The Editor's Hospitality Blog

Do you know the name of the captain of the 2002 Winter Olympics women's curling team? If so, we could done with you on our team at last night's Question of Sport fundraiser in aid of Hospitality Action.

The event was held at Wembley Stadium, whose Delaware North catering team produced a great tuna nicoise starter and a perfectly pink lamb main. Delaware North Companies UK MD Simon Dobson opted not to apply the one-hour blackout rule adhered to by many London restaurateurs between 9 and 10pm last night in support of climate change campaign, Lights Out London. Just as well - the vertiginous escalators at Wembley are hard enough to negotiate at the best of times, never mind by candlelight.

A great crowd turned up. I saw Ian Styles from Elior, who gamely brought along a real sportsman, Wasps and England rugby player Simon Shaw. David Field from Nestle was there; Malcom Plows from Coca Cola, Andy Kemp of 3663 and Arena, Peter Hazzard ...

In the event, the Coca Cola team won the event, but more importantly, £82k was raised for Hospitality Action.

By the way, the name of the curling captain was Rhona Martin.

The sun's out, another week's issue of Caterer and Hotelkeeper has been put to bed and, as if the world doesn't seem a warm and cuddly enough place already, a bit of food-supply news has just come in to warm - or should that read 'chill' - the cockles.

Foodservice wholesale distributor, 3663 First for Foodservice has donated one of its 'end-of-term' trucks for use in various humanitarian relief projects in Africa.

Normally, lorries that have been replaced are stripped down, and their parts recycled elsewhere across the fleet, but not this time. Better still, the lorry has been loaded up with books, medical supplies and wheelchairs. Once these gifts are offloaded, the vehicle will be used to distribute perishable food items to remote African villages.

More than 20,000 people and five community projects are expected to benefit from the lorry and its contents. Credit where credit's due ...

Has your place of work done anything you'd like to shout about?

Celebrity chef-restaurateur, Aldo Zilli stepped in as a last-minute replacement host of last week's Caterer and Hotelkeeper Excellence in Food and Drink Awards, sponsored as ever by 3663 - First for Foodservice.

The Italian fish specialist took charge after it emerged that scheduled hostess, Clarissa Dickson Wright, of Two Fat Ladies fame, had been struck down with food poisoning. At the end of the event, Aldo signed off by saying: "If you've enjoyed seeing me, I'm Aldo Zilli. If not, I'm Clarissa Dickson Wright".

The shy, retiring chef had an extra surprise waiting for winners, as they came to the stage to receive their trophies: a signed picture of himself. One winner was so overcome that he kissed Zilli's hand in thanks.

Check out next week's Caterer and Hotelkeeper for full details of the event and winners.

Political spin supremo Alistair Campbell last night urged the hospitality industry to speak with a single voice when lobbying government.

Speaking at the Arena Lecture at London's Intercontinental Hotel, the former director of communications and strategy to Tony Blair admitted he had been surprised to discover the size and scale of the industry while researching his speech. Given the range of social and economic issues facing hospitality operators, he said, hospitality has an opportunity to make an impact on government.

"You've got a right to make your voice heard", he added.

Campbell told guests that effective political lobbying depends upon understanding government's bigger picture and presenting clearly on the "big points where you've got to be heard".

The event saw 3663's Andy Kemp step down as Chairman of Arena. He is succeeded by Mat Baker of P&G Professional.