ICM Chairman Dr Alistair Somerville Ford presents a cheque to Paul Putt of Splinters restaurant for the 2009 Christchurch Food & Wine Festival.

ICM Chairman Dr Alistair Somerville Ford was pleased to award a cheque to Mr Paul Putt of Splinters restaurant, to fund the 2009 Christchurch Food & Wine Festival.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Festival Committee, Mr Putt and his staff were delighted by the visit from Dr Somerville Ford, who was very pleased to offer the much-needed assistance.

The festival is an annual event held in the home town of ICM’s head office, which celebrates the importance of food and drink, as well as providing a range of enjoyable social events and activities, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

ICM is the festival’s main sponsor, and is proud to support an event which has such significant value to the local community, both in terms of boosting the local economy – particularly in terms of tourism – and increasing understanding of the importance of healthy eating.

A variety of events and activities are on offer during the ten-day festival, including an international food market, featuring food and drink from across Europe, live music, dance performances and cookery demonstrations – all topped off with a glamorous and prestigious awards ceremony.

By Heidi Lees-Bell