Well, some of us did!
On Thursday 23 January a group of SVI members and friends, went on an ‘Active 60’ trip to the legendary Mad O’Rourke’s Pie Factory in Tipton. With tantalising local delicacies on offer, such as ‘Desperate Dan Cow Pie’, who needs to go to a Michelin starred establishment in the big city?
Some members of the group made their own way to the venue, while others took advantage of the transport that had been arranged by SVI. When the two groups met, the chattering began! Those who wanted to bought their own drinks. Several people enjoyed supping a pint or two of local ale, Lumphammer.
Four tables full of SVI members and friends eagerly awaited the meals they had pre-ordered. Enablement Worker Kelley made sure that the right people got the right meals. It wasn’t just pies though, the healthier choices included hanging skewers of chicken, which were received to applause.
One member, Stuart, decided he was up to the challenge of the Desperate Dan Cow Pie, a huge steak pie with pastry horns. Accompanied of course by chips. He successfully devoured the whole lot and received a certificate to prove it. An impressive feat!
Everyone enjoyed catching up with their friends and chatting with those sitting near them…and further away! There was much laughter and merriment as the afternoon progressed. Some people managed to squeeze in a pudding…but the pies were definitely the dish of the day. And a few seemed reluctant to leave when the taxis arrived to take them back home.
Liz said: “Great afternoon and fabulous food. Loved it. Thanks Sandra and team.”
Stevie said: “Another fabulous afternoon, thanks everyone.”
The venue itself provoked discussion; its history and the way it is decorated are interesting. The sighted people in the group took the time to describe key features, pictures and notices that were on the walls.
SVI member Sonia said: “The afternoon turned out to be very convivial. The service we received was very good. We did not have to wait for too long for the meals we had pre-ordered to arrive. When the dishes came, we were happy with what we had asked for. We learned that Mad O’Rourke’s has been going since 1987, but there were signs which made it seem as though the pie factory has been around for much longer. (Ornamental) pig heads were displayed on the walls, and on the ground there was a light covering of sawdust.”
Volunteer Pam said: “It was great to get out and have fun with SVI at the Pie Factory. Lovely to meet up with people I haven’t chatted with for a while. It’s amazing how much more you notice when you describe things to people who can’t see. You learn so much from volunteering with SVI!”
(Thanks to Sonia for her contribution to this article.)
