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PH
YLLIS
CO
UR
T C
LUB
Autumn 2015
Official Newsletter of Phyllis Court Club, Henley-on-Thames
FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
INTERVIEW WITH THE CBS GROUP
INSIDE VIEWS FROM STAFF (FRONT & BACK OF HOUSE)
BRIDE & GROOM ELIZABETH & IAN TELL THEIR STORY
RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME
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INTERVIEW WITH THE CBS GROUP
Tell us about ‘The CBS Group’…
The CBS Group is one of the UK’s
leading entertainment and event
management companies, with
almost 20 years of experience
providing bands and entertainers
for events all over the globe.
What can CBS help customers with if they have chosen to hold an event at Phyllis Court Club?
The CBS Group provides an unrivalled
selection of entertainment options,
from solo musicians and music
ensembles, through discos, bands
and cabaret artistes, to Fun Casino
Tables, Mix & Mingle acts and after-
dinner speakers from the worlds
WHAT A YEAR THIS HAS BEEN......We have been extremely busy at
the Club this year with so many
different events taking place from
the world famous Henley Royal
Regatta, the Victory in Europe Party,
the celebration of our Queen as the
longest reigning monarch to the
Gurkha 200 Celebrations. Then of
course there are the many private
celebration lunches and dinner
parties, meetings and the wonderful
weddings and civil ceremonies that
have been held most weekends
in the beautiful classic Ballroom
or the all glass Riverside Pavilion.
For the rest of the year, there are lively
Christmas Parties planned, more
celebration anniversary lunches and
dinners followed by the ‘Beat the
Winter Blues Parties’ in the New Year.
The Club has also continued to
improve the facilities available for
Members and visiting guests with
the new security enhancements
around the grounds which include
an electronic gate leading to Finlay
Drive. For our boat owners and
visiting boating guests we have
installed new jetties on the River
Front and recently the Reception
area has been refurbished. A very
busy year indeed.
Our Head Chef Tarik Ramjaun,
with his experience in Michelin star
restaurants, has been busy creating
new menus for the coming year with
a wonderful variety of canapés which
includes Smoked Duck Dreast and
Orange Marinated Beetroot on a
Rosemary Crouton; starters of Pates
and Terrines, Tartlets and Quiches,
Cured and Smoked Dishes. The main
dishes offer a wide selection of fish
options from Fillet of Roast Seabass
with Fennel and Pernod Compote
to Salmon with a Herb Mousse and
Avruga Caviar Sauce. The meat
dishes vary from the traditional rack
of English Lamb to a Loin of Denham
Estate Venison with a Juniper infused
Sauce. The selection of desserts
includes traditional Summer Puddings
various trios’ available of Chocolate
Marquis, Lemon Posset, Raspberry
Sorbet and many other choices.
Experience our private dining in the
Riverside Pavilion, a beautiful state
of the art glass building, offering a
breath-taking setting for any event
right on the river. The Riverside
Pavilion is available for private
parties from 60 guests up to 100 for
a sit down dinner or up to 130 for a
reception. The Riverside Pavilion
is a completely separate building
from the Club with all the amenities
required for all types of events. With
additional lighting it can be turned
into a nightclub themed party venue
for 21 year olds, or an elegant black
tie dinner affair with drinks on the top
deck prior to dinner on the lower deck.
Then there is the classic Ballroom
with elegant pillars and French
windows leading to a private terrace
can cater from 80 to 240 guests. The
charming Thames Room is perfect
for that smaller more intimate
private dinner for up to 50 guests.
Our Events Team is available to
help you make your function the
special occasion you want it to be.
The team can be contacted via email
[email protected] or by
calling 01491 570513.
Riverside Pavilion
Fresh Fruit Pavlova
Smoked Salmon, Spring Onion & Chive Tart
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PCC CHARITY
ACTION GROUP
Christmas Fair
Saturday 14th November
10am - 3pm
START YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY &
HELP RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY
FUND RAISING FOR HELEN &
DOUGLAS HOUSE AND
SOUTH & VALE CARERS CENTRE
So far this year the CAG has raised
£19,500. A very pleasing sum of
money for the charities and it is
hoped that the total will exceed
that of 2014.
of comedy, sport entertainment,
business and politics - with all the
stops in between! Just one call or
email to The CBS Group and a whole
world of entertainment awaits! In
addition to this, The CBS Group also
provides AV support for conferences
and events - from small PA systems,
projectors and screens for meetings
and conferences through to full
production shows for product
launches and large scale events.
