Warwickshire News Mine

Jamie Oliver personally signed copies of his new recipe book which were presented to the group for their achievements at learning cooking skills which culminated in them serving a three course meal to specially invited diners.

The project, Camp Hill Cookers, enabled eight young people to learn how to cook and pass their certificates in food hygiene. The group were able to do the course after successfully applying for £1,500 from Warwickshire’s Youth Opportunity Fund, which is a DCSF initiative operated through Warwickshire County Council’s Children, Young People and Families Directorate.

At the end of the 12 week course run by Rachel Daniel, Senior Centre Worker at Camp Hill, and Buildings Manager Marylin Maupoint, the junior masterchefs prepared a three course meal for their families, county councillors and Hugh Disley, Head of Division for Young People.

Hugh said: “I was treated to a real feast by the Camp Hill Cookers - eight young people who learnt how to cook, passed their food hygiene course and prepared a delicious three course meal for their families.

“Rachel and Marylin’s love of cooking and commitment to the young people went way beyond the normal expectation - including badgering Jamie Oliver to personally sign a copy of his book that was given to each new chef.”

The Camp Hill Cookers served up a menu fit for any Michelin star restaurant starting with homemade vegetable soup followed by roast lamb with rosemary and garlic and sweet potato, and a dessert of a meringue nest with fresh fruit, cream, chocolate and strawberries.

At the end of the evening young people were presented with certificates and a personally signed copy of Jamie Oliver’s book.

Marty McKenzie was awarded ‘top cooker’ on the evening and he intends to pursue a career in catering. He also received a poster signed by Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and Mark Sargent, Ramsey’s sous chef. The remainder of the group have been putting their skills to good use in the kitchen at home.

The aim of the Youth Opportunity Fund is to involve young people, especially those who are hard to reach, in identifying positive activities and things to do. A panel of 50 young people in Warwickshire are involved as decision makers, grant givers and project leaders for the fund.  Application packs are available by calling Warwickshire County Council on 01926 742497.

Link to WCC