A lot of Candles!

The Treasurer of the Food Trust Ann Smith celebrated her 80th Birthday on the 12th of March 2011. Around eighty friends, among them FTS Trustees and supporters, gathered at the restaurant of Whitmuir Organic Farm near Penicuik.

As Ann herself had been a successful restaurateur, and is an active supporter of the farm, she commissioned a wonderful meal for all. The French chef was allowed however to slip an organic boeuf bourgignon on to the menu but many thought the star of the meal was a superbly stuffed Scottish salmon!

Master of Ceremonies was Arthur Bell, FTS Chairman who asked Ron Cruikshank Ann's nephew to propose a toast, and read a message from Frankie her Canadian niece. Arthur amused the guests with tales of his experiences as a van driver for Town and Country, Ann's catering business in 1960's Edinburgh, and introduced three singers to the audience.

'Mine Hostess' of Whitmuir Heather Anderson with an Ella Fitzgerald favourite was followed by Tom Morss, Ann's neighbour from Carlops who is a student at the Royal Northern College, Manchester. In his exquisite tenor solos he was accompanied by the Carlops Jazz Group. The finale came from famous actress/writer/director Gerda Stevenson who sang (unaccompanied) a superb ballad of her own composition. A Scottish 'foodie' event with a difference.