Catering4Parwich has been popping up on the blog a lot recently. Just in case you don’t know, it’s a fantastic “new” non-profit making organisation run by Val Kirkham for the benefit of our community.
Originally it was set up in 2009/10 as a means to obtain funding for kitchen equipment for the new Memorial Hall. One of the conditions of the grant was to set up a micro-enterprise so that all profit, once food costs and wages have been deducted, goes back into the Memorial Hall.
The funding committee and Val created this organisation and now Val is totally responsible for all aspects of Catering4Parwich. During a normal week Val and Alison work about 6-8 hours a week but this goes up significantly when there are functions. Casual staff, normally local youngsters, are employed for such events, so if you would like to add your name to her list, please contact her. Some village functions like yesterday’s very successful lunch use volunteers, this helps to keep the price down to a minimum, with everyone only having to pay £5 for a two course meal.
During the past year Catering4Parwich has supported many events, both in the village and locally. Every week food is provided for the British Legion Darts Club and teas for the Over 60’s Pilates. Other events include the Oddfellows Lunch, Harvest Supper, lunches for new candidates for the teaching post at Parwich School, two Lent lunches, the Royal Wedding Event, lunches for a local and a national gardening group, teas for an art exhibition and the monthly film club.
C4P’s biggest event was catering for 512 people during the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Ashbourne, smaller events included Parkside Junior School’s Prom and a local funeral.
Already this non-profit making organisation has bought additional equipment for the kitchen, including an electric bain-marie, pans, vegetable dishes, a water boiler, a portable gas griddle and two portable ceramic hot plates. Items they are looking to purchase in the future include a fryer, microwave and quality cutlery for weddings.
Val has produced flyers to market C4P but word of mouth is her best source of bookings, which are already coming in for 2012.
Val K, Catering4Parwich – Tel 01335 390458.
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