughter from the Welsh Valleys. She grew up with her Mum and Grandmothers making preserves, competing at the local agricultural shows, using the glut of the seasons to produce jars of deliciousness. The Preservation Society has won awards - Wales the True Taste, Great Taste, World Marmalade and once you try the range you will see why.
In December 2014 Angharad was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, a bit of a blow but sadly far too common. She wanted to give back to the amazing people that treated her and realised that she could make jam - taste is a huge part of chemo treatment! They now make their award winning Blissfully Blackcurrant Jam with money from every jar going to Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Angharad also supports and sells the Velindre Cookbook, which really is about making you smile - food is so powerful!!!
Sadly too many of us know someone who is going through cancer treatment. My mother in law (Granny Valley) and late sister in law were both treated at Velindre as were my schoolfriend Charch and of course Angharad from The Preservation Society which is why Velindre is a charity Wales Week Berkshire have chosen to support.
Thank you to the President Jonathan Davies for his video wishing us all the best for Wales Week / Berkshire.
Myddfai (pronounced muth vy) luxury Welsh toiletries is a social enterprise incorporated in 2010. Their mission is to provide employment and volunteering opportunities within the local community. Their profits are to be used for rural regeneration within the surrounding area. They work closely with the Coastal Project and Colleg Elydir in nearby Rhandirmwyn to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties.
Sarah is originally from Swansea and now lives in Berkshire. Alder is handmade, delivers a strong, versatile and practical soft leather laptop bag that has luxury handbag aesthetics.
Clare Johns combines contemporary style with the soul of a rural lifestyle. Designed by Clare Johns, each piece uses materials produced from her own flock, and is handmade in Wales.
Welsh Otter are passionate about showcasing the very best of Welsh design and homewares via their emporium, helping others to share and enjoy, and ultimately supporting local heritage and ways of life. They work with artisans in Wales to curate, design and develop beautiful products that will stand the test of time.
Shelly’s is a South Wales based family business, creating amazing flavours of shortbread with as much locally sourced ingredients as possible.
Cag is fused glass artist who makes all kinds in quirky designs and vibrant colours.
We are incredibly grateful to Cag for making our Wales Week / Berkshire shield.
Traditional confections based on family recipes that have been 50 years in the making.
Not joining us in person but are with us in spirit are Bodlon in Cardiff, David Wilson and Jamie Owen from A Year in Pembrokeshire, Barti Rum from Pembrokeshire, Halen Mon from Anglesey, Bezzers Biscuits from the Brecon Beacons, The Glanusk Estate in Crickhowell, Lush by Zoe Claire in Crickhowell, Cartref A Gardd from Cardiff, Tissue Blossoms, Jin Mor from Anglesey, Graffeg Books from Llannelli and Ty Cariad from Brecon. We will also have a selection of books by Welsh authors for you to browse and tourism information for you to take away.
None of this would have been possible without Wales Week / London, John Lewis & Partners and Nellie Williams.