The Walton Firs Foundation approached us during the summer of 2006; they needed to raise money to save their Scout Camping Site from redevelopment. We were certainly interested, particularly as they told us we would have no problem with staff, they would provide them.

This sounded like every caterer's dream, a client who wanted to provide staff for their own event! It soon became clear that this was not the case, they actually wanted us to use volunteers, mainly scouts, to work in the kitchen and serve the food. Did they have any experience we asked? Possibly, but we would not know that until they arrived on the night.

When the staff arrived, some were from the local catering college (one even came with his own chef's whites) but most had little or no experience. The small Touch of Taste team of chefs and front of house managers briefed the staff and gave a quick training session on the basics of service and health and safety. The tables were laid and the room decorated - it looked lovely. Over 200 Guests arrived and were greeted with trays of bubbly and served canapés kindly donated by Waitrose.

Our volunteers then served a three-course meal, wine and coffee. No food was deposited in guest's laps and no plates dropped, service and clearing may have taken a little longer than usual but the comments from the guests were excellent. The staff thoroughly enjoyed the evening (we may have some new recruits) but most importantly the event raised well over £10,000 for the Foundation.

Would we do it again? Yes, the client has already suggested that as it was so successful they might like to repeat the event next year.

Touch of Taste is the preferred caterer at Painshill Park. This stunning venue is the ideal venue choice for a wide variety of events, located within the M25 there can be few finer or more exclusive settings. If you would like further information on the venue please visit www.painshillevents.co.uk or call Painshill Park on 01932 584283.