Murray Chapman Fundraiser at Caistor Hall

A host of chefs came together on Tuesday 17 September to raise money for the legendary chef, Murray Chapman. Devastatingly, Murray, founder of A Passion to Inspire and who has touched the lives of so many in hospitality, was diagnosed with MND in May.

In 2009, Murray founded A Passion to Inspire, a non-profit charity that works with colleges, farms, and top chefs to inspire, encourage and support students in their chosen careers. With the involvement of people from the entire industry – from farm to front of house – A Passion to Inspire helps and supports the future of tomorrow today.

So it was that several key people in the hospitality sector came together at Caistor Hall by Brasted’s to host a special evening to raise money for Murray. Everything that the audience of 110 enjoyed that night was donated, meaning that every penny raised goes directly to Murray’s fundraiser.

The talented chefs, many of who came with support, who cooked so willing for us all were:

• Eric Snaith, Titchwell Manor and Eric’s Fish & Chips
• Mark Poynton, MP @ Caistor Hall and MJP The Shepherds
• Adam Smith, Woven at Coworth Park
• Russell Bateman, The Falcon Castle
• Sam Carter, Restaurant 22

In addition, Chris ‘Buzz’ Busby of Brasted’s and Caistor Hall sponsored the canapes, Ed Keith of Hallgarten Wines sponsored the wines, with the venue and staffing sponsored by Nick Mills, Buzz, and Sian de Waal of Caistor Hall and Brasted’s. Finally, crockery and cutlery were sponsored by David Robinson of Banqueting Hire.

After a champagne reception, guests sat down to enjoy a delicious meal, consisting of:

• Leek, seaweed, egg yolk and truffle
• Dry aged trout, potato, horseradish, sudachi, cucumber, and Golden Oscietra caviar
• Dingley Dell pork two ways with celeriac, miso and black walnut
• Russel apple, brown butter, bay leaf and blackberry

All the courses were amazing, and each chef’s unique style came through. Wines included Mason Road Chenin Blanc from Kiara Scott Farmer, one of South Africa’s youngest female winemakers, and a Rouge Désir from Château Oumsiyat in Lebanon.

The evening concluded with an auction, including two lucky bidders getting Mark and Adam to come to their houses and cook for up to 10 people, before a raffle was drawn.

The night alone raised £18,150 through the auction, raffle, and fun heads or tails game, with the final total expected to be close to £25,000 after ticket sales and extra donations have been added.

To support Murray and his family, you can donate through his Go Fund Me page and help this truly remarkable man who has changed the lives of so many.