Article by Fabafterfifty
Host a Great British Garden Party for a good cause
Suffering from post Olympic and Jubilee Blues?
Then why not dust off the bunting and flags , host a Great British Garden Party AND raise money for a good cause? Add another summer celebration!!
This summer, Arthritis Research UK invites the Great British public to brush off their gardening gloves, freshen up their flowers and help the one in six people living with arthritis, by throwing a Great British Garden Party.
BBQ or bake off, dressing up or dressing down, soaking up the sun or sheltering under an umbrella; everyone can get involved with Arthritis Research UK’s exciting new fundraising campaign.
From gardens which rival the blooms of Kew, to parks, allotments or even living rooms, the perfect party venue is anywhere, just as long as there’s somewhere to hang the bunting.
And for those seeking that extra garden party pizazz, why not trade in typically British Coronation Chicken for a delicious Goan Prawn Curry (see recipe below) instead? The mouth-watering recipe was shared with Arthritis Research UK courtesy of celebrity foodie, Sophie Conran, in support of the charity.
Arthritis affects more than ten million people in the UK, including 15,000 children. The pioneering research undertaken by the charity would not be possible without the help of its generous supporters. Katy is 29 years old and was diagnosed with debilitating arthritis last year. She doesn’t have a garden but is planning to hit her local park to throw her Great British Garden Party to support Arthritis Research UK:
Arthritis is not just a disease for older people
Katy says:
“People are always surprised to hear that I suffer with arthritis. It’s commonly seen as an older person’s condition, but Arthritis Research UK are doing some great work to dispel this idea and help keep people of all ages doing what they love.
“The Great British Garden Party is a brilliant opportunity to get friends and family together and have a good laugh, while raising money for a really worthy cause. I can’t wait to host my own garden party later this summer; I have the bunting ready to go whether the sun’s shining or not!”
Louise Holland, Director of Fundraising for Arthritis Research UK, adds:
“We’re thrilled to launch this exciting new campaign and I can’t wait to see how everyone will put their own spin on the Great British Garden Party. Although this summer has been a little unpredictable to say the least, the best thing about these events is that they can be held anywhere; indoors or out, anything goes.
“As a charity, we are committed to helping those living with arthritis to remain active, doing the things they love; I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of our supporters who will be fundraising this summer. The Great British Garden Party needs you!”
To host your very own Great British Garden Party, please visit arthritisresearchuk.org or call 0300 790 0444. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a fundraising pack full of ideas and tips on how to raise vital funds at your event, from games and competitions to silent auctions.
Great British Garden Party recipe by Sophie Conran
GOAN PRAWN CURRY
Goa is India’s smallest state and stretches along the southwest coast of India. Because of its coastline and beautiful beaches, seafood and rice form the main part of the Goan diet. Goan curries traditionally include various nuts such as cashews and coconuts which grow in abundance in the area.
TO SERVE FOUR
For the Goan curry paste
1 chilli stalk removed
1 walnut-sized piece of fresh root ginger peeled
and chopped
4 cloves of garlic peeled and chopped
2 tsp tamarind paste
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp each ground cumin and coriander
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Goan prawn curry
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion peeled and finely sliced
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1kg/21/4lb large raw prawns peeled and deveined
200ml/7fl oz coconut milk
1 large bunch of chopped fresh coriander
sea salt
Place all the ingredients for the curry paste except the oil in a blender and blitz, then, with the machine still running, slowly drizzle in the oil. Turn out into a bowl.
To make the curry, heat the oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion and black pepper for about 10 minutes or until the onion is soft, without browning, stirring often. Add the curry paste and stir through, then turn up the heat a little and fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and throw the prawns into the pan. Stir continuously for another 5 minutes, then slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring until you have a smooth sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes.
Finally, stir in the coriander, season with salt to taste and serve with boiled rice. I like to have a sliced banana with a little lime squeezed over the top with this delicious curry.
