News release: High sheriff makes an educated choice

Abstract

A small outside catering business has seen off some excellent competition to become
the favourite supplier to one of the County's busiest dignitaries.
Scholars Outside Catering, part of the University of Central Lancashire, is delighted to
be the first choice of Gloria Oates, OBE, the High Sheriff of Lancashire, whether she is
entertaining at home in Rams bottom or in one of the county's many impressive venues.
The University team, which began to accept outside commissions only five years ago,
was delighted to be contacted by Gloria Oates for one of the first events she hosted as
High Sheriff in May 2001 -a lunch with champagne reception for 120 people at
Lancaster Town Hall following a Shield Hanging Ceremony at Lancaster Castle.
However, the real seal of approval came a few months later when Gloria asked Scholars
to provide the catering for her daughter' s wedding, which was celebrated in a marquee
in the grounds of her home. A wedding breakfast was provided followed later by an
evening buffet and bar. The same marquee was used two days later for a dinner hosted
by the High Sheriff and again provided by Scholars.
Regular bookings have followed, ranging from small dinner parties at home to lavish
events at Lancaster Castle, all overseen by Jackie Cunningham, Assistant Hospitality
Manager at the University, who looks after the outside catering business. "As a fo rmer
Chair of the University Board, Gloria Oates was already familiar with the quality of our
service and we are delighted that she wants to continue her association with us.
"We work extremely hard to provide a very personal service using a small but dedicated
team of professionals, with a mouth-watering selection of imaginative menus from our
executive Head Chef, Sean Whewell."
Scholars' other clients include Lady Grenfell Baines and the RLPO, Lancashire County
Council, the National Probation Service, the Rotary Club, HSBC and the North West
Society of Architects. And no request is too large, too small or too calorie conscious -
Jackie and her team have even provided dinner for Slimming World!
27th March 2002
nr034kjf
Notes to editors:
Please see sample menus below. For further details, please contact Jackie Cunningham
at Scholars on (01772) 892089 or Kate Ford on (01772) 892481, mobile 07968 861580.
Sample menu
Croustade of smoked salmon & prawns with wild lettuce & herb salad on a basil oil
Lancaster Lamb - Rack of lamb with braised spring cabbage & bacon circled with a
redcurrant & Chablis reduction
Summer berries creme brule with shortbread wafers & chocolate leaves
Sample menu
Smoked salmon with herb salad on basil oil
Rosemary roast and poached fillet of lamb served on minted fondant potatoes with
onion jam baskets circled with a red wine reduction
Warm bread and butter pudding with sauce Anglaise and apricot cmtlis