Two charities received a massive cash boost when the Mayor of Stockton’s Annual Charity Ball was held at The Wynyard Rooms for the fifth successive year.

Councillor Paul Baker hosted last Friday’s black tie event at the exclusive function room venue at Wynyard Park, and the early indications are that more than £9,000 was raised for Butterwick Hospice in Stockton and the Royal British Legion.

Around 250 guests helped raise the money by buying tickets for the ball, whilst a raffle also took place.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and entertainment from band Hip Operation.

Councillor Baker said: “I’d like to thank everyone who supported the event, including many local businesses. Their generosity in helping us to raise so much money for two very worthwhile causes is much appreciated.

“I would also like to thank Wynyard Park for once again being such good hosts and ensuring a great night for all.”

Jeff Hind from the Wynyard Rooms said: “We are proud of our links with the Mayor of Stockton and we are delighted to have been able to help Councillor Baker raise vital funds for these two charities.

“Quality and attention to detail is at the heart of everything we do, and it delights us when people come back year after year. That is the ultimate endorsement.”

The Wynyard Rooms has developed a reputation as one of the Tees Valley’s top function facilities and many other events have proved to be sell-out successes. For more information about the Wynyard Rooms and forthcoming events call (01740) 661000.

THERE’S an opportunity to get a real taste of India and its infamously glamorous movie industry at a special event on Teesside later this month.

The Wynyard Rooms at Wynyard Park, a 700-acre business park, is hosting a Bollywood-themed evening of food and entertainment on January 27.

The event will begin with a drinks reception at 7pm and this will be followed by an authentic three-course Indian dinner, live entertainment and Bollywood and Bhangra music and dancing.

Jeff Hind from The Wynyard Rooms said: “Dinner is to be prepared by renowned chef Dinesh Rawley of Sachins Restaurant in Newcastle, the country’s finest Punjabi restaurant, in association with our own staff.

“We hope people will book tables and come along for an evening of quality food and entertainment that promises to be great fun.”

The dress code is smart casual, cocktail dresses or saris. Tickets cost £35 per person and are available by calling Fatema Ahmed at The Wynyard Rooms on (01740) 661000 or e-mailing fatema.ahmed@thewynyardrooms.com

Former World Snooker Champion John Parrott will be the star attraction at a Sportsman’s Dinner that aims to raise vital funds for two Teesside charities.

The event is to be held at The Wynyard Rooms, the exclusive function room venue at Wynyard Park, on Friday February 17 next year.

Money raised at the event will be donated to Gretton Court, a care home in Hartlepool for people with dementia, and Butterwick Hospice in Stockton.

Guests are guaranteed an amusing and witty after-dinner speech from one of the legends of the green baize, ably supported by comedian Lea Roberts and top MC Jerry Earl.

As well as winning the World Snooker Championship, John Parrott is also a former UK and European Snooker Champion. He was captain on the BBC quiz show A Question of Sport for six years and has worked for the BBC’s snooker and horse racing commentary teams for many years. He is an avid Everton FC fan.

Jeff Hind from The Wynyard Rooms said: “John has an infectious sense of humour and charismatic personality. We’re looking forward to a great night.

“I would urge people to support the event and help us to raise much-needed money for two very worthwhile local charities which carry out so much good work.”

Tickets are priced at £45 each and include a three-course dinner. Lounge suits are the required dress code. Doors open at 7pm and dinner will be served at 8pm.

For further information or to buy a ticket call The Wynyard Rooms on (01740) 661000.

Budding chef Jonathon Fountain’s career hopes have been given a big boost thanks to a successful partnership that aims to nurture young talent.

The 18-year-old has been taken on as an apprentice at Wynyard Park, a 700-acre business park near Billingham, Teesside, that works closely with Hartlepool College of Further Education to offer students training opportunities.

Jonathon is working as part of the catering team at The Wynyard Rooms – the business park’s exclusive function room venue – under the expert guidance of Catering Manager Craig Longstaff.

Craig said: “We have an on-going commitment to help talented young people achieve their full potential and what we pride ourselves on most is that we don’t employ them to do just basic tasks. Anyone we take on is an important and valued member of the team and the work we give them reflects that.

“Jonathon is acting as an assistant chef and his duties include, for example, making items such as pastries completely from scratch and learning the ins and outs of making the perfect quiche. He is also learning about the importance of time management so that different foodstuffs come out ready at the same time.

“I have been really impressed with Jonathon’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and if he continues to work hard he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Jonathan who lives in the West Park area of Hartlepool, is studying for his NVQ level 3 in food preparation at Hartlepool College of Further Education and he is enjoying his time at The Wynyard Rooms.

“It is much different to some of the other places that I have worked – here I’m given a lot more freedom to explore the different aspects of catering.”

Steve Wallis, Assistant Principal at Hartlepool College commented, “It really is a credit to our engagement with local businesses that Jonathon is working with such a prestigious company. The events that the College have supported The Wynyard Rooms with, such as Hartlepool United FC player Ritchie Humphreys’ testimonial dinner, have been very well received.”

THERE’S an opportunity to join with friends and colleagues and celebrate in style one of the world’s most famous horse race meetings.

The Wynyard Rooms at Wynyard Park, a 700-acre business park near Billingham, is marking the start of Royal Ascot with a special event on Tuesday June 14 from 1pm.

Action from the Berkshire course will be streamed live onto screens around the exclusive function room venue, while guests enjoy some top-quality catering.

Weather permitting, a barbecue will be served in the gardens with a sumptuous menu of fish, meats and salads on offer.

Tickets for the event are £15 per person.

Director of Sales Victoria Taylor said: “As well as the quality of its horse racing, Royal Ascot is renowned for its fashion and style. We hope people will come along to The Wynyard Rooms and celebrate the start of the race meeting in some style too.”

To book a place or to obtain more information contact Victoria Taylor on (01740) 661000 or e-mail: victoria.taylor@thewynyardrooms.com