Unique fundraiser is food for thought
Dining in the Dark, a gourmet fundraising event launched to raise both awareness of visual impairment and vital funds for WESC Foundation – the South West’s specialist centre for visual impairment – is being hosted once again by the Salutation Inn, Topsham, on 11, 12 and 13 November.
The hugely successful inaugural Dining in the Dark event took place on 1 May and was the first of its kind in the region. An intrepid group of diners, including Cllr Rachel Lyons who was Lord Mayor of Exeter at the time, enjoyed a mouthwatering three-course menu specially created by Chef Director of the Salutation Inn, Tom Williams-Hawkes, along with some perfectly matched wines courtesy of Bibendum Wines.
As the name of the event suggests, the entire meal was served in complete darkness, with the diners served by four very attentive waitresses – all of which were either partially sighted or registered completely blind – with the assistance of staff at the Salutation Inn and some special equipment courtesy of the Royal Marines.
Diners were encouraged to re-evaluate the notions of taste and smell through this gastronomic experience, and their reaction was one of overwhelming delight, with guests carefully supported through the process of dealing with the challenge of eating and drinking without the aid of vision. Cllr Lyons says “I had a very enjoyable evening. The whole event brought it home to me how visually impaired people have to cope with every day living.”
This culinary phenomenon, which originated in Mainland Europe and can now also be enjoyed in London on a regular basis at Dans le Noir? restaurant in Clerkenwell, was introduced to Devon by a group of eye consultants at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, who also attended Devon’s first Dining in the Dark event.
Dining in the Dark event is due to take place again this coming autumn, this time over three nights on 11, 12 and 13 November.
If you would like to take part, please email natalie@attention-media.co.uk and send a cheque for £75 made out to WESC Foundation (all profits go to WESC Foundation) to Maggie Garrett, WESC Foundation, Topsham Road, Countess Wear, Exeter, Devon, EX2 6HA.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit card by calling Maggie on 01392 454200.
For further information, please contact natalie@attention-media.co.uk or 07843 282371.
To find out more about WESC Foundation visit www.wescfoundation.ac.uk
