A taste that's out of Cornwall

Proper Cornish...

02 May 2008

Now that Easter has passed, the religious festivals of Whitsuntide and Corpus Christi are firmly upon us*. Historically celebrating Christianity, they have long been marked by jubilant spring fairs held across the region. Unbeknown to many, it is also these very fairs which gave rise to the tradition of giving fairings - delicious sweet gifts bought for loved ones - and saw the creation of Cornwall's most iconic biscuit, the Cornish Fairing.

Formulated in the 1880's by master baker John Cooper Furniss, Original Cornish Fairings have been enjoyed by the people of Cornwall for over a century. Thanks to Redruth-based company Furniss of Cornwall, people can still enjoy the same treats today as those treasured by their ancestors so many years ago. In fact, in 2007 Furniss of Cornwall established an official trade mark on Original Cornish Fairings to ensure that the heritage of these unique Cornish treats is preserved and protected for generations to come.

As well as edible treats, Cornish May fairs also incorporated much fun, with games and dancing until the late hours. Why not celebrate Whitsuntide the Cornish way this year by following these traditions:

• Learn how to Morris dance - Whit Monday is a popular day for this traditional art
• Have a beer - in Medieval and Renaissance England, churches brewed and sold ales in order to raise funds for the parish, these were then sold at popular parish festivals. The Whitsun ales were produced in May for semi-secular festivals and celebrations, usually at Whitsuntide, hence the name!
• Have a cup of tea and a Cornish Fairing - Cornish Fairings are available in a variety of flavours and can be bought online at www.furniss-foods.co.uk and from retail outlets such as Woolworths South West, SPAR, Co-op and Tesco in Cornwall
• Take a walk through your local beautiful countryside - Whitsuntide is traditionally a time for walks and processions

* Whitsuntide commences on Sunday 11 May through to Sunday 18 May 2008. Corpus Christi falls on Thursday 22 May 2008.

ENDS
For further press information, images or interviews please contact:
Edith Barton-Harvey or Kimberley Holder at Grayling on 0117 922 7799 or email: edith.barton-harvey@uk.grayling.com

Notes to Editors:
 Furniss of Cornwall is a proud, old Cornish company which began in the 1880's when master baker, John Cooper Furniss began producing Fairings, gingerbread and other fine confectionary from his Truro teashop
 In 1988, this much loved biscuit brand moved its premises to Redruth, Cornwall where it remains today, producing delicious biscuits, some of which are still made to the original recipes
 In 2006, the iconic biscuit company was acquired by Proper Cornish Food Company. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, selling to customers across the UK and overseas
 Following the successful re-launch of the brand in 2006, Furniss of Cornwall recently launched a new interactive consumer website www.furniss-foods.co.uk to increase awareness of the biscuit brand and provide the growing number of Furniss fans with greater insight into the history of the origins of Fairing biscuits, as well as access to recipes and the latest news.