Posted on 29th July 2019
Continuing to build upon our unique retailing experience, and with the support of our local affiliates, we turned the Morgan Arcade, Cardiff into a Banqueting Hall fit for a fundraising event.
As a first-of-its kind, the ‘Summer Banquet’ was organised to help raise charitable funds for City Hospice, a local hospice charity close to the hearts of us all here at the The Brogue Trader.
As the warm summer evening took hold, the arcade was closed from 6pm onwards in anticipation of the invite only guest-list. Arriving to a gin & tonic drinks reception supplied by Hensol Castle Distillery, guests enjoyed the relaxed ambience as soul singer James Williams accompanied the ‘magical marvel’ Bryan Gunton showcasing his close-up magic.
As guests took their seats, it was now Spiro’s Fine Dining’s turn to work their three-course ‘saucery’. Chicken and leek terrine with homemade breads was their first trick, followed by a wowing main of roasted loin of pork with bubble and squeak. The show stopping dessert consisted of traditional sherry trifle, all accompanied by carefully hand-picked wines, supplied by Fine Wines Direct.
As Ex-Welsh international; Rupert Moon, continued to compere, guests were given the opportunity to ‘show their hand’ via a charity auction between courses, whilst the banquet was brought to a close with a personalised Q&A with Welsh assistant head coach Rob Howley and team captain Ellis Jenkins. With only 24 hours before the Welsh squad embarked on their World Cup training camp in Switzerland, the experienced duo kept guests fully entertained with their unrivalled rugby perspectives.
As the beer and cider continued to flow, courtesy of Heineken, we took the opportunity to launch our new Christian James shoe brand, exclusively available at The Brogue Trader. Following the showcase, guests continued to party into the evening, rubbing shoulders with a number of celebrity attendees, including Ian Gough (Ex-welsh rugby player), Rod Woodward (TV comic/comedian) and Nicky Piper (Ex-professional boxer & commonwealth Champion).
The event was a resounding success, with over £11,600 raised on the evening for City Hospice. Speaking after the event, our Managing Director; Chris Macnamara showed his wholehearted gratitude for the events’ suppliers. ‘None of this (the event) would have been possible without the help and support of my team and some great friends. All of the suppliers’ gave their time and services for FREE – this amazing support allowed us to raise a whopping £11,600 in just three hours for a great charity! – It’s amazing what relationships can achieve.
‘Individually we can do so little; together we can do so much’
Credits:
Catering
–Spiro’s Fine Dining & Catering www.spiros.com
Drinks
–Hensol Castle Distillery www.hensolcastledistillery.com
–Fine Wines Direct www.finewinesdirectuk.com
–Heineken www.heineken.co.uk
Entertainment
Singer – James Willaims www.james-williams.co.uk
Magician – Bryan Gunton www.bryangunton.co.uk
Printing
Harlequin print www.harlequinprintgroup.co.uk