Caldbeck Parish Hall was transformed into a French bistro, ‘La Toque’, on the night of 15th November in aid of St Kentigern’s Church funds.  French flags fluttered from the ceiling and the bar was straight from the Folies-Bergere.

Mine host was Bob Cullers who skilfully introduced each course of the meal in French.  His translater, Mike Fearn, complete with onions and bicycle, filled us in on the details.

The Rector, Steve Prior, said a French grace before we settled down to enjoy a delicious meal.  The starter was salade nicoise, followed by traditional onion soup.   We then progressed to leg of lamb carved at each table by volunteers dressed in chef’s hats.  Brie and Roquefort cheese followed and then crème brulee, profiteroles and poached pears.  By this stage everyone was very full and the franglais was slipping.

After the meal Robin and David Ward, Peter Krebs, Richard Woodcock, Frank Cosgrove and Jim Cox sang traditional favourites, such as ‘Sur La Pont’ and ‘The Marseillaise’.

The evening was a great success and raised a total of £3,020 for Caldbeck church funds.  None of this could have been done without a great deal of work. The creative designers and general all-rounders were Richard and Margaret Brough, Mike and Linda Fearn and Joan Gate.

Ann Armstrong and Mary Pattinson were ‘in the sink’.  The sommeliers were Ian Gate, Cameron and Jane Cullen, Fiona Ford and Colin Smithson. Rebecca Cullen was the pianist as well as a waitress and the other waitresses were Carolynne Ashbridge, Gillian Potts, Gill Wilson, Rosie Thompson, Sandra Pattinson, Samantha Bell, Stephanie Smithson and Kelly Armstrong.

The naughty French maid waitresses were Sarah and Sally Gate, Laura Potts and Emma Armstrong.

Thanks must go to all the people who donated the raffle prizes and, particularly, to all the people above, who gave their time to make this such an enjoyable evening for all the guests.

Merci Beaucoup.