DELIGHTED Dogs Trust Evesham bosses were on hand to present the first-cut round of Vale of Evesham asparagus to a Worcestershire hotel which answered its desperate SOS sponsorship call.
Centre manager Chris Slight and side-kick Sylvester, a former Dogs Trust resident, made the trip to The Cotford Hotel in Malvern after its owners stumped up the £200 for the famous ‘Gras.
An urgent appeal to find a new buyer for the asparagus gift which this year was presented to Dogs Trust Evesham was launched last week after the original sponsor pulled out at the 11th hour.
Barbara and Chris Morgan, owners of The Cotford, immediately came to the rescue to include it on the menu of their fine-dining restaurant, L’Amuse Bouche.
“I’ve designed our entire menu from Wednesday onwards around Vale of Evesham asparagus,” said Chris.
“From asparagus two ways, asparagus and potato soup through to an assiette of seafood and asparagus, as dog lovers, we were delighted to help out and also have the opportunity to showcase this amazing local delicacy.”
The news capped the celebrations on Sunday (April 23) which marked not only St George’s Day but also the start of the British Asparagus season.
National Asparagus Day is always celebrated by blessing the first-cut asparagus round – some 100 spears traditionally bound in willow – before it is taken to a charity for them to use to raise money.
Celebrations began at the National Trust-owned The Fleece Inn in Bretforton when the round was welcomed with aspara-yoga, asparamancy and lessons on how to tie asparagus traditionally using willow.
There was also folk songs, Morris Dancing, and a traditional brass band.
After a spear-tastic morning, the round was then taken by Gus the Asparagus Man accompanied by a fleet of classic cars to Wayside Farm Shop near Broadway, the jewel in the Cotswold crown.
Wayside served blossom and asparagus cream teas accompanied by blossom cider and other local goodies.
Here, following celebrations focused on food and drink, the round was formally presented to Dog’s Trust who will use the money raised to support the scores of dogs in their care.
