Dinner with Vince Cable a fantastic success. New College Stamford students triumph! They are the hope for the future says Vince

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 16th Dec 2008

The Grantham & Stamford Constituency dinner held on November 29th was a resounding success. A sell out with a long waiting list a week after tickets went on sale, the evening was not only an opportunity to hear one of the greats of politics today, it was also a showcase for the catering students at New College Stamford.

We were treated to an evening of wit and knowledge. Vince is probably the most respected politician of the day and his views and comments on the current economic situation were clear, informative and comprehensive. We came away with a much greater understanding of what is going on, if a little depressed! The evening had an additional bonus guest in the shape of Bill Newton Dunn our MEP who is such a mine of information on all things European.

We have to say a very big thank you to the College. For those of you who don't know, New College is set to be the first Eco college in the country, construction begins in the Spring. The catering department at The Gallery Restaurant did a magnificent job. The level of service and quality of the food were second to none and were worthy of any top restaurant in the country.

Both Vince and Bill commented on the extremely high standard not only of the magnificent meal, but the courtesy and efficiency of the service. We join them in their comments 'If this is the type of student that New College produces, with these levels of skill and courtesy, then there really is hope for the future in this country.' Well done IAIN MIDDLETON (chef tutor) and DARREN PREST (head of catering) Many thanks to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

We would also like to thank the following companies for their generous donations to the raffle:

Finishing Touch (Stamford) Greensleaves Florist (Great Casterton Stamford) Furleys of Oakham, Fratellis of Bourne, New College Stamford, Greetham Garden Centre and to our generous members.

If you would like more information about New College Stamford go to www.stamford.ac.uk