When London-based destination management company SPECTRA set up a wet weather contingency plan for a client, it was a top-quality affair – a takeover of Marco Pierre White’s plush Belvedere Restaurant in Holland Park, that was prepaid.

Naturally there was always the risk that London’s weather would deliver something good and it did, allowing the client to operate its first choice outdoor event.

That left SPECTRA’s Paul Miller in a quandary, he felt uncomfortable that good food and a great experience would not be used but he had only 24 hours to find a solution.

One quick phone call to event industry charity Meetings Industry Meeting Needs set the wheels in motion to find worthy recipients of Pierre White’s fabulous food and service, and soon the famous Chelsea Pensioners were taking their places in luxury surroundings. In total, a group of 50 including volunteers and carers were wined and dined, courtesy of SPECTRA’s client, who chose to remain anonymous.

Miller said: “There are no words to describe how this felt. They had a wonderful time. It was also a treat for the carers and volunteers, too. I was so pleased to be able to make something good happen out of this.”