THE chairwoman of the Hampshire County Fare has stepped down after 10 years in the role.
Tracy Nash took the helm of the annual event when it became a self-funding community interest company in 2013.
It was previously supported by Hampshire County Council and Tracy successfully steered the fare through this time, bringing on board partners and increasing membership.
Tracy was passionate about expanding the fare's remit by not only encouraging businesses and the public to source locally, but providing guidance to start-ups, developing event and networking opportunities, and mentoring and inspiring the younger generation by taking producers into primary schools and secondary schools onto farms.
She said: "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!”
During her time in the role, Tracy has delivered "standout moments" such as commissioning a giant wicker Hampshire hog from the Lantern Community in Ringwood as an event centrepiece.
This culminated in meeting HRH King Charles (then the Prince of Wales) with two pig farmers to showcase the project.
The fare also helped people during the pandemic to publicise online shopping options and kept the county council up to date on lockdown's effects on the food and drink sector.
Celebrating Hampshire in Basingstoke and the first Winchester Food Festival were also launched this year thanks to Tracy.
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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.
They said that every year she succeeds in delivering fresh ideas to enliven and expand Hampshire Fare’s approach.
Vice chairman Oliver Weeks, managing director of the Ideal Collection, said Tracy’s departure leaves the fare with "big shoes to fill".
He added: “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, 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."
Tracy will remain in her post until the end of September.
A recruitment process is underway and anyone interested in this opportunity can find out more at jobtocareer.co.uk/#Commercial-Manager-17.
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