Tasty roast on menu for school pupils

Bolton Brow Primary School, Sowerby Bridge, was crowned the winner last week by school food programme, Food for Life (FFL).

Cook Rachel Fleming was presented with a set of professional cooking knives by co-founder of FFL and former dinner lady, Jeanette Orrey.

Her blog about the school’s participation in FLL’s national Roast Dinner Day in November caught the attention of judges.

The winning entry described the preparation of a delicious roast beef dinner, including 200 Yorkshire puddings, homemade bread and a fruit platter shared with parents, friends and pupils.

Judges said the school had created a shining example of a ‘Roast Dinner Day’ meal - tasy, local and seasonal food enjoyed by pupils and the wider school community.

Rachel said: “I am really proud that we won because it shows how hard we have been working to provide healthy, tasty meals for our children.

“Our Food for Life work has definitely helped us to do this and winning one of their competitions is an achievement that really shows how far we’ve come.”

Jeanette added: “After reading her winning blog, it has been wonderful to sample Rachel’s cooking.

“It’s worthy of a prize in itself.”

She also spent time with Scout Road Primary School’s cook Jane Fairbanks, who is currently sharing Bolton Brow’s kitchen as her own school was damaged in the recent flooding.

Jeanette was able to offer support and practical advice gained from her wealth of experience working with school cooks and caterers around the country.