Dave Hughes is such a legend that it took 2 dinners to accommodate all those wanting to honour him! Neethlingshof was very generous in offering their services and venue again for this magnificent dinner. Celia Gilloway, who organised the event with such aplomb, managed to get yet another 4 top chefs to ensure that we all had a most magnificent dinner. Vania Padayachee from Marigold, Spice Route's David MacDonald, Archie Maclean from Catharina's at Steenberg and Lulu Oosthuizen from Neethlingshof all produced a varied, tasty, colourful and delicious meal. Duimpie Baily recounted his great story of Dave the Big (Huge/Hughes) arriving in the 1600s - which was most amusing and Bennie Howard with his velvet voice (I learned he had been in broadcasting before joining Dave Hughes at SFW), recounted how he and Dave travelled with their suitcase of goodies - including pepper for all occasions!Fiona Macdonald was the auctioneer and there were plenty of incredible lots donated from all around the world - and the auction raised over R220 000 to support Dave. The evening kicked off with a Pipe band playing up the famous Neethlingshof avenue, which brought a tear to Dave's eye! He just loves a pipe band. Thank you to all for a wonderful evening. How fortunate we are, to be able to pay our respects to such a living legend. Thank you to Dave for everything you have contributed to the wine industry. Your simple and gentle manner is inspirational!