This picture is of one Sutton seen from one of the huge fields of wheat that surround it, growing in that rich fenland soil. Many of the conversations we have had in Sutton have revolved around local food, how Sutton-in-the-Isle used to be quite self sufficient in food – having grain and bakers, butchers and a slaughterhouse, orchards, fish in the rivers. Many people seldom went to Ely for food as so much was produced and sold in and around the village. Thinking about this I came across Transition Ely initiative, the Ely Food Group and the Ely Food Conference - October 31st 2009 – which will be exploring how people can reconnect with, and regain control of, their food systems:

“Never before have there been such compelling reasons to rethink how we deal with changes to our energy supply and our environment – and we cannot make headway on any of these without addressing the issue of food.
•    How can we access more locally produced food?
•    How can we intervene, and play a greater role, in our local food system?
•    How can we connect with, and support, local food retailers?
•    How can we connect with, and support, local farming?
•    How might peak oil and climate change impact our local food system?
•    What is our vision for the future?

The aim is to create links and initiate projects that will build Ely’s access to locally produced, sustainable food systems.”

Alice