Time to Reflect
As I ease myself gently (for once) into 2019, it is good to reflect on the year that has passed for a moment, I think, and enjoy the 2018 Highlights.
1. Galeries Lafayette, Paris
2018 started with a BANG with preparations for a trip to Paris to support Tipple Tails fruit cakes being part of a Pop-up of delicious British craft food at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette Maison-Gourmet in the centre of Paris. Fellow Sheffielder and Foodie, Jane from Olive and Vine joined me in the adventure, which fuelled lots of ideas, in particular for promoting Yorkshire as a foodie destination.
2. Le Tour Yorkshire 2018 & the Holdsworth Cycling Team
I was delighted to work with the Sheffield based Holdsworth Cycling team in the spring, supplying them with Total Fruit Cake for their training and racing in the lead up to the Tour de Yorkshire.
We were on the road with the Holdsworth team for Stage 4 of the Le Tour Yorkshire. Joining them was such a brilliant day – what a fantastic insight into all the work that goes into just getting to the start line! Great team effort both on the road and behind the scenes. I spent the day with swannier Rachel Heley making sure the riders were fuelled during their ride, with Musettes – including Total Fruit Cake – ready for the taking!
3. Tour de Yorkshire feedstations
Once again, I supplied the Tour de Yorkshire Sportive feedstation with 2,000 slices of Tipple Tails Total Fruit Cake – made with Dates and Apricots and mixed Nuts and infused with Sheffield’s ‘Full Monty’ tea and Honey, the fruit cake slices are perfect for providing an ‘extra oomph’ for all the cyclists.
4. Great Taste Awards 2018
In the autumn, for Tipple Tails fruit cakes were awarded with the prestigious Great Taste Awards; Cherry Orchard, Ginger Tingle, Cinnamon Pippin and Total Fruit Cake were each awarded a star! And last year more than any I remember, customers have been commenting on the little black award.
5. Great British Food Awards 2018
Tipple Tails were shortlisted for the finals of the Great British Food Awards again in 2018, with the Ginger Tingle fruit cake going on to the final and although I was disappointed not to win, it was fantastic to receive such glowing feedback from the judges for the both the Cherry Orchard and Ginger Tingle fruit cakes.
6. The Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Producers and Makers Award 2018
My most prized award last year and an emotional 2018 Highlight was the White Rose Producers and Makers Award from Welcome to Yorkshire. I was over the moon to win. It means so much to be recognised for the hard work I have put in to produce a product that really comes from the heart of Yorkshire. I love working with lots of other fantastic producers from Yorkshire; they all help to make my products unique and truly reflect the place where we live.
The judge’s reasons really summed it up!
‘Our judges just loved this business. Top quality brilliantly-packaged and chock full of Yorkshire ingredients these amazing products are now showcased across the world – thanks to some very creative marketing. The passion with which they are created shines through. A wonderful ambassador for Yorkshire.’
7. A Taste of Yorkshire Christmas at the Houses of Parliament
To round the year off, I took Tipple Tails fruit cakes – and my award – to the Houses of Parliament with Welcome to Yorkshire championing Yorkshire food and drink alongside some of our fab Yorkshire producers for a real Taste of Yorkshire Christmas.
8. Sarie and Tobes got engaged!
2018 was marked with some wonderful moments and equally with very sad moments in my personal life. With births, weddings, deaths, significant birthdays and significant anniversaries. My Sarie and Toby’s engagement was a wonderful moment – we have a wedding to plan! So very happy for them and looking forward to watching them grow together.
9. The Top 2018 Highlight – HARLEY!
Without a doubt THE highlight of 2018 was the arrival of my little grandson Harley. He brings us all SO much joy and laughter and a new exciting dynamicto the family – I cannot explain how glorious ‘nana-love’ is!
So much to look forward to in 2019 – already looking forward to the adventure!
What a busy year you’ve had Jane. Just love Harvey – what a cutie! xxx
Hi Soz! Lovely to hear from you 🙂 It has been a busy year! Harley is a little poppet and Marcus and Katie are naturals! Hope all is well with you and yours? xxx