Prisoner rehabilitation initiative The Clink Charity has opened bookings for its New Year extravaganza, The Clink Charity Ball 2016 , taking place on Friday 15 January 2016 at the Lancaster London on Hyde Park.
The event will support the continued development of further Clink training projects across Her Majesty’s Prison Estate too, following the same framework as the successful schemes currently in operation at HMP Styal, HMP High Down, HMP Brixton, HMP Cardiff and HMP Send.
In keeping with the charity’s commitment to hospitality training and the development of long-term careers in this sector, The Clink Charity Ball 2016 will embrace its sustained approach to social responsibility, engaging a talented workforce of hospitality trainees from across London. Students from Lambeth College and the University of West London will join graduates of The Clink training programme, apprentices from Lancaster London and young people on the CentrePoint scheme to prepare and deliver this unique event.
The celebratory evening is the first event of its kind organised by The Clink Charity. All profits from ticket sales will be re-invested into the charity’s work to reduce the reoffending rates of ex-offenders through the provision of accredited City & Guilds NVQ training and assessment in food preparation and food service.
Guests to the ball will dine on a four-course menu created by Alberto Crisci, founder of The Clink Restaurant, and Ben Purton, executive chef at Lancaster London, using all-British and local ingredients where possible.
Take-home table centrepieces, featuring seasonal plant bulbs from The Clink’s own gardens, can be won on the night and will continue to sprout beautiful flowers long after the event ends.
Chris Moore, chief executive of The Clink Charity, said: “Since The Clink Charity began in 2010, we’ve made a steadfast commitment to ensuring we are as sustainable and socially responsible as possible.
“The foundations of the charity are built on transforming lives for the better and giving people who want and deserve a second chance at life a brighter future. We want this event to be the launch pad for a sustainable 2016, which is why we have made every effort to ensure every element of the ball will have a positive effect, whether that’s the students expanding their knowledge of the industry and gaining experience, or the table centre pieces living out their days in a guest’s garden. It all ultimately makes a difference.”
Sally Beck, general manager of Lancaster London, added: “We have been heavily involved with The Clink over the years and have seen firsthand the remarkable work they do. Lancaster London is one of Europe’s most prestigious banqueting hotels offering first class cuisine and service, giving the ex-offenders an excellent opportunity to work with the best of the best in the hospitality industry.”
Tickets to The Clink Charity Ball 2016 are priced at £130 per person or a table of 10 can be purchased for £1,200. Buy tickets online at
www.theclinkcharity.org.
To find out more about The Clink Charity and its prisoner training initiatives please visit
www.theclinkcharity.org.
