From Fiesta to Baroque with Macmillan Cancer Relief

Carol Woolner on recent and forthcoming fund-raising events

The Latin American Fiesta organised by the local committee for Macmillan Cancer Relief on the evening of 23rd October went with a swing - or would it be a 'salsa'?

The Parish Hall of St Michael and All Angels, Bedford Park was transformed with colourful posters, sombreros, cut-out mexican birds and South American flags hanging from the beams. Amaru III, a South American Trio, played their pan-pipes, drum and guitar both before (Tequila Punch drinking time) and during supper. Though we didn't dance - there was not the space - there was plenty of rythmic clapping and singing going on, and we had to stop all performing at 10-45pm since the evening was to conclude at 11pm.

The Menu was an entirely Mexican one with Turkey (originally from Mexico - not Turkey, or even Norfolk) presented in Mole Poblano, a rich sauce containing toasted and ground seeds, nuts, chillies, tomatoes and dark chocolate. Rice, Black Beans, Guacamole and Salsa completed the main course. Exotic Fruit and Chocolate Torte, followed by Colombian coffee rounded off the meal, which was accompanied by Chilean wine or Mexican beer.

With the sale of Mexican pottery and cook books, kindly donated by Chonette Perez (who has chronic leukaemia), and the ever present Raffle, we will have made a profit of over £1,200, which will go towards the provision of local Macmillan services to support cancer patients and their families.

Our next event is to be a Concert in St Michael and All Angels on the evening of Sunday 21st November at 8pm, by Chiswick Baroque, who are very generously donating their services, with a programme to include Monteverdi madrigals, Spituals, Folk-songs and Carols.

The tickets, available in advance and at the door, are £15 (£12 concessions) and include wine and Canapes made by the committee (who have established quite a reputation for an almost professional standard!) Those who come will not need to provide supper after the 'show' - but let us know so we can be sure of providing enough!"

Carol Woolner

November 11, 2004