From Julie Lardie
Shirley Bassey reminds Branch Chairman Graham Walker that ‘Diamonds are Forever’
The Greater London Branch would like to express their appreciation for yet another excellent annual Conference. A good time was had by all, particularly our Chairman Graham Walker who had his picture taken with the wonderful ‘Shirley Bassey’ who performed at the Branch Dinner!
We have had some interesting Branch meetings in recent months. In March, St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington played host and we had presentations from David Jones of PKL on the hire of portable kitchens and catering equipment. In my capacity as ISS Mediclean Dietitian, I also spoke about ‘Diets for Patients with Dysphagia’. Supper was kindly provided by Anglia Crown and Members were relieved to see that solid food had been provided, despite all the talk of pureed meals!
In May, Paul Winter, Head of Hotel Services at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, invited the Branch to a brand new medium secure unit at the Royal Bethlem Hospital. River House offers state-of-the art facilities for 89 patients. Members were taken on a fascinating tour of the therapy areas which include a gym, wood and pottery workshops and a music room. We learnt there are more than 40 air-locked doorways between the front entrance and the furthest ward. Reassuringly secure. We also had a video presentation from Paul on the school meal experience he witnessed on a recent visit to Rome. The commitment to sustainability and freshly cooked food was very inspiring.
Earlier this month (June) we visited Tillery Valley Foods and on 17 July we will be travelling to an organic dairy farm in Bedford.
Charity Gala
Raj Foods, whose Managing Director, Raj Radia, is Treasurer of the Greater London Branch, put on a glittering gala dinner at Brent Town Hall in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Some 350 guests attended from all over the country, helping Raj Foods raise more than £15,000 for the Foundation. The Greater London Branch sponsored a table, as did several Associate Members and suppliers.
The fantastic contribution will help further the charity’s core aims to fund research into meningitis and septicaemia, raise awareness of the diseases and support those affected.
Raj Radia (second from right), with members of his family and special guests at the gala dinner
