06 June 2017

Nottinghamshire dinner raises thousands for British wildlife

Renowned gourmet chef Colin McGurran (left) with hosts Julia and Chris Butterfield. Photocredit: Jason Glenn.Nottinghamshire members of the UK's leading wildlife research charity raised a spectacular £57,000 at a sumptuous gourmet dinner and auction this spring. The money raised will go towards funding the pioneering conservation research of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The fabulous evening was kindly hosted by Chris and Julia Butterfield at their home at North Lodge Farm, Widmerpool. The dinner was held in a glorious marquee decorated with spring flowers and inspired vegetable table arrangements by Nina Jarvis from Bryony May Events. On arrival the 250 guests attending enjoyed a champagne reception in an authentic African ‘boma’.  

Colin McGurran (right) brought all his staff specially to North Lodge Farm to cater for the GWCT dinner. Photocredit: Jason Glenn.Dinner comprised five delicious courses prepared by renowned gourmet chef Colin McGurran from Winteringham Fields, Lincolnshire. Colin won BBC2’s Great British Menu in 2012 and 2014 and is celebrated for championing local produce and game in particular. Colin brought all his staff specially to Widmerpool to cater for the event. Each course was accompanied by Winteringham sommelier’s wine selection.

Following the sumptuous dinner, auctioneers John Coles and Ian Walter conducted a nail-biting auction. Eight wonderful lots included a private dining extravaganza at Winteringham Fields, kindly donated by Colin McGurran, and an ‘Authentic African Adventure’ 10-night safari for four people in Botswana and Zambia.

Nottinghamshire GWCT committee member Chris Butterfield said, “Our county is well on course to meet its five-year target of raising £250,000 for the Trust.”

Accompanied by GWCT Nottinghamshire chairman Richard Thomas (centre), the auction was conducted by Ian Walter (left) and John Coles (right), and raised £57,000 for conservation research. Photocredit: Jason Glenn.The Trust is dedicated to preserving the British countryside and nature for generations to come. The GWCT would like to thank main sponsors Evenbrook Capital Partners, table hosts and the outstanding generosity of the auction lot donors and bidders. Special thanks are due to Chris and Julia Butterfield for hosting such a magnificent event. The evening was judged a dazzling success by all who attended.

Chris Butterfield added, “This couldn’t have been achieved without the loyal support of so many local members and friends from the game and wildlife conservation community.”

For further information about forthcoming GWCT events in Nottinghamshire, please contact Lottie Meeson on 07976 207113 or by email at cmeeson@gwct.org.uk.

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Photocaptions: (1) Renowned gourmet chef Colin McGurran (left) with hosts Julia and Chris Butterfield. (2) Colin McGurran (right) brought all his staff specially to North Lodge Farm to cater for the GWCT dinner. (3) Accompanied by GWCT Nottinghamshire chairman Richard Thomas (centre), the auction was conducted by Ian Walter (left) and John Coles (right), and raised £57,000 for conservation research. Photocredits: Jason Glenn.


Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk