In our quest to be the most sociable and friendly running club in town; the food socials form a regular part of our calendar. They offer a great way to not only stop and socialise with your fellow members but raise valuable funds to help support the running of the club.
You’ll see our food socials regularly advertised on the club website and if yo’d like to attend just click ‘going’ on the respective event so the chef knows how many to cater for. The cost is £5 which can be paid by BACS to the club account or in cash on the evening.
We often get questions or hear myths that may put people off volunteering to host one. So the aim of this page is to de-bunk them; and provide you with all of the facts; in the hope that you may then volunteer to host one and cook for a bunch of hungry runners! Please contact a member of the committee or our Social Secretary Heather Ross for more info.
Q- How much does it cost me?
A- NOTHING! I mean you do have to go shopping…but you can take back the money you spend from the takings on the night so the overall cost to you is nothing but some time and care!
Q- Do I have to wash up too?
A- There is crockery and cutlery at the club which you can use. Most people though buy disposable plates/bowls and then just use/wash cutlery as this is quicker and easier. You will have to wash any other GSSC equipment you use and leave the kitchen tidy for other members at the end.
Q- What can I cook?
A- You’re cooking so the choice is yours. If you’re going to cook meat- please offer a veggie option too; but there is no requirement to do meat at all if you’d prefer just to offer 1 veggie meal. An event page will be set up for you once you have set a date so you can advertise your meal options and people can opt for their meals in plenty of time for you to go shopping. You might be asked about other dietary requirements such as Gluten Free/Vegan depending on who can/wants to come on that particular food social. Beyond that you can cook anything you like- though it is useful to plan though so you can minimise different prep and make your own task easier!
Q- How many people do I cook for?
A- It varies depending on the date/time of year and some are busier than others but as a rule of thumb and to give an idea it’ll usually be around 30. You’ll know rough numbers a week or so before from the event page on the website but it’s always better to cater for a few more in case of any last minute additions (and also as some people will like 2nds!)
Q – Can we do it in a pair/group?
A- YES! In fact, we encourage it if you can, as it makes the mass catering a little less stressful and means you can share the prep, shopping and serving duties amongst yourselves around everything else you have going on at home as it’s normally necessary to start a few nights before.
Q- Are there any large pans/utensils I can use?
A- Not really; but there are plenty of members who have large casseroles/pans that you could borrow if you ask around as it’s always easier to share. If you need any help with this because you don’t own something- please ask a committee member as they probably know someone who does!
Q- What facilities are there?
A- There is a double oven totalling about 4 shelves (slightly more if you’re clever with trays and things are thin!) a 4 ring gas hob and a microwave. There is also a soup kettle for colder winter evenings!