Watford Young Chef

It was a busy weekend for the members of Watford Rotary Club, on Saturday morning they ran the local heat of the annual Rotary Young Chef Competition at West Herts College Catering School, which was won by 16 year old Holly Leigh of St Clement Dane’s School, plus on Sunday hosted the annual Watford Rotary Pensioners Christmas Tea Party.

Holly impressed the judges with her Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds, followed by a Chocolate and Coffee Fondant with Raspberry Coulis and Creme Freiche. Chef Pedro, Head Chef at the college, awarded Holly a score of 118 out of a possible 130, he stated that the judgement took into consideration things like healthy ingredients, presentation, taste, hygiene and tidiness of the kitchen. Thