Friends of Victoria Hall

The Friends of Victoria Hall were pleased co host  the Civic Reception recently held in the Victoria Hall.

Argyll and Bute Council in conjunction with the Friends of Victoria Hall held a Civic Reception in the Victoria Hall on Friday the 31st July at 1930 in the main hall. This reception hosted by  Provost William Petrie and FOVH Chairman,  Councillor Vivien Dance iwas in honour of the visitors from Thouars, as part of the Homecoming Celebrations.

Thanks to the efforts of Ross Murray of the Rosslea Hall, Rhu, a number of food producers from Argyll and Bute and local islands  sponsored the Civic Reception in honour of the visitors from Thouars, Helensburgh's twin town in France. We were pleased to welcome Arran Daries who  supplied their special "Homecoming" ice cream at the evening reception. Arran Daries are available on http://www.taste-of-arran.co.uk/

Fruit, in the form of seasonal berries from Thea Groves of Stonefield Farm Dunoon was a feature for the French Visitors at the buffet reception. The West of Scotland and Argyll in particular is renowned for this type of fruit and Ross's preparations was be a delight for all.

Pale ale from medal winning brewery, Fyne Ales of Achadunan, Cairndow, Brewers of Fine Ales, was available at the Civic Reception as another example of the finest produce from Argyll and Bute, the Brewery can be contacted on http://www.fyneales.com/

We were pleased to welcome Helensburgh producer Chrystal Wylie. owner of Chrystal's Shortbread of Paterson Drive, Helensburgh who  sponsored  the Civic Reception with her special recipe short bread which was also  on sale throughout the day at the Food and craft Fair.

Support was also forthcoming from Anna and Michael Curley of the Buffet Shop with their generous contribution of cheeses from Scottish producers. Michael and Anna are two of the key retailers in Helensburgh and well known supporters of retail activity in town and can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Loch Fyne Oysters  supplied oysters to the Civic Reception. This was a welcome addition to the produce of Argyll and Bute and a world renowned product. Loch Fyne Seafoods can be contacted on their website.

Brian Hill of Plan Farm Isle of Bute generously contributed hot smoked lamb and beef as part of the main courses available for the 230 guests. Brian can be contacted on http://www.tasteofbute.co.uk

Another member of the Taste of Bute organisation was  Henshlewood's Fine Foods from Rothesay contributing chutneys and pickles. Henshlewood's fine foods are available from a number of fine food stores and delicatessens. Bob Henshlewood can be contacted on www.henshelwoodsfinefoods.co.uk

Presenting the centrepiece cake at the Civic reception was Elizabeth Howie of Rainbow Cakes, Helensburgh. Elizabeth can be contacted through her website or by telephone on 07954188322.

The centre table was decorated by sponsorship from Denise Murphy from Helensburgh Flowers, who also staged a magnificent pedestal.  Denise will be decorating the centre buffet table to enhance the presentation for our friends from Thouars. For more examples of Denise's work visit Helensburgh Flowerswebsite today. Denise can also be contacted on 01436 677727 or visit the shop for personal service at 54 West Princes Street, Helensburgh.

 The Rosslea Hall Hotel has also sponsored the Champagne   and a significant amount of sundries for the evening,. Not wishing to be left out the Friends of Victoria Hall will be donating the "dram" in the form of our special bottling Homecoming Whisky. Additionally, suppliers to the Rosslea Hall contributed the main course of fresh salmon, chicken and fruit and veg.

FOVH was pleased to welcome Joe Callaghan and his special Homecoming Haggis and Whisky Sausage, Eddie O'Brien of  G S Coyle Fishmonger for the Smoked Salmon and Chris Hudspith of Natures Harvest in West Princes Street for the magnificend display of fresh fruit

We are grateful to Euan Catterson and the staff at the Ashton for providing our staff at the Reception. We are also grateful to Toni and Louise for printing and staff sponsored through Let's Promote and Let's Party of Helensburgh.

List of Sponsors

A full report of the event, and pictures taken on the night by Felicity Green, will shortlyfeature prominently on the Victoria Hall website to promote Argyll and Bute businesses and the magnificent venue of the Victoria Hall.

We were delighted that the following businesses sponsored  this event by donating their delicious and enticing produce which featured on a magnificent buffet table down the length of the main hall.

The general course of the evening  began with Champagne and Oysters, the buffet  consisted of hot salmon, hot chicken and hot Homecoming Sausage, served by four trainee chefs from the Rosslea Hall hotel supplemented by cold meats, fish, pickles greens and savouries. These dishes were finger sized portions served on fine china. Sweets were  Homecoming Ice Cream, Tray Bake, Fruit and Cake followed by Cheeses and biscuits. The Toast was celebrated with Homecoming Whisky, a twelve year old deluxe blend and eminently drinkable. French Wine from the area local to Thouars was served throughout the evening along with soft drinks and tea and coffee.

The Friends of Victoria Hall are grateful for the support from the business's of Argyll and Bute and local islands. and feel sure that the Friends goal of promoting the Victoria Hall local business will amply repay this generosity.

We hope that our friends from Thouars will return to France with wonderful memories of their last night in Helensburgh and the way in which Argyll and Bute gave them a magnificent send off. We also hope that their luggage is full of home grown produce and Homecoming whisky which they can enjoy over the weeks to come.

This was a great showcase event for Helensburgh and it is hoped that this will lead to many more joint events in the Victoria Hall, the gem in Argyll and Bute council’s estate portfolio.