Restrictions around Covid-19 have limited face-to-face contact. But activities are still being staged by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s People and the DALES (Diversity, Access, Learning, Environment, Sustainability) project. It caters for groups such as refugees and asylum seekers living in Keighley and other towns and cities in West Yorkshire – including Bradford – and East Lancashire. Since the project was launched, more than 10,000 people have taken part. Usually participants would enjoy trips into the Dales, but that hasn’t been possible during lockdown. Judy Rogers, project officer at the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, said: “We’re acutely aware of how isolated people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds are during periods of lockdown.
The green spirits revolution, and no absinthe in sight
There have been an uncountable number of words written about how the restaurant industry has had to adapt to survive, and altogether fewer on how the premium booze market is staying afloat. Like the hospitality trade, spirits distillers and winemakers have seen a huge portion of their trade wiped out over lockdown, unable to sell directly to bars and restaurants.
But like the hospitality trade, drinks companies have had to reassess their businesses and work out ways to connect directly with customers. One theme that’s emerged from this soul searching is the rise of eco spirits.
A PROJECT which promotes local walks is in line for a major expansion in the months ahead with plans to extend it to assist communities worst affected by coronavirus in North Yorkshire. Discoveries on Your Doorstep has been operating in Scarborough and Selby successfully, having grown out of a scheme, funded by Public Health and working with partners, to encourage people to use public rights of way. The scheme encourages people to make the most of the outdoors in their local area by offering a series of planned walking routes which take in heritage, cultural and natural landmarks. They range from castles to canal towpaths but offer a fascinating glimpse at parts of communities which residents might otherwise overlook.
VIVIR is distilled in collaboration with the multi-award-winning Casa Maestri, using natural volcanic spring water and traditional production processes.
“I worked for a food company and brought Bircher muesli to the UK,” says co-founder Paul Hayes. “Because of an allergy, the only sweetener I can use in my muesli was agave syrup. This led me to build up some pretty useful contact in the agave world…”
VIVIR produces three expressions, Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. Co-founder Nav Grewal says the secret to creating great tequila is to eliminate the unknown and to know your agave. “The agave is estate-grown by one distillery which means we know the pH in the soil and the jimador who farmed it.
Cooper King unveils first carbon-negative English gins 3rd February, 2021 by Nicola Carruthers
Yorkshire-based Cooper King Distillery has produced what are thought to be England’s first carbon-negative gins.
Cooper King’s Herb and Dry gins are now certified carbon negative
The distillery’s Dry Gin and Herb Gin have been certified carbon negative, meaning the production of the two products removes more carbon from the atmosphere than what is released.
Cooper King reduced the carbon footprint of the two gins as far as possible, before offsetting the rest with verified carbon credits from Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard programme. Furthermore, 1kg of carbon dioxide equivalent is offset per bottle.