This weekend just passed, Nottingham's all-vegan catering campaign Veggies packed its bags and headed down to London to cater at two exciting events that promote a compassionate and just society.

On Saturday Veggies were over at the Queen Mary University to cater at 'Up the Anti', a one day conference about building a bigger movement against social oppression and capitalism, with discussions about how to build a better future than one full of social inequality and environmental destruction. The conference hosted an eclectic mix of sessions, ranging from in-depth seminars and debates to participatory, facilitated discussions and workshops. The printed programme for the day encouraged people to go to Veggies, not Starbucks, because the former is an ethical and community based social enterprise that promotes environmental and social justice campaigns, as opposed to the highly unethical multinational corporation that is the latter.

More information about some of the groups involved in the 'Up the Anti' event can be found on the website: http://uptheanti.org.uk/

Then on Sunday, lots more of the Veggies volunteers up in Nottingham set their alarms for 5:30 am to make it down to help at Animal Aid's Cruelty-Free Christmas Fayre at Kensington Town Hall. This is an annual ethical living event, that sees around 100 vegan and cruelty-free stalls take part, so absolutely no animal products and nothing tested on animals. There was a huge diversity of stalls, from charities and campaigning groups, through to food and drink, shoes, clothes, cosmetics, toiletries and gifts. It was quite a sensory overload of tastes, smells and sights, as well as there being a range of interesting talks throughout the day.

Volunteers were kept on their toes; there was huge demand for Veggies food all day, as swarms of visitors queued to order something from one of the most popular vegan caterers in the UK (the most popular maybe?)

During their breaks the volunteers stocked up on ethical Christmas gifts, and sampled a range of vegan delights from companies such as Redwoods, Frys and Vegusto. There were loads of seasonal treats, such as vegan celebration roasts, sausages in bacon, pates and christmas cheese selections. Who says vegans just eat salad and seeds?

http://shop.redwoodfoods.eu/          
http://www.frysvegetarian.co.uk/
http://www.vegusto.co.uk/shop/

One of the Veggies team took some time off to take part in the popular press-ups competition but, alas, he wasn't victorious (unlike one of the lady volunteers last year who has the certificate to prove it!)

At the end of the day volunteers got given a delicious vegan sherry trifle with lashings of cream, before they packed everything up, loaded the van and headed home for a well-deserved rest.

It was a fantastic, inspiring and thoroughly worthwhile day, and you can learn more about what Animal Aid campaign about on their website: http://www.animalaid.org.uk

If you're interested in volunteering for Veggies and being one of the friendly team, then you're sure to be given a warm welcome! You don't need to be a culinary whizz as there are roles to suit everyone, and you can be a regular volunteer or just help out at events every now and again.

To find out more then get in touch via the Veggies website, which lists upcoming events: http://www.veggies.org.uk  or on their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Veggiescatering

A Merry Christmas to all, and may it be a compassionate one! x