Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, celebrated the first ever Staffordshire Day at Essington Fruit Farm.
The first Staffordshire Day marked the region’s 1000th anniversary saw thousands take part in countywide celebrations.
Gavin visited Essington Fruit Farm to sample their ‘Staffordshire Sausages’ which had been created especially by the farm owner Richard Simkin to mark the occasion. The Sausages, which was styled in the Staffordshire knot to recognise the contribution of Staffordshire farmers to the UK economy, were made from Staffordshire pigs and flavoured with Staffordshire cider and another made from lamb flavoured with rosemary.
The date was chosen by the public last year and marks the creation of the Wedgwood pottery company in 1759 which was founded in Staffordshire. Over 40 events took place to celebrate all things Staffordshire with many towns and villages across the region putting on their own celebrations to mark the occasion.
Gavin was involved in calling for a day to commemorate Staffordshire after seeing other counties pay tribute to their history, culture and traditions.
After his visit to Essington Fruit Farm Gavin commented: “I am thrilled so many people got involved in what I hope will be the first of an annual celebration for years to come. I had a fantastic time at Essington Fruit Farm sampling their Staffordshire Sausage made entirely from produce from the region.
“We all know Staffordshire is a great place to live and this day has been a real celebration of our county that everyone could take part in.
“I would like to thank all those involved in these brilliant celebrations, especially Staffordshire County Council and the Enjoy Staffordshire group who organised a brilliant day. I’d also like to pay tribute to all those across South Staffordshire who came forward with such brilliant ideas last year. It is clear from all the ideas and seeing people celebrating Staffordshire on the day that we have a brilliant county with so much to celebrate and I look forward to more celebrations next year.”