Thurlaston is renowned for its progressive suppers! Ask anyone who has recently bought a house here. It is a favourite selling point for the village.

They were started about 30 years ago by Jess Cumming as a fundraising exercise for the maintenance of the village hall. Kay Thorpe and Helen Creery organise them now. A well-earned retirement for Jess!

The format is simple. Every spring and autumn villagers are invited to participate by electing to cook either a starter, main course or dessert or to attend as a non-cook. A date on which bookings can begin, together with a telephone number, is usually announced via the Parish Council newsletter and by e-mail, with a reminder poster pasted to the back of the village sign.

Kay and Helen ask participants to nominate a second choice of courses – to cope with unexpected problems. They then randomly allocate places for everyone so that each couple sits down to each course at a different venue with six different villagers. Newcomers to the village are encouraged to attend as non-cooks on the first occasion. Threesomes are discouraged as it plays havoc with the randomness of guest allocation and not everyone can accommodate nine diners – however, in emergencies we will do our best to help. During the week before the supper, Kay and Helen confirm arrangements with all participants.

The evening begins at the village hall at 7.00pm with a glass or two of sherry. On arrival the fee is collected and guests receive an envelope indicating where the will be enjoying their first course. Hosts are given envelopes with the destination of the next course for everyone at the table. Envelopes should not be opened until the specified times.

At the end of the evening everyone gathers together at some-one’s home for coffee. It really is great fun and an excellent way of getting to know other villagers. We look forward to seeing you all at the next one.

The prices are currently as follows:

Non-cook = £30/couple

Starter host = £10/couple

Main course host = £8/couple

Desserts host = £10/couple

Coffee host = £8/couple

Some photographs of the Autumn 2002 supper are here.

Original article by Lesley Allen