Keyword Search
Bob's Blog: November 2008
17 Nov 2008This week has always been, since I was a little boy, 'Respect Week'. My father taught me that the nation once a year comes together to remember those who sacrificed so much for all of us.
It is impossible to forget for a moment that we owe a debt to those who serve today, and in day's gone bay. Early the other morning I had a chance meeting with a man who had served in the Australian Army, and was visiting from Australia. He came to the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation for two reasons: the first was to be reunited with his family after 48 years of separation, and the second because he had read all about the Beef Kitchen and Pryors Bank. He shook my hand and thanked me for what in his mind I had accomplished; I cannot take that credit alone. Some time later, in this most memorable week I was again thanked for my plan and efforts to get our café up and running with our apprentices working and training there. However, this time it was not by a 'Digger' but a member of the Royal Family on a private visit to Pryors Bank café.
Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex came to call and take tea with us. The Countess is the Patron of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation and has taken a keen interest in the Beef Kitchen since she kindly agreed to, and accepted the roll of, Patron to the Foundation.
This was a day of huge pride for me to be able to show around Pryors Bank Café, Her Royal Highness; she was keen to meet our two apprentices and discuss with them the merits of the new training scheme at Pryors Bank and their progress.
Alex Price, one of my fellow Directors of the Beef Kitchen, then introduced the Countess to some of our extremely generous supporters and 'Friends of Pryors Bank'; men and women from all walks of industry and commerce that are keen to see the project succeed, and frankly, without them we would have fallen at the first hurdle. The visit by Her Royal Highness along with our supporters had perhaps even more poignancy given that the day before we stood in silence for two minutes to remember what the 11 November 1918 meant for the world.
Her Royal Highness came not to see the café and me, but to show support for men and women that, it is hoped, will pass through the doors of Pryors Bake Café with a future that was denied to so many, 90 years ago.
News from the café is: the heating is on, the cafe is bright and warm, we have now started to bake our own muffins, cakes and scones, and bread is not too far of as well. Sunday Lunch will be served from the 7th December with two sittings; the first at 1pm and the second at 3.30pm. We are taking bookings and we envisage Sunday Lunch to be very popular so do please book in advance to avoid disappointment the number to call is 020 7731 5227.
Our Football menu has gone down a treat with Fulham and visiting supporters alike, and we now serve the same food inside the café on Match Days. Just ask the for the football menu and you will be delighted with the quality and portions.
Sunday school is going well and in all honesty, we have struggled to resolve the issue of disappointment felt by some of our café patrons who we sadly have to refuse service to, on a Sunday morning. In order to resolve this mater from as soon as the weather breaks in to what we at least call springtime, we are going to set up on the terrace and cook live, a good old fashioned Full English Breakfast with all the trimmings. The style in which we set up for Football Match Days has proved very successful and this has prompted the idea that we can serve on a Sunday morning and not disturb Sunday School.
So, you can see, we are busy planning for next year already and next summer Pryors Bank Café will come into its own, as a most popular meeting and eating venue in Fulham.
See you down café,
Bob
HRH Countess of Wessex sharing a joke with us at Pryors Bank Cafe