On Friday we hosted our second annual Jacksons beach BBQ. It’s an event I have looked forward to all year (and not only because I’ve fallen head-over-heels for Jacob’s barbequed Porchetta!). The beach barbeque has such a lovely relaxed and informal atmosphere. There were a fair few team-members who couldn’t make it along this year and we missed them greatly.
It was the first time most of us had the pleasure of meeting Mark, Colleen’s husband. He instantly felt like one of the team, was super fun and it was so lovely to hear how happy Colleen is now that she’s joined Jacksons. We adore Colleen so it’s awesome that she too is enjoying being part of team Jacksons.
This year we had lots of tots along to join in the fun too. Melody and Nova, both aged one, Logan (2), Quinn (3) and Teddy (4). Carrie thoroughly enjoyed helping keep the kids entertained with bubbles, sandcastle making, digging, paddling and lots of laughter. In fact, the children all played together beautifully, and Colleen kindly bought them all ice-cream from the shop too which went down a treat across the board.
Elliot had downloaded some playlists to his phone, so the gentle background music was great. We had beach-tents here there and everywhere and more toys piled up than four tiny people could play with in an afternoon. We even brought along a small paddling pool for the younger ones to splash in which Nova thoroughly approved of. (Tip – bring a bigger bucket if you’re looking to fill something up quickly!)
Jacob and Carm took up the challenge of cooking with coals and turned out some exceptionally tasty food. We enjoyed rum-soaked pineapple, chocolate brownies, toasted new potatoes, salads home-grown in Carrie’s greenhouse, slaw, porchetta, all manner of delicious burgers and sausages, tomatoes, crisps and dips, stuffed mushrooms, grilled halloumi, peppers, honeyed flapjacks, and a selection of chilled drinks. We didn’t quite manage to get round to toasting marshmallows and making s’mores but the upside was that we then had plenty of extra biscuits and marshmallows on the office snack-table this week!
The weather didn’t disappoint - It was full glorious sunshine and a dip in the sea was enjoyed by many. Logan had a great time riding a body board along the shallow shoreline water. (Unfortunately, Demi’s husband Craig was too heavy to pull along in the inch or so of water, but it was funny to try!)
We would all like to thank Sharon and Carm for all the work behind the scenes that goes into prepping for the event. I’m certain those delicious truffle-stuffed mushrooms didn’t drop from the sky, but they sure tasted heaven-sent. And to everyone else who baked, cooked and brought goodies along to share too, thanks!
Amy had the best idea of all and headed back to the very same spot the next day for round two!
I’m already dreaming of Jacksons Beach Barbeque 2025...
