On the 2nd of July the Moveable Feast team made a beeline for Caroline Beatty’s lovely home, Hill House, in Amberley. Caroline is well known to the network as former Bristol Refugee Rights Director and for her current involvement with City of Sanctuary, in Bristol as well as nationally.
Hill House is a space of welcome and sanctuary, located very close to Stroud in Gloucestershire, the lovely village of Amberley lies on the edge of the famous Cotswolds and boasts of lovely homes and fantastic views all around. We were there for a fundraising event organised by Caroline in partnership with Bristol Hospitality Network.
The event was held on the lush lawns adorned with gorgeous roses and lavender dancing away in all their glory. Our lovely hostess had prepared a refreshing elderflower cordial which kept everyone upbeat on the balmy Sunday afternoon.
Needless to say BHN’s Moveable Feast was in charge of preparing a lip-smacking feast for the guests. The guests were treated to a wide range of tasty treats like Persian Fish Stew, a multi-coloured sweet potato orange and pomegranate salad, a delightful aubergine stew and some finger licking Dahl with courgette and potatoes. All this was prepared very lovingly by our Moveable Feast team at location.
The guests started pouring in around noon and the food was laid out impeccably by the team. Everyone was mighty impressed, not just with the taste of food but also with how wonderful and colourful it looked.
“The food was absolutely excellent – and fully justified the descriptor ‘Feast’. There were surprising and delicious items on the menu, which combined flavours and colours superbly. The way in which the volunteers prepared and served it was also very well done. The meal really made the afternoon and I could not recommend the Moveable Feast team more highly. They brought the meal to the serving table spot on time and were hugely helpful with the clearing up“, said Caroline about the lunch.
After the very enjoyable meal, the guests braced themselves for the Shakespearean play performed by a local community company, accompanied by live music and sound effects by a very talented group of musicians.
The event raised just over £800, which will be divided between BHN and Hill House (after deducting ingredient costs). Both groups are set up to support people as they navigate the stressful path to gaining safety in this country, and show that we welcome refugees here.