Reach Fair 2010

Submitted by: Steadfast Trust correspondent, 4th May 10

Thanks to Tim (pictured) and Craig for holding the stall

On Mayday the 3rd of May the 800year traditional village fair of Reach started at midday with the opening ceremony on the Fair Green by the Mayor of Cambridge accompanied by the Aldermen in their full regalia, with newly minted penny coins scattered for the children.

Regardless of strong winds and moments of rain, the stall took over £120 from the sales of cakes, crafts and books.

Some of the most popular cakes were the Anglo-Saxon Oat and Spice Cakes. These were similar to flapjacks but rather than sugar, honey was used. The following information sheet was provided and frequently read.

---------------------------

Anglo-Saxon Cookbook:
Honey, Oat and Spiced Cakes

The Anglo Saxons were farmers, but they traded too and a well off farmer might have used spices on special occasions. They would have been terribly expensive and very precious.

Cinnamon, used here, has been known from remote antiquity, and it was highly prized amongst ancient nations. It is native to India and was imported to Egypt from China as early as 2000 BC. Up to the Middle Ages, the source of cinnamon was a mystery to the Western world. Its origin was possibly kept secret, so the traders could ensure a monopoly.

It came into Europe through East Africa or Egypt and, until the late 14th century, it was thought that giant Cinnamon birds collected the cinnamon sticks from an unknown land where the cinnamon trees grew, and used them to construct their nests, from which the traders obtained them.

Ingredients
• 250g oats
• 125g unsalted butter
• 50g chopped dried apricots or dried apples
• 4 large tablespoons runny honey
• 1 level teaspoon of ground cinnamon

With thanks to West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village for providing this recipe.

---------------------------

Many members of the public were very pleased that the Steadfast Trust was providing storytellers on English culture and heritage for schools and said that they look forward to seeing us, and enjoying our cakes, next year.

At 5pm the fair concluded and the stall organisers returned home from a positive day in promoting the charity and raising funds.


The organisers of the fair have a wonderful website from which you can get a glimpse of the festivities HERE.