What is your favourite part of Phyllis Court Club?
The Ballroom & Finlay Suite where we
can bring an event to life with the full
range of our talented entertainers.
Why should prospective businesses consider using Phyllis Court Club and The CBS Group?
The entertainment services provided
by The CBS Group dovetail perfectly
with the facilities at Phyllis Court
Club. Whether a disco is required
in the Pavilion or a band, cabaret or
other entertainment in the Ballroom
& Finlay Suite, The CBS Group has
the perfect entertainment for every
occasion. Each room in the Club
provides the perfect ambience for
each event and The CBS Group’s
experienced and professional
entertainers complement the venue
perfectly. The highest professional
standards coupled with talent and skill
make our handpicked entertainers
among the very best in the country
and perfectly suited to this amazing
venue. We also complement events
with lighting and effects to tastefully
enhance these elegant surroundings.
Are you able to provide examples of your work or can potential customers go and view you in action?
The CBS Group is always happy to
provide testimonials and references
from our clients but unfortunately
it is not often possible to see our
artistes in action at other events.
Most of these are private parties
where it is not appropriate for
non-guests to attend the function.
We do have many examples
of the artistes’ performances
available on Youtube though.
Can you offer discounts during off-peak periods, for example weddings booked on a Friday?
We are always pleased to offer
discounted rates where possible
and package rates for multiple
bookings where appropriate.
As well as the highest possible
professional standards, we also
strive to offer exceptional value for
money and believe in a realistic price
structure for all our clients’ events.
When thinking of CBS what can you offer that is different to other entertainment suppliers?
The CBS Group offers:
1. An unrivalled range of
performers from across the
entertainment spectrum
2. First class professional service
with 24/7 back up
3. Attention to detail that’s second
to none
4. A rapid response to all enquiries
5. Almost 20 years of experience in
the business
6. Creative ideas to make
extraordinary events
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THE WEDDING OF ELIZABETH AND IAN
6th December 2014
How did you meet?
We met on our first day at
University in York back in 2003.
We were good friends until our
final year when we started dating.
How did he propose?
We went on holiday to Sicily in
August 2013 and one evening
decided to walk down to the beach.
After getting lost in the heat we
found the beach (Isola Bella) and an
old pier. Ian asked me to walk to the
STAFF - INSIDE VIEW
Dominique Carter events exeCutive
You’ll find me…
In the events office or running
around the Club looking
after the external Events.
My favourite part of the Club is…
The Riverside Pavilion - no matter
how many times I go in there the
view always makes me smile.
Previously I’ve worked ...
In sports events. I was lucky enough
to work at Wimbledon, the London
2012 Olympics and even spend a
month in Vancouver, Canada, working
at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
Outside of work I like to…
Play netball for my local team.
I train once a week and play in
a match every Thursday. I also
love shopping, catching up with
my friends and watching films.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…
I used to swim competitively,
competing every weekend in various
places around the UK. Then, when I
went to University and had to devote
more of my time to my studies I
became a swimming teacher instead.
If you were stranded on a boat on the River what 3 items would you like to have with you?
A radio so I could sing along to my
favourite songs, a pillow so I could
have a nap and some chocolate,
every girl loves chocolate!
Krzysztof suChonsKi Banqueting supervisor
You’ll find me…
Usually in the Ballroom, Thames
Room or Banqueting Office.
My favourite part of the Club is…
The Thames Room because it
is perfect for small functions
and family gatherings which
I love to run and look after.
Previously I have worked at…
An automotive company in Poland
called ‘Hutchinson’ so not much
in common with banqueting!
Outside of work I like to…
Barbecue if weather permits and
build model kits of trucks and trailers.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…
About ten years ago I had really
long hair, longer than my wife has
now! I can also cook delicious stews.
If you were stranded on a boat on the River what 3 items would you like to have with you?
Mobile with internet access,
something good and strong to drink!
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end of the pier to take a picture, as
I turned round he was on one knee!
What made you choose Phyllis Court Club?
I had visited the venue a couple of
years before for a work event I was
organising, I loved the room and knew
I would happily get married there.
What were your favourite things about it?
We loved the location and the view
from the Ballroom. We liked that it
was almost a blank canvas so that
we could decorate how we wanted.
Everything was all in one place
which was exactly what we wanted.
How far in advance did you book?
We booked almost exactly one year
before.
Where did you find the perfect wedding dress?
I really love Justin Alexander
designs but couldn’t find one that
I liked, I then came across Sophia
Tolli whose designs are similar to
Justin Alexander’s so I ended up
getting it from Confetti Bridal in
Wokingham - I loved my dress!
Did you have something old, new borrowed and blue?
I wore a bracelet that my best friend,
also my bridesmaid bought me when
we were 16. My something new was
a few things, my earrings, dress and
shoes. Borrowed was a headpiece that
my friend wore for her wedding and I
had a bit of blue within my dress. My
friend’s mum also gave me a sixpence
for my shoe - so I think I was covered!
Tell us about the wedding breakfast and reception?
The food was great, we were
nervous as we went for Duck
as the main but everyone loved
it and the service was amazing.
Tell us about the style/theme of your wedding…
I always pictured a black tie wedding.
I love the old Hollywood look.
What were your favourite touches?
Our table names were places we had
travelled to and we borrowed an
old postbox for our wedding cards.
My Mum was diagnosed with cancer
a few years ago and a few friends and
family have also been affected by
cancer so we decided to donate money
to Cancer Research as our favours and
provide everyone with a pin badge.
How did you choose your photographer?
A friend recommended Susie Castle
- Rosey Pink Photography and we
later realised she was recommended
by Phyllis Court which was great
as it meant she knew the venue.
What was your best memory of the day?
For me when my Dad saw me and shed
a tear (my Dad never cries) and Susie
captured the photography beautifully.
Ian - seeing Elizabeth walking down
the aisle.
Elizabeth - I should have
said seeing Ian really!
Based on your own experience give some tips…
Remember that the most important
people on the day are you and your
husband so forget about trying
to please everyone. Hire video
cameras - we used ‘shootityourself’
which allowed our guests to video
our wedding for us, it’s a great fun
way to capture more of the day.
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TRY THIS AT HOME
Roast Duck Breast with Crushed Butternut Squash, Dried Apricots,
Hazelnuts and a Port Sauce
A fantastic treat for this time of the
year is duck breast and butternut
squash. Both ingredients are much
underused in the domestic kitchen
as they perhaps require a little more
effort to prepare: rendering the fat
from the duck breasts to achieve a
crispy skin and the cutting, baking
and scooping of the butternut flesh.
However, the effort is well worth it.
Ingredients: (serves 4)
• 1 Butternut Squash
• 4 Plump Duck Breasts, get your
butcher to tidy up the sinews
• 30g Butter
• 20g Brown Sugar
• Pinch of mixed spice or
cinnamon if desired
• 1 Diced Onion
• Sprig or two of Thyme
• Store bought jus or gravy
granules
• 50ml Port and Red Wine
• 12 Dried Apricots cut into
slithers (or re-hydrated and cut)
• Handful of Skinned Roasted
Hazelnuts
• Chopped Chervil
Method
• Cut the butternut squash in half
and scoop out the seeds, you can
make some incisions into the
flesh. Scatter the brown sugar, a
few knobs of butter and a pinch
of mixed spice or similar over the
flesh.
• Wrap in foil and bake at 180c
for around an hour until soft and
cooked. Scoop out the flesh and
keep warm.
• Whilst the butternut squash
cooks, score and season the
duck breasts and sauté in a pan
(fat side down) on a low/medium
heat to render out the fat. After
a few minutes drain the fat
and reserve. Cook for around
3 minutes, then turn over and
cook for a further 4 minutes
over a gentle heat. Remove from
the pan and rest for around 5
minutes in a warm place.
• Return the reserved fat to the
pan and cook the onion. Add the
alcohol and thyme sprigs, reduce
to a glaze. Add store bought jus
or granules to make into a sauce.
• Place the butternut onto the
centre of a plate, place on the
sliced duck breast.
• Scatter the hazelnuts and
apricot slithers.
• Pour over Port Jus as artfully as
possible! Sprinkle over chopped
chervil for a little colour and
serve with vegetables of your
choosing.
