The launch of our new courtyard...

On Saturday 11th July 2009 we celebrated the opening of our new courtyard with a special day of relaxed food, Champagne, Otter beers, Devon cider and plenty of live jazz.

A special 'al fresco' menu was devised for the day and the first band - the Roger Marks Armada Jazz Band started at 1pm. When the heavens decided to open at around 4pm, we moved indoors so the renowned Devon based clarinet and saxophone player Charlie Hearnshaw and the Tony Oreshko Trio could play their sets.

With Exeter FM doing live broadcasts throughout the day and many of the Exeter Chiefs in attendance, we managed to raise money £750 for the Wooden Spoon - the Rugby Association's charity - by raffling prizes ranging from signed Chiefs shirts and rugby balls, to a balloon flight for two and a fantastic overnight stay with dinner (and a round of golf) at the luxurious Bovey Castle.

The Wooden Spoon girls were delighted (if a little soaked through) and all our guests seemed to love the atmosphere of the new courtyard. We now hope to make this an annual event and our thanks go once again to all those who made the day a roaring success.