Sunday evening saw my first ever 'Vegan Essex Social' take place at the wonderful Oak Tree in Leigh on Sea. I started planning this event way back in May and it felt crazy waking up on Sunday morning and it being the big day! To say I was feeling nervous is a complete understatement but I was also really looking forward to seeing some old and new faces and being able to socialise with other likeminded people who live in Essex.
Since going Vegan a year ago I have met so many lovely people online who all share a passion for compassionate living and leading a cruelty free lifestyle. Often people would comment about how much they'd love to go for dinner with other vegans and it was this which gave me the idea to start up a social event for vegans who live in Essex. Essex is not the most vegan friendly place and I think it can feel quite isolating at times for people who don't know any other vegans. So Sunday was the perfect opportunity for everyone to mingle, chat and form new friendships!
The evening kicked off with a gorgeous two course vegan meal and if you have never been to the Oak Tree before it really is fabulous food! It's always just so great to be able to eat somewhere and know that everything you're eating is vegan friendly without having to worry. I opted for spring rolls as my starter and a stir fry for my main, both of which were so delicious!
It was really nice to look around the room over dinner and see so many happy vegan faces chatting away and enjoying their food! I felt a big sense of accomplishment in putting the event together and enabling an evening like this to take place. It was also so rewarding to hear just so many positive comments and people thanking me for making this happen. I think when you're trying to organise any event of this nature there's always going to be worries and concerns, especially when not many people have met before, but when everyone is there for the same reason it just works!
Once dinner had finished it was time for me to deliver the vegan pop quiz which i'd put together for a bit of fun for everyone to test their vegan knowledge. Again it was quite nerve wrecking standing up in front of a room full of people and hosting a quiz but once we got going the nerves died down and it was really lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and laughing. And with this special vegan hamper which I put together for the first prize the competition was tough!
A big well done to Lauren Hollas for taking the first prize and being crowned the most knowledgeable vegan in Essex! The runner up prize of a kindly donated Vegan Kind box went to the lovely Jack Hailes. Well done to both of you!
Everyone who attended the evening also got to take home a goody bag full of vegan treats! I really loved putting together these bags which included some Tyrell's Poshcorn, IQ Superfood Chocolate,
an Oreo snack pack, Jason shampoo & toothpaste, Dr Bronners soap and stickers, badges & coasters from Herbivore Clothing.
All in all it was a great night and a event that I loved putting together. I am hoping it's the first of many more Vegan Essex Social's to come and once i've recovered from this one I shall be starting some plans for the next event! If you're interested in attending future events then just drop me a line at: thevnicelife@hotmail.com and I will add you to my mailing list.
Thanks to everyone who came along and who has shown me such great support in putting the event together. It was a pleasure to meet you all and spend an evening together!
No comments
Post a Comment