Professor Bob Elwood and Sir Hans Sloane Visit Finnebrogue
Professor Bob Elwood QUB Chair of Sloane 350 and Sir Hans Sloane visit Finnebrogue to personally thank Christine Lynn for the wonderful support the company continually show towards the Sloane 350 Chocolate and Fine Food Festival and as a token of his appreciation Sir Hans presented Christine with some Hans Sloane Chocolate Beans. The beans will be used by the chef to create a magical venison accompaniment. Professor Elwood explains ‘Finnebrogue have been the main sponsors of the festival since its inception in 2010 and their continual support has ensured its success. This year for the first time our festival will run over three days and it has something for everyone!
Our festival starts with a grand Chocolate Ball in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle on Friday 19th September. Our location is second to none Killyleagh Castle is the jewel in the crown of Strangford Lough an AONB and the Rowan-Hamilton family have been unfailingly generous in their support of our festival. We pay for the marquee from the proceeds of this ball and it will be used in a two day chocolate and fine food festival. Importantly, we have wonderful sponsorship from various organisations. Our main sponsor is Finnebrogue Foods, owned by Christine and Denis Lynn, are a shining example of how quality products lead to success. We also thank Food NI, Down District Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Rickety Bridge, Flo Gas, H3, Kings Bridge, Killyleagh Development Association, Elvis Kirk, Mash Direct, SD Bell’s, Simplicity Group and EE for their help in so many ways.
Our Charity
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month
This weekend we celebrate the life and legacy of Sir Hans Sloane in Killyleagh with a Chocolate and Fine Food Festival but Hans Sloane was also an eminent physician, collector and naturalist. He was doctor to Queen Ann, George I and George II but he still found time to treat those less fortunate than himself free of charge. He was involved with the establishment of the first Foundling Hospital in London which cared for abandoned children such was his benevolence. It is in this vein that we are proud to announce that this month which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month we are supporting the work of Cancer Fund For Children, Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity.
Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive explains,
“We understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have on the entire family and that beyond the essential medical care, there is a family life that needs rebuilt both at home and in the community.”
“This year Cancer Fund for Children opened Daisy Lodge, a unique therapeutic short break centre, offering 500 families a year a relaxing short break during or after their child’s treatment.
All the proceeds from The Hans Sloane Festival will go directly to help support families like this. We urge everyone from around the Killyleagh area and beyond to come out and support the festival especially as September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month”.
Our Festival Programme
Saturday 20th September
11.45am Official Opening by DDC Chairman Councillor Billy Walker with invited guests
12.00am Gates open to the public
Saturday & Sunday
12 – 6pm Chocolatiers & Artisan Food Producers exhibit and sell in Fine Food Marquee. We have 14 chocolatiers and 25 artisan food producers attending
12 – 6pm Hot Food Artisan Producers exhibit and sell outside to the left of the Fine Food Marquee.
Our hot food providers include our sponsors The Good Little Sausage Co., SD Bells and Mash Direct.
Children’s Entertainments, Saturday & Sunday
12 – 2pm Stilt Walker welcoming attendees
12 – 6pm Climbing Tower
12pm, 2pm & 4pm Babcock & Bobbins Spectacular Show
1pm, 3pm The Great Mefiesto’s Circus Academy
1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm The Gathering Drum Circle
1 – 5pm Story Telling (Saturday Only)
2- 5pm Children’s Balloon Modelling
1 – 5pm Choc Chip Cookie Competition – Judging 5pm each day
1 – 5pm Children’s Art Area
1pm: 25 Down Recorder Competition Winners attend Aunt Sandra’s Chocolate Workshop
3pm: 25 Down Recorder Competition Winners attend Aunt Sandra’s Chocolate Workshop
Adult’s Entertainments, Saturday and Sunday
12.30 to 5pm Food NI Demonstration Kitchen on Stage within Marquee.
Well known chefs from leading Co. Down restaurants have been given the challenge of cooking something savoury using chocolate. Four Chefs per day with one Kitchen Confidential Session where ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’
Saturday Chefs
12.30: Niall McKenna – James Street South
1.30: Will Brown – The Old School House Inn
2.30: Kitchen Confidential Session ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’
3.30: Danny Miller – Balloo House
4.30: Paula McIntyre – BBC Radio Ulster
Sunday Chefs
12.30: Fritz Machala – Harrison’s
1.30: Joery Castel – The Boat House Restaurant
2.30: Kitchen Confidential Session ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’
3.30: Stephen Jeffers – Belfast Cookery School
4.30: Fernando Correa – Quails at the Gallery
Further information from: www.hanssloane.com or follow us on FB and Twitter
Prof Bob Elwood QUB Sloane 350 Chairman e-mail: r.elwood@qub.ac.uk
Meave Davison Chocolate and Fine Food Festival Organiser e-mail: meave62@hotmail.co.uk
Ann Fee Sloane 350 Press Officer e-mail: ann_fee@hotmail.com
