Yesterday, a collective of esteemed Yorkshire-based chefs joined Stephen Wilkins, our Hospitality Manager, to mark the 10th anniversary of Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels.
The day started with a get together over coffee with the chefs to introduce all to the HNHA team. Thank you to the amazing plethora of chefs who joined us: Stephanie Moon (BBC Great British Menu), former MasterChef: The Professionals contestant and private chef, Michaela Hanna, Jason Wardill (Group Executive Chef at Provenance Inns), and the Development Chef at Rudding Park Hotel, Matthew Wilkinson.
Along with Stephen who ran the kitchen in tip-top fashion, the collective of high calibre chefs prepared a choice of three meals for 100 clients: MasterChef Special Chicken Supreme (a popular choice amongst our service users), Lasagne with fresh salad and garlic bread, and Creamy Fish Pie served with a fresh green vegetable medley. The menu choice was topped off with a delicious homemade Yorkshire Tea Loaf served with custard!
The cooking was well underway when ITV presenters and camera-operatives arrived to film the occasion and interview our team. We were further joined by our friend Nick Hancock from YOUR Harrogate, as well as Natalie Higgins from Greatest Hits Radio!
In the meantime, goodie bags were put together the Harrogate Neighbours team in order to offer our clients and incredible volunteers, who have been a part of our 10-year journey. A huge thank you to Slingsby Gin, Taylors of Harrogate, Turner Price, Bullseye and Scamp Creative who donated some wonderful gifts to fill up our bags! The wonderful Lucille from Brand Stories Photography was on hand to capture the entire day.
The food was package and stored in tremendous time, perfectly aligning with the volunteers arriving to collect their elected delivery box. The team was out in full force, with 15 different rounds being delivered altogether. Each chef had the privilege of joining some of our team and volunteers, including a special trip made by our Chief Executive, Sue Cawthray, who escorted Stephanie Moon to visit an ex-volunteer, Reg, who now receives the meals himself.
Meals safely delivered, goodie bags received, and friendly conversations had between our volunteers and clients. All returned to The Cuttings where the chefs could enjoy a fresh coffee, a thank you gift, and a well-earned plate of delicious food – we can all agree after a morning stood over a hot stove they well and truly deserved it.
Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels, and all at Harrogate Neighbours, would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in this special event. From the committee to our special guest chefs, to the staff at Harrogate Neighbours and our volunteers, EVERYBODY worked together to make the day a huge success.
Happy 10th Birthday, Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels! Here’s to the next decade of delivering this vital service to the elderly, vulnerable, and socially isolated residents of Harrogate, Ripon, and the surrounding areas!
