So that’s half-term done-and-dusted (so I am led to believe), and also (hopefully) the miserable weather with it.  I mean, it’s been so cold and wet even the plants seem to be giving up. Spring’s debut is less than a month away, though, with the prospect of sunshine, warmth and that cheeky promise of a fresh start. I can’t start to tell you how much I am looking forward to that.

Meanwhile, the cold and damp has been keeping folk away from the town, so, if you can, do your bit and keep our local traders in business. After all, we’re all friends here, and we could really do with a bit of extra support.

Also done-and-dusted is Valentine’s Day. That came and went, and our postie – let’s call him Pat, though I suspect his real name is something far more exciting – incurred no back injuries from delivering the cards to my door (to be honest, I can tell you I received a round number of cards (somewhere just below a total of 1!)

But why do I mention Valentine’s Day? Simple- because it’s in the calendar. Which Calendar, I hear you ask? Well, in the Retail World we have a calendar that tells us the events that will get shoppers excited. Unfortunately, the next event is Popcorn Lovers Day – and that is very much an America only thing (although we do have some really good popcorn gift packs (both ready-popped and ready-for-you-to-pop), but aside from that, the calendar is looking as empty as that box of biscuits I said I’d eek out all month.  I’ll guess we will move straight on to Mother’s Day as it is only just over a month away now. And for that you can expect a cascade of goodies, treats, hampers, and gifts (and really special local Gins that your Mum will love – if she loves Gin – don’t all Mums?). And as I have time, I’ll make sur ethe website is fully up to date – watch this space and I’ll give you more details over the next few weeks.

Saturday Tasters
Our Saturday tasters  have been a bit of a hit. Last week we had Chutneys and pickles from Tracklements in Malmesbury, and I was shocked to see how people who hadn’t experienced proper chutneys before absolutely loved them. And I love what Tracklements do; they might not be our most local supplier (they’re a bit further down the M4 than Swindon), but they do everything in the right way, using the highest quality, natural ingredients they produce by hand in small batches, so everything tastes just like homemade. We always have loads of their products in store, just waiting for you, so next time your passing, pop in and pick up a pickle (or chutney, or mustard, or sauce, or whatever).

There’s no taster this week, but we’ve got something arguably even better. Spend over £15 on cheese this Saturday, and you’ll be taking home an extra serving of top-notch cheese (worth about a fiver), absolutely free - stocks permitting, of course (when it’s gone, it’s gone, and all that!) Now, isn’t that an offer that that’s worth braving the weather for?

And Now, A Drumroll...
Here’s the next instalment of my ever-so-humble series, “Why Shopping Locally is Not Just a Good Thing, but a Necessary Thing”

Reason 4: Employment.
When you buy local, you’re not just exchanging money for goods - you’re casting a vote for your community. Local retailers buy from local producers, which in turn supports local farmers, manufacturers, producers, and service providers. It’s a little chain reaction of feel-good vibes that creates jobs and helps build a community where everyone, in one way or another, comes out ahead.

But, What Would You Like?
If you’ve stuck with me this far, well done. That takes a certain kind of patience - or perhaps an inexplicable need to find something interesting in my ramblings. And, since you’re clearly part of this local tapestry, I’d love to know what you’d like to see in the shop. I’ll be asking this again over the next couple of months, and the best suggestion (the one we actually put into action) will nab a lovely gift hamper. I’m also throwing in a hamper for the funniest answer. So, do share this post with anyone who might appreciate a bit of local banter.

That’s it for now - until next time, keep dry, keep supporting local trade, and keep your cheese extra cheesy.

 Take care and Have a great week !
Cheers!
Phil
Phil’s Good Food in Wokingham, 2-4 Broad Street, offers a range of high-quality, ethically sourced products, from local honey to world-class cheeses, indie beers, wines, chocolates and much more. Our beautifully curated hampers make the perfect gift, or you can handpick your favourites, and we’ll create a bespoke hamper just for you!
We don’t deal in mass-produced plastic nonsense!
www.philsgoodfood.co.uk
#shoplocal