Eat Drink and Be Local (EDABL) committee chair Charlotte Dickson announces exciting news for 2020 and pays tribute to events organiser Alex Bridle:
‘It was with great sadness that the EDABL committee learned of the sudden passing of Alex Bridle, owner of the Guernsey Event Company, after a short battle with cancer.
‘When Luke Wheadon and I talked about getting involved with Taste Guernsey in the latter half of 2018, and then taking on the organisation and becoming EDABL, we were both resolute that we needed assistance with regard to the event side of things. There was only one person that we wanted to work with, and that of course was Alex.
‘Having both been involved with events organised by her and the GEC team many, many times over the years, we knew how incredibly efficient and professional she was, but also how much fun she was to work with.
‘She was instrumental in getting us organised for our first year, and personally oversaw all but one of the EDABL Seafront Sunday Events. Her passion and enthusiasm will be hugely missed as we look toward the 2020 season.’
A good year for ‘buy local’ ethos
‘As we look back over 2019, we have been encouraged to see a number of passionate individuals, businesses and producers spring up, take a leap of faith and become immersed in the ‘buy local’ ethos. This is great for the local economy and has such a positive effect regarding traceability and carbon footprint.
We have so much talent in Guernsey that needs to be recognised, supported and encouraged and EDABL is on a mission to shout as loudly as we can about those who can truly boast a local offering.’
Seafront Sunday is back for 2020
‘With this in mind, we have great news for all you fans and supporters of local producers here in Guernsey. Firstly, the Committee for Economic Development has confirmed its support and funding for next year, and our 2020 EDABL Seafront Sunday dates are as follows: Sunday 24 May, Sunday 21 June, Sunday 26 July, Sunday 9 August, with the EDABL Food Festival weekend on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August.
‘We have lots of amazing ideas and plans for next year and hope to involve some really exciting and innovative food & beverage displays, exhibitors and products to the EDABL Seafront Sunday events.
‘EDABL have also committed to Visit Guernsey to be part of the Heritage 75 Festival and hold four iconic Food & Beverage events, with a Heritage theme, throughout the summer. Keep your eye on our social channels for details as our plans are exciting and quite likely to be something Guernsey has not seen before.
‘We will also be holding a regular market on Castle Emplacement throughout the season, giving additional opportunities for our incredible local producers to bring their products to market.
‘A massive thankyou to everyone out there who helps support everything that is Eat, Drink and Be Local, Merry Christmas to you all, see you in the New Year!’
