When Winchelsea plans an event you can be certain that it will be lots of fun, well-organised and different. This was certainly true for Winchelsea Goes to Bollywood which took place on Saturday June 8 at the New Hall.
Plans for a curry night soon evolved into an evening of culinary and cultural appreciation when David Dickson and Delane Shingadia joined up with Jane and Hilary to coordinate an Indian-inspired evening for the enjoyment of the Winchelsea community.
Jane Archutowska and Hilary Roome worked hard to design a colourful backdrop and then supervised a team of volunteers to transform the New Hall into an Indian dance palace.
Winchelsea Goes To Bollywood included a five course tasting-menu of plant-based popular Indian dishes. Delane’s mother, Kanta, provided invaluable help with recipes and cookery techniques passed down many generations in Gujarat, which resulted in an authentic and tasty menu.
Hilary summed up the great evening and the preparations: “David, with telephone support from Kanta, taught a team of enthusiastic sous chef volunteers in the New Hall kitchen over two days to provide a memorable meal for the audience of over sixty. Winchelsea was introduced to many less familiar spices, herbs, tastes and textures. Cold and hot starters included chaat, Punjabi samosas and kochuri brought fresh from the top Sikh and Hindu suppliers in north and west London. Attendees had a lesson on how to prepare the popular Mumbai street food pani puri with homemade potato filling, roasted spicy chickpeas and tangy tamarind water.
“With support from Jonathan, Jane compiled a selection of Bollywood film clips which played throughout the evening giving a glorious backdrop of images of Indian cultural sites, dance and the diverse community. Maddy choreographed and taught a joyful Bhangra routine, danced to Jai Ho! from Slumdog Millionaire. The majority of the audience rapturously took part and had more than one go leaving them exhausted!
“A high-speed demonstration of saree-dressing was shown and then five teams had a go. The audience vote-by-cheering got louder and louder so inevitably the last team won: Roger did look very fetching and his pearl earring set off the ensemble.
“Indeed everyone had made a wonderful effort to dress authentically in order to ‘impress the directors’. The sixty-six guests admired each other’s outfits, which complemented the New Hall decorated with colourful floaty organza drapes and blue hangings.
“The coordinators would like to thank the many local businesses and people for their generous donations to the Indian-themed raffle, the team of hard-working volunteers and everyone for their huge support and lovely comments. We’re delighted that our wonderful and supportive community enjoyed themselves, which was our principal aim. To top it all, over £1,800 was raised for renovation works on our fantastic community resource, the New Hall.”
This charity event was one of many that take place in the New Hall, organised by local people for local people, making Winchelsea both a friendly and fun place to live and it certainly delivered on all fronts.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
This looks like such fun! I’m all for any event which involves colour, food and music. Having attempted Bhangra dancing a few years ago, I can confirm that it is indeed exhausting, but great exercise!