Banquet for Findon villagers a ‘magic’ day

Dave Charles and Sinan Kalan, directors of the Sylvan Oak Restaurant, in The Square, Findon, planned the event and chose to donate proceeds to St John the Baptist Primary School in Findon.

The banquet was also a celebration of 20 years of the restaurant in Findon and celebrated the end of the Findon sheep fair.

Dave said: “For us it was a magical evening and it showed tremendous community spirit.”

Sinan added: “We believe that charity starts at home. It is important local people do things for their community’s needs.”

All of the restaurant staff worked for free, including ex-pupils of St John’s, Lewis Russell ‑ current head chef at the Sylvan Oak and soon to be head chef at their new London restaurant ‑ and Joshua Costello ‑ who will become head chef when Lewis leaves.

A cheque was presented to John Roche, chair of governors at the school, by the restaurant owners at a school assembly.

John said: “The event was absolutely brilliant. It is great to have the support of a local community minded business for what was a real all round village co-operative effort”

More than 100 diners attended the event despite strong winds and rain.