Crowds flock to Food Fair

The annual Open Doors event at Y Doldd, Llanfyllin Workhouse, attracted a record attendance, organisers have said.

Over 500 people attended, enticed by the tasty items on offer at the food fair and by the varied programme of activities. Entry was free, but with some money still to come an estimated £700 was raised for the Master’s House Appeal.

On arrival visitors were offered a bowl of Workhouse Gruel before moving on to more appetising fare.

The Venue and Women’s Yard were filled with stalls offering local produce from sausages to fudge as well as foods from around the world. Stallholders reported that they were satisfied with the footfall and did a good trade.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes, who spoke of the positive impact the development of Y Dolydd was having on the town and urged everyone to support the appeal for the Master’s House.

In the Gallery, visitors could hear the gentle tones of John Browne’s harp whilst admiring Sally Duckers’ snow-covered local scenes; landscapes and illustrations by Connor and Harriet Lee-Merrion and Cordelia Weedon’s photographs of Dolen Ffermio’s mission in Uganda.

The studios of artist Liz Neal, leather worker Jo Heard and textile upcycler Izzi Zahorik were open to view.

Visitors could take a historical tour or watch a presentation of the striking progress made in renovating the building since 2004.

The film ‘Ghosts of the Workhouse’ ran continuously in the History Centre. Community organisations like Llanfyllin Men’s Shed – now based at Y Dolydd – and the RSPB were represented too.

In the Boys’ Yard, Zarena Allan, who had arranged the food fair, demonstrated the Secrets of Sourdough, and the product was used by a group of children and adults to make pizzas in Y Dolydd’s traditional cob oven.

Oswestry Jazz Orchestra gave a rousing performance with the day rounded off at by Café Lola, led by the Chair of the Preservation Trust, Iris Gordijn, with their sensational blend of Klezmer and cabaret.

PICTURE: Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes, with attendees and organisers at the start of the day.