Rydon host Rotary Young Chef contest

Rotary President Mary Jagger and Judge Fontebasso with Young Chef contestants Lucy Bunyan-Hird, Max Elliott, Hannah Wadey, Jake Parker and Amelia Hamlett. Winner, Kate Appleton is fourth from left and Runner-up Amelia McNeilly fourth from right.

The winner could move on to become RIBI (Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland) Young Chef of the Year.

Using the College’s well equipped Food Technology facility, seven students from the College produced their own choice of a two-course meal within one-and-a-half hours using ingredients costing no more than £10.

The students’ performance and results were judged by Robbie Jenks, Head Chef at nearby Amberley Castle and Giovanni Fontebasso, Vice-President of the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Young Chef Competition Winner Katie Appleton (left) and Runner-up Amelia McNeilly (right) with Rotary Club of Storrington & Pulborough District President, Mary Jagger.

The winner, Kate Appleton and runner-up Amelia McNeilly, received their awards from Rotary President Mary Jagger, These two will now join competitors from across the area for the next stage of the competition in January.

Competitors had to design their own menu, cost their ingredients and prepare a time plan.

Judge Giovanni congratulated all 7 competitors on the very high standard of cooking and presentation achieved. The other competitors were Lucy Bunyan-Hird, Max Elliott, Hannah Wadey, Jake Parker and Amelia Hamlett.

Report and pictures contributed by Storrington & Pulborough District Rotary Club.