Christmas Kiss Cocktail
Along with the seasonal duck
dish, why not try this festive
cocktail? A refreshing alternative
Christmas drink with a hint of spice
to impress your guests and kick
start your festive celebrations.
Ingredients
• 1 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Cloudy Apple Juice
• Sprinkle of Cinnamon & 1 oz of
Whipped cream
Method
• Pour a shot of vodka and apple
juice in a flute.
• Add cinnamon powder and
then top it off with the whipped
cream.
Butternut Squash ready to wrap in foil
Sauté the duck breast to render the fat
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PENNY HUNTER: PCC’S IN HOUSE FLORIST
Tell us about yourself…
I’ve been a
florist for 26
years and
trained at
B u r c h e t t s
Green College.
I live in Eton,
Windsor with
my Husband
Paul and my 3 handsome boys who
are 12,10 and 8. We also have a dog
called Daisy, a cat called Lily and a
Hamster called Boris.
I can help you with…
Happy and sad occasions but I
really enjoy being involved with
someone’s wedding, as it’s such
a happy and exciting celebration.
What made you decide to become a florist?
I always wanted to work with flowers or growing them. When I was a little girl I took over my dads shed and called it Penny’s Corner
and had a plastic till. I would grow seeds in old plastic pots and put stickers on them to sell them for 20p each. I used to badger anyone who visited our home to buy my plants!
My favourite flower is…
That’s a tricky question! I love
so many flowers so I don’t think I
could answer that, but when I was
arranging my wedding flowers I
chose all the flowers that I love. Lily
of the Valley , Sweet Peas, Roses,
Peonies, Jasmine. I really like one
type of flower ‘en masse’ so I bought
lots of all of them. On the day I could
not decide so I had the whole lot in
a hand-tied posy. As I walked down
the aisle my bouquet smelt heavenly.
On my days off you’ll find me…
Normally with my family or at my
allotment with my Cavalier King
Charles Daisy.
What is your favourite arrangement that you have created at Phyllis Court and why?
My favourite
arrangement I
made at Phyllis
Court was my
Moss Soldier
for the Regatta
last year. I
had a vision
in my head
and it just came together.
Why did you want to work at Phyllis Court Club?
I wanted to work at Phyllis Court
because who wouldn’t !
Don’t tell anyone but…
Don’t tell anyone but I laugh at the
humour of the Carry-On films. Slap-
stick humour !!
PRIVATE DINING AT CHRISTMAS
Celebrate Christmas with friends
and loved ones whilst enjoying
service from your dedicated waiting
staff.
Receive a complimentary festive
drink on arrival and enjoy this
delicious three course traditional
Christmas menu for only £45 per
person when taking advantage of our
‘Celebration Christmas Package!’
Menu
Butternut Squash & Gruyere
Cheese Soup
*****
Roast Norfolk Turkey with Sage
& Onion Stuffing, Roast Potatoes,
Pigs in Blankets & Cranberry Sauce
served with Seasonal Vegetables
*****
Christmas Pudding with Cream
*****
Coffee & Chocolate Mints
Please contact Dominique for
further information on
01491 570513 or email
Minimum numbers of 15 apply
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GURKHA 200 CELEBRATIONS The wet weather didn’t dampen the
spirits of those attending the August
Bank Holiday Gurkha Celebrations
in aid of the Nepal Earthquake Trust.
The event raised over £9500 for
the Earthquake Response Fund so
thank you to all those who supported
the day to make it such a huge
success. 296 Members and Guests
enjoyed Pipers and Dancers from
the Queen’s Gurkha Signals as well
as Pipes and Drums of the Royal
Gurkha Rifles. The RAF Benson
Military Wives Choir performed an
array of songs whilst those who
held Ballroom lunch tickets enjoyed
an informative talk by Brigadier
JA Anderson OBE (Chairman of
the Gurkha Brigade Association).
In addition the Classic Motoring
Club hosted their annual lunch with
Classic Cars on display on the Club
lawns and lunch in the Riverside
Pavilion with 90 Interest Group
Members attending. They enjoyed
a talk from Karen England,
Representative of the Gurkha
Welfare Trust. To view all the photos
from the August Bank Holiday event
please visit the website photo gallery;
w w w . p c c m e m b e r s . o r g /
m e m b e r s h i p / p h o t o _ g a l l e r y
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