Could you remember

COULD YOU REMEMBER ROCKINGHORSE THIS CHRISTMAS?

Rockinghorse launch their 2020 Christmas appeal asking supporters to help them continue to provide vital funding

This year has been an incredibly challenging one for Rockinghorse, with over £100,000 of fundraising lost since March due to the cancellation and postponement of virtually all our planned charity events.

Despite the challenges facing them, Rockinghorse has continued to work hard to support babies and children across Sussex with life-saving equipment and much needed services.

However, without continued support this will become increasingly difficult in the future, particularly while limits on events and social gatherings are still in place.

Rockinghorse CEO Ryan Heal explains further: “There is no doubt that this year has been one of the toughest we have faced. With so many cancelled fundraising events the amount of money we have been able to raise has been massively reduced.

“We feel indebted to the doctors and nurses at our children’s hospitals who continue to work tirelessly to care for and support their patients, so we are determined to keep going. We are determined to keep raising the funds needed to support them and to make life better for sick and disadvantaged babies, children and young people.” Usually the Rockinghorse Christmas campaign focuses on one specific project but there are so many vital projects needing support that this year’s campaign, sponsored by Austin Rees, is asking you to Remember Rockinghorse and help them continue to support as many of these projects as possible.

Projects like Seaside View Child Development Centre who need funds to pay for specialist toy boxes so they can run their wonderful play sessions virtually to help children with additional support needs. Or Dr Alice Emond, the paediatric clinical psychologist, who helps young cancer patients, and their families manage their emotional wellbeing from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Or even support to help them make Christmas special for children spending the festive season in hospital. Along with donating directly to the charity, there are lots of ways in which you can support Rockinghorse this Christmas whatever your budget. You could choose to buy from their range of Christmas cards available from their website, you could be active and sign up to take part in this year’s virtual Santa Dash, sponsored by Austin Rees, or even get some tasty treats from Piglet’s Pantry using the special ‘rockinghorse20’ discount code to get 20% off and make a donation to Rockinghorse at the same time.

Many people are suffering throughout this time but any donation, no matter how big or small, will help to make a real difference and Rockinghorse promise to keep our supporters updated on the difference it makes to children in Sussex.

❛❛ With so many cancelled fundraising events the amount of money we have been able to raise has been massively reduced ❜❜

To find out more, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk. Stay up to date with Rockinghorse news, events and projects on the charity’s social media pages: Facebook – rockinghorse.charity Twitter – @Rockinghorse67 Instagram – @rockinghorse67

1PROTECTING OUR HEALTH Firstly, protecting our health has been very important in 2020. Moving into 2021, menus will include more superfoods like kale, heritage beetroot, antibiotic-free meats, vitamin-packed salads, unrefined sugar and plant-based natural fats. Fruity lower-alcohol cocktails like our citrus and manuka honey collins or our yuzu and spearmint mojito will also be popular. 3 GET READY FOR WEDDINGS 2021 should be the busiest year on record for weddings. Summer won’t be the peak time to celebrate. Weddings will cover spring, autumn, and winter too with amazing seasonal styling!

5

SUSTAINABILITY

Plastic reduction will continue building momentum. We’re all more aware of our impact on the world, taking responsibility over what we eat and how it’s packaged. The eco event movement is definitely here to stay.

2020 has undoubtedly not been a good year for events. If you’ve managed to attend even one this year, count yourself lucky! However, all is not lost as we look towards the future and the resurgence of celebrations that we all hope will come soon. Today, we’re speaking to Gareth Palmer, founder and Executive Chef at Vanilla Bean Catering, based in Surrey. With plenty of experience in the luxury catering world, Gareth has quite the eye for the latest event trends. For more information info@vanilla-bean.co.uk www.vanilla-bean.co.uk

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LEARNING FROM VIRTUAL EVENTS

Technology integration into events will be more accessible following so many virtual events. Look out for video mapping with audio and visual effects to enhance the guest experience even further in 2021. 2

THE OUTSIDE WILL BE IN! Far more people will be wanting outdoor events and garden parties. Lots of themes like festivals, full moon and Caribbean beach parties will be

popular from spring onwards!

4MORE ADVENTUROUS TASTES With so much home cooking over the last year, people have explored different flavours and cuisines. I’m pleased to say the event and catering industry needs to get ready to look after more educated diners! 7 GET CONNECTED! Finally, people have a real appetite to celebrate missed occasions. Pushing the boat out to reconnect will be at the top of everyone’s list. Dare I say it, once it’s safe to do so, people will be hugging on the dance floor and making up for lost time and celebrations! So, even if you’re not usually one for hugs, in 2021 we hope there will be no excuse. After all, events are all about getting together with friends, family, and even colleagues to share the good times. That’s something that we’ve all sorely missed in 2020, but the future looks a whole lot brighter for the events industry and everyone who has supported us during a really tough year.