Albert Roux came to Fairlawne Estate in its heyday in the ‘60’s when, under the management of Sir Peter Cazalet, it became famous as the Queen Mother’s racing stables. Michel (Jnr) was borne in Shipbourne and went to ShipbourneSchool before the family moved to London to take on their own restaurant, La Gavroche. The rest is history….., with Albert being responsible for introducing French cuisine to TV audiences followed by his son Michel who has continued the great family tradition. The two of them have had a major influence over the way we eat in the UK. .
St Giles’s Farmers’ Market, started in 2003 under the auspices of the then Rector Susan Ramsaran. The market is held both inside and outside the Church every Thursday morning come rain or shine and attracts some 150 shoppers every week.
Unfortunately, the VictorianChurch has suffered badly from both the weather and subsidence. So in order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the market and at the same time raise funds to save the Church fabric and for Agricultural charities supported by the market, Sir Edward Cazalet (Sir Peter’s son and Church’s sponsor) approached his old friends Albert and Michel and gave them a challenge. ‘To create a memorable dinner using seasonal produce from the Farmers’ market’. This it is hoped, will not only be a fantastic once in a lifetime event for the village of Shipbourne but will raise awareness of the quality and variety of local produce available at this and many other Farmers’ Markets in the county.
The challenged was accepted, an event committee formed and the logistics of organising a sumptuous meal for 150 is underway. ‘Local businesses have been extremely supportive’ says Viv Packer,one of the Organisers ‘Brian Whiting, the owner of the Chaser has kindly offered the grounds of the Chaser and to close the Chaser for the evening. James Bishoff of Beaumont marquees is donating the use of a marquee; K College Catering Department will provide waiters. Stuart Maybury of Windsor Print will be printing the Souvenir programme.’ This will describe the relationship of the Rouxs’ with Fairlawne, the history of the Church and the market as well as being a medium to thank all those who have helped with the event.
‘A visit by the Roux head event chef to the Farmers’ Market had all the stallholder’s on tenterhooks’ said Bob Taylor the Market manager ‘ but he was very impressed with both the quality and the variety of local produce available and saw no problem in taking up the challenge’
For more information please contact:-
Bob Taylor
Shipbourne Farmers’ Market
01732 833976
bob@lodgeoast.co.uk
