Tracy Nash Bids Farewell to Hampshire Fare
Tracy Nash is biding farewell to Hampshire Fare after ten years of deliciousness heading up one of the country’s most dynamic food and drink groups.
Tracy Nash’s ten year tenure at Hampshire Fare corresponds with a period that has seen many changes both in the local economy and our food and drink culture. Tracy took the helm when Hampshire Fare was moving from being supported by Hampshire County Council to becoming a self-funding Community interest Company. She successfully steered Hampshire Fare through this time, bringing on board partners to support Hampshire Fare’s important work and increasing membership, helping to create what Hampshire Fare is today: a vibrant, proactive food and drink community.
Tracy was also determined and passionate about expanding Hampshire Fare’s remit – not only encouraging businesses and the public to source local, but providing guidance, and event and networking opportunities, and also mentoring and inspiring the younger generation by taking producers into primary schools and secondary schools onto farms.
Tracy reflects: “I can remember when I first learned that this role was available. It was what I wanted to do so much. I felt it was my job from the off!”
Tracy has certainly gone on to make the role her own, bringing her very own take on combining creativity and business to create standout events that have generated headlines and smiles – such as commissioning a giant wicker Hampshire hog from The Lantern Community in Ringwood as a centrepiece at Winchester Cathedral’s Harvest Festival. Colleagues past and present describe Tracy as having contagious levels of energy, a passion for educating people about local, and a skill for connecting people. Every year she also successes in delivering fresh ideas to enliven and expand Hampshire Fare’s approach. However, Tracy Nash is also marking her tenth anniversary by stepping down from the role.
Oliver Weeks, Vice-Chair, Hampshire Fare and MD of the Ideal Collection, says: “For the past 10 years Tracy’s energy, passion and drive for the region and its food and drink producers and independent businesses has made Hampshire Fare the success it is today. Having decided to move on from Hampshire Fare, she leaves Hampshire Fare stronger than ever with record membership thanks to her determination to grow this community interest company. It would not have stood the test of time without her efforts. I know many of Hampshire Fare’s members will be sorry to see Tracy go. Tracy’s departure leaves us with big shoes to fill. This is an exciting and rewarding role requiring a unique skill set, however Tracy’s replacement has great foundations on which to build.”
Tracy will remain in post until end of September. A recruitment process is underway and anyone interested in this opportunity can find out more about the role HERE.
Images show Tracy at Local Produce Show, Farm My Food, and launch of Hampshire Food Festival - all taken this year with thanks to The Electric Eye Photography
