An Autumn fair combined great shopping with worthy causes to attract thousands of visitors.
The Eat Nourish Love Autumn Fair focused on community, inspirational talks and shopping from independent brands to support Walking With The Wounded and Horatio’s Garden. Speaking to the Journal, Founder of Eat Nourish Love Ltd Caroline Cary said: “We’ve done it the event here for quite a few years.”To be doing it today, for Eat Nourish Love and bringing in this wellness part for the military combination is fantastic.” The event was previously known as the Early Early Christmas Fair.
The Journal asked Caroline what it meant for her to be able to champion ‘wellness’ with her event and she said: “I think its huge because, if you think about it, the whole thing about mental health and wellness, its a combined thing. “We have to look after our bodies and look after our mind.” She continued: “Its just something we have to do as a society.”
One of the event speakers was Olympic High-Performance Coach and Wim Hof Method Instructor Andy Mackenzie, 53. He said: “A number of months ago Caroline came on one of my Wim Hof workshops and through that process we connected and she wanted me to come and give my story. “I’m ex-Army, suffered with depression, bi-polar and suicide, but I’ve turned it around into something that’s thriving now.” He added: “I’m just here to share that message with everybody and that everybody has the hope of turning their lives into whatever they want to be.”
Andy was joined by businessman and investor Mark Sheppard, 50, who travelled from Manchester for the event.
Mark said: “It’s been going for a long time and there’s a lot of effort [that’s] been put into this for the local community.”He pointed to the marquee: “There’s some phenomenal businesses in there and there’s a great turnout from people as well. “Why wouldn’t you back it!”
The Eat Nourish Love Autumn Fair took place at Tedworth House, in Tidworth and hosted more than 120 stalls from food and wellness companies, as well as local schools. Businesswoman Corita Rose showed off her wares to the Journal and said: “It’s a lovely charitable event.”
One pensioner from the area mentioned that she comes with her sister every year to support the charities. Councillor Pauline Church was also present, although not in her public role, with her business Paloma Lily. “It’s just a great opportunity to support some local charities,” she said.
Standing at the front of the marquee was the stall of Walking With The Wounded, a charity which aims to empower military veterans facing serious challenges to find their place in society again.
Philanthropic Giving Lead Willa Greenock, 37, told the Journal: “We’re absolutely honoured to be here. It’s an area where we very much have operational staff, but we’re not hugely heavy down in this area of the country. “But, our mental health programme is nationwide and we’re just trying to get the brand out there more; more people hearing about us; and, hopefully, more support for those served.”