Kokova Magazine

Competition now closed. Congratulations to Susan Carson, Staffordshire.

This year's Taste Cumbria Food Festival is expected to see over 30,000 food lovers flock to Cockermouth on 29th - 30th September 2012 to taste the fantastic foods the region has to offer. As well as over 100 exhibitors showcasing regional produce, the festival promises two days packed full of foodie fun, demonstrations, masterclasses and entertainment from a number of big names and chefs, including James Martin, Simon Rimmer, Observer and One Show regular, Jay Rayner, and Cumbria's very own Simon Rogan and Peter Sidwell.

Halloumi cheese with roasted sweet potatoes, squash and lime - "This dish is the perfect combination of sweet roasted seasonal vegetables, salty cheese and fresh limes and herbs" - Peter Sidwell.

Hampshire's finest food and drink producers proudly showcased their fare at the Hampshire Food Festival which ran throughout the month of July. The weather may have been against us but this didn't dampen the enthusiasm of Hampshire farmers, producers and traders who all celebrated locally sourced and locally produced goods from across the county. The festival, organised by Hampshire Fare even attracted celebrity chefs who are behind the organisations vision of championing local food and drink.

Val Phillips founded Valgrays Border Collie Rescue back in the 1970's. As the chief poop picker-upper, dogs-body, driver, and groom, Val is mad about her dogs and the care she gives to them is a wonder. To watch her work with the most feral/neglected/beaten/terrified dogs and turn them around is a gift that not many people have. But as with any other charity - Valgrays Border Collie Rescue runs entirely on donations from the public.

When it has only just begun to feel like Summer, with the rain giving way to a few weeks of sun and the buzz of the Olympics still in the air - it is hard to believe that in little over three weeks time the new term starts and most parents are already turning their thoughts to the task of kitting out the kids! You will already see the high street stores displaying a whole range 'Back to School' necessities, with everything from stationary to uniforms starting to line the aisles. Do you manage to budget towards the Autumn term each year - or is it all last minute panic buys?