On Friday 19 June, Poundbury-based Brace of Butchers is holding a feast to celebrate local community helpers for all their hard work during recent times. From 11:30 am invited community groups will enjoy the finest local produce prepared by the region’s best chefs, and award-winning Brace of Butchers is seeking nominations for 10 more unsung heroes to join them.
The banquet which will be running for several hours during the day will be prepared by chefs, Harriet West, Dom Moldenhauer, Luke Vandore-Mackay, Steve Lamb and TV’s Great British Menu Home Economist & Food Stylist, Sam Squire.
The ‘thank you’ goes out to all the fantastic community supporters and includes the following organisations: Dorchester Community Support Group, Poundbury Community Coronavirus Help Group, The Storehouse Church (Dorchester), Dorchester Community Kitchen, Dorchester Community Church, Dorchester Foodbank, Damers School and Prince of Wales School.
Councillor Les Fry, on behalf of the Dorchester Community Support group, said: “This is a very nice opportunity to thank our volunteers who have been supporting our community and this is a nice gesture from the team at Brace of Butchers. Our group has been operating for three months now and has completed over 800 separate tasks. It will be nice to meet these volunteers in person and thank them for their support. ”
To ensure the day meets current social distancing rules each group will be limited in size and be given a time to enjoy their meal. But there is one time slot left and this is where the Brace of Butchers wants to hear from local folk.
There are ten places up for grabs for nominated unsung heroes. Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the local community? This could be a paramedic, teacher, take away service, village community support – or someone who has just shown true kindness during these difficult times and who deserves a thank you.
Nominations can be made by emailing The Brace of Butchers on office@braceofbutchers.co.uk or on The Brace of Butchers Facebook page from Monday at midday, by commenting on their post.
Tom Amery, Managing Director of the Brace of Butchers, said: “We wanted to say thank you to all the incredible individuals that have selflessly helped so many in and around Dorchester so the team suggested we plan a special thank you lunch. I thought it was a great idea – I have heard so many wonderful stories via the customers, and the teams have been incredible.”
To thank the many supporters Alistair Chisholm, Dorchester’s Award Winning Town Crier has written a cry for the community to thank them for their exceptional energy and support. The poem will be provided to all the guests attending on the day and can be seen in full below.
OYEZ ! OYEZ ! OYEZ !
As the County town we’ve faced Covid 19
And responded with vigour to this enemy unseen.
As one, our community has pulled together,
Helped quite a bit by some fabulous weather !
You’ve cared for those who’ve faced this alone,
Getting shopping and meds and chatting on the phone.
Such care and concern, shown by both young and old,
We can’t wait for the stories yet to be told !
Today we salute you with fine food and fine chefs
The best from the Brace…without any efts !
Your example’s inspiring – you’ve done Dorchester proud,
You’re all very special and stand out from the crowd.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
Alistair Chisholm, Town Crier of Dorchester, June 2020
