Chef News is sponsored by the the Kitchen Porters Club
Hundreds of people braved torrential rain to raise thousands of pounds and support the NSPCC’s Childline service at the Great Cumbrian Chefs’ Dinner.
A marquee in the spectacular grounds of Lowick Hall, near Ulverston – the former home of Swallow and Amazons author Arthur Ransome – hosted four Michelin-starred chefs who prepared a delicious menu using locally sourced produce for the event, which was sponsored by Furness Building Society and Warburtons.
Guests wore Black Tie, evening dress and wellingtons and included Lili Myers, author and widow of Hairy Biker Dave Myers and World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty.
Last year, there were almost 200,000 Childline counselling sessions covering a range of topics impacting children and young people, such as abuse, mental health, body image and bullying.
NSPCC trustee Sheanna Patelmaster spoke movingly to the guests about how Childline counsellors helped her following childhood abuse, and how important the funds raised at the Great Cumbrian Chef’s Dinner would be to the service.
Carl Fogarty said: “I’ve been supporting the NSPCC as an ambassador for over 20 years now and it’s great to have an event in the Lake District raising money for Childline.”
Owner of Lowick Hall, John Worth, said: “Everybody really pulled together, the four Michelin-starred chefs did a great job, the food was superb, and everyone has been so generous with the prizes and donations to Childline for services in Cumbria and the North West.
“To have raised the amount we did on the night is absolutely fantastic, and thanks to the staff and volunteers from the NSPCC who were with us on the evening. It’s been great.”
NSPCC Cumbria and West Lancashire Community Fundraising Manager, Janette Drew, said: “It was an amazing evening. Raising over £77,000 is more than we had hoped for, and it will go towards keeping children safe through Childline.”
Chef Harriet MacArthur prepared the canapés, and the meal was devised by Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co, Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the Old Stamp House and The Schelly, in Ambleside, Ollie Bridgwater, Executive Chef, Source at The Gilpin Hotel, Windermere and Paul Leonard, Head Chef at The Forest Side, Grasmere.
Chef Ryan Blackburn reflected: “Despite the challenging weather conditions, guests braved the elements to enjoy what proved to be an incredible evening of hospitality.
On the night, the guests raised a fantastic £77,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline – an incredible amount. I’d personally like to say thank you to everyone involved who made the event possible through their incredible generosity. As a result, you will all make a real difference to young people in Cumbria and across the North West – thank you for your support.’’
Presenter and co-founder of Happy Radio UK, Darren Proctor, was the MC for the evening, and John Townsend oversaw auctioneering duties for an assortment of special lots, with everything from a unique vintage Rolls-Royce car tour and afternoon experience to restaurant fine dining experiences, holidays both in the UK and further afield, as well as artworks and a whole array of experiences, all of which were generously donated and helped towards the evening’s fundraising total.
Chef News is sponsored by the the Kitchen Porters Club
