Game on….Resident Michelle talks about her award winning jellies
We talk to Balcombe resident Michelle Record about her award winning jellies…
I am a West Sussex girl through and through having grown up in Turners Hill. My husband, Matthew and I met at the University of St. Andrews in 1987 and after living in London, we moved to Balcombe with our children Harriet, Anna, and Fleur in 2006. We love the community we live in, and have thrown ourselves into village life!
I had been a solicitor in London for 20 years and I was increasingly drawn to the idea of running my own business. I wanted to create something that had connection to my Sussex roots, and the countryside in which we lived. And so Game On was born in 2016!
What made you get into savoury jellies?
My inspiration came from the abundance of game from the Balcombe Estate, and a bumper crop of crabapples! I worked with the local game shop at Bowders Farm carrying out tastings over the festive period with different types of game meat, and I was delighted with customer reception to my products!
After the crabapple season ended, I started to experiment with other flavour combinations. My Orange Jelly with Chilli & Cardamom, and Red Wine Jelly with Thyme & Juniper, were inspired by duck and vension. Its turns out that both jellies are versatile – the Orange Jelly going beautifully with cheese as well, and the Red Wine Jelly being used both as a condiment on the dinner table, and also to stir into gravies and casseroles.
I now have six varieties available all year round, including a Red Currant Jelly with Mint & Chilli, a Cider Jelly with Sage, a Sussex Ale Jelly and my newest variety – Perry Jelly with Saffron & Ginger Root. I continue my Crab Apple and Medlar Jellies in the winter season.
I am delighted to say Game On has won three Great Taste Awards in 2016 and 2017 for it’s Orange, Red Wine and Red Currant varieties. Game On!
What’s the best bit about your job?
I love being involved in all aspects of bringing my product to market; from production itself, brand design, and continuing to build relationships both with my customers and retailers. The Game On brand is also starting to receive wider recognition which is a great feeling!
Where can we buy your range?
Balcombe Stores, Balcombe
Bowders Farm Shop, Balcombe
Grape & Grain, The Broadway, Haywards Heath
Cloughs Deli, Lindfield
The Larder, Ditchling
The Corner House, Cuckfield
Glyn Thomas & Son Butchers, Lindfield
Hampers, The High St, Hurstpierpoint
The Grange Farm Shop, Crawley Down
Nick The Butcher, Hartfield
Borde Hill Garden Shop, Haywards Heath
Larder, Bromley
Bramptons Butchers, Brighton
The Sussex Peasant, West Sussex
A Game On gift set is also available through www.giftwink.com and all varieties can all be purchased by way of mail order though my website www.gameonfoods.co.uk
Which is your personal favourite and how would you serve it?
Now that’s tricky – I love them all although with different things! I can tell you my 11 year old daughter’s favourite and that is my Orange Jelly with Chilli & Cardamom on buttered toast!
What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to continuing to grow the Game On brand both locally and further afield. Exciting times
For more information visit: www.gameonfoods.co.uk
If you are a Balcombe resident and have a business or hobby you would like to share please contact us here. We are always looking to speak to interesting people who have a story to tell.