Community

Throughout the years the firm has been actively involved in the local community.

The latest generation of partners have become involved with a number of projects including charity fundraising events.

It’s not just about big, spectacular events though.  At the Anchor Inn we have held a number of  smaller fundraising events and auctions, raising funds for St James’ Church, Nayland.

We have established links with local schools and children have gained valuable educational experiences, supporting their work in the classroom.

Children regularly visit the Heritage Farming Project at the Anchor Inn to find out about traditional farming methods, meet the horses and see their teachers take the reins (under the expert’s watchful eye, of course).

Children have leant about different working environments through visits to office clients at Westwood Park and touring the Anchor Inn.

In line with the healthy eating focus in schools our chefs have been to schools to talk to children about healthy foods and visits to the kitchen garden have provided children with opportunities to learn about where food comes from. Food samplings have encouraged them to try new foods, with healthy treats including beetroot, parsnip and celeriac made into vegetable crisps, vegetable bruschetta and courgette and chocolate cake. There has even been a project with the local school to plant and harvest a crop of potatoes in the vegetable gardens at Westwood Park.

So why do we do all this?  Quite simply, to be involved in our community as we believe that there is an obligation on each of us to build and maintain our communities.

Some of our fundraising events

2006 – A Rumbustious Roman Romp.  A glamorous ball at Westwood Park to raise money for Headway, Essex.

2006 – Annual Wine Tasting Event - Westwood Park hosted the Rotary annual wine tasting event to raise money for The Essex Autistic Society - Doucecroft School, providing an opportunity to sample delicious wines and cheeses in the beautiful marquee set in the gardens.

2005 – A wine tasting with the Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion at Westwood Park raised over £15,500 for the Colchester Fund.

2005 – A fashion show at Westwood Park raised over £3,000 for Headway.

2004 – Jazz in The Vines at Carter’s Vineyards, starring Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, raised almost £7,000 for The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding and the Essex Wildlife Trust.

2004 – A 1920’s themed evening of “Glitz and Glamour for High Society” at Westwood Park raised £15,000 for Headway, Essex.

2002 – An evening of Hollywood glamour, “A Night at the Oscars”, at Westwood Park, raised £12,000 for Headway, Essex.

2002 – A fashion show at Westwood Park, raised £1,880 for Headway, Essex.

2002 – Jazz in The Vines at Carter’s Vineyards, starring Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, raised £5,000 for The Essex Wildlife Trust.

2000 – A series of events, including a dinner, and an al-fresco sixties night, with an internet and live auction at Westwood Park, raised £28,000 for the Children’s Art Project at Broomfield Hospital plus £12,000 for the Royal Star and Garter Home for Disabled Ex-Service Men and Women.