By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 10:15, Tuesday, 27 November 2012

People came out in force to raise money for two charities at a special event.

Kate Allan and Paul Ratcliffe in the kitchen

Brampton Community Centre hosted an Indian evening which raised nearly £1,000 for worthy causes.

And the organisers think, with a little help, they could hold these kinds of events on a more regular basis.

“It was really good,” said organiser Kate Allan.

Dozens turned up for the event which was designed to raise funds for Basanti India, a charity which helps support co-operative groups for women in the subcontinent, by selling goods they have produced.

These included handbags, decorations and jewellery.

The event was also a fundraiser for the town’s community centre cafe, where it took place.

Its volunteers prepared a selection of Indian-style dishes, including four curries.

They charged £8 for entry and also held a raffle.

People spent £600 on the Indian products, 10 per cent of which was donated to the cafe.

When added to the proceeds from entry ticket sales and the raffle, this meant the centre received more than £300 from the event.

Mrs Allan said this money would be used to pay for new equipment for the cafe.

She believes it will be possible to hold similar events in the future, with Chinese New Year being one suggestion.

However, she also pointed out that the amount of work involved meant more people would need to be involved than the four who prepared the evening.

“If we had more time and more volunteers we could have done more but we have got to be realistic about what we can do in the time,” she said.

The community centre was decorated with Indian fabrics to mark the evening.

The dishes were prepared with the help of a Sikh woman who volunteers at the centre.

“I was amazed at how much the smell sticks to you,” said Mrs Allan.

Basanti India is run by Imogen Kennedy, from Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, who is married to an Indian man and lives on the subcontinent.

To volunteer at the community centre call 016977 45023.

First published at 10:11, Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk