Tuesday November 25th saw A record sixty-eight guests had a wonderful evening at West Herts College Training Restaurant on Tuesday, November 25, to support local charity DEMAND.

Guests included 23 members of Energie Fitness Watford, who made this their Christmas Party celebration, U3A Rickmansworth, Watford Round Table, Best of Watford and many more committed local supporters.

For some guests, notably Clive Connew and Lyn Telford, the event has become an annual celebration they wouldn’t miss for the world.

A brilliant £1,229 was raised at this glittering gastronomic fundraiser, all of which will enable DEMAND to help more people raise their level of independence as well as improving overall physical and mental health and general wellbeing.

The evening, which was beautifully run by college students and staff, is a partnership which benefits everyone involved.

Andrew Wakeford, Chef Lecturer, said: “Students need to experience realistic working environments and learn from the many different experiences and situations they find themselves in. Aspiring young chefs learn, from working on events like the DEMAND Gourmet Dinners, how to pull together as a team and to deliver service to a very high standard.’’

Guests were welcomed with a glass of bubbly and delicious canapés followed by a sumptuous traditional three-course Thanksgiving meal, complete with four different complementary wines.

The mouth-watering menu included vegetarian options and ranged through gourmet delights such as prawn and lobster bisque and perfectly roasted Norfolk turkey with baked stuffed butternut squash.

This was followed, for those who still had room, by a trio of desserts. Generous local businesses donated an array of raffle and auction prizes and these alone generated £549.

The substantial sum raised from this event will help fund a range of bespoke equipment projects to help those with a disability live life their way and, potentially, to access opportunities which most of us take for granted.

The next DEMAND Gourmet Dinner is The Valentines Dinner on Thursday 12th February 2015 at West Herts College.

It is a fabulous evening out for friends, groups as well as starry-eyed couples. Please support this special DEMAND event which last year raised over £1,000.

Tickets are only available in advance and are priced at £30 per diner.

Please contact the Restaurant between 9am and 3pm, Monday-Friday, on 01923 812464 to secure your tickets at this hugely popular event.

Based on information supplied by Denise Gillies.