Over 1500 people from the organic community flocked to rural Somerset last month to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Organic Herb Trading Company.
The special Open Day had promised “stimulation, relaxation and entertainment” – and it delivered on all three fronts. Stimulation took the form of a series of seriously good talks from big name speakers – Peter Melchett, Craig Sams, Harriet Lamb, Graham Harvey and Pat Thomas among them. Relaxation – there was plenty of that! – was aided by chill out zones and organic wines and beer, while beatboxers, a céilidh band and heavy urban reggae act Laid Blak delivered the entertainment.
OHTC founder Mike Book told NP: “This was an opportunity for everyone who’s worked for the Organic Herb Trading Company, and anyone who’s had some connection with us to get together and have a great day.
“There aren’t many opportunities where the whole organic community can come together to be purposeful, recharge and have fun. We had a great turnout considering the weather and raised £2,500 for the two charities we are supporting – Rosalina’s Balwadi, a pre-school in Goa, and Purple Field Productions who create brilliant and inspiring educational films for development projects – and take them deep into the countryside using pedal-powered backpack projectors!”
And the highlights of the day? “The whole day was fantastic, but probably I’d say the bands were one high point. Lots of fun had by all. But the real highlight for me was that so many people had travelled from all the country to be with us. I’m really grateful to them for that.”
