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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

enquiries@phylliscourt.co.uk 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

enquiries@phylliscourt.co.uk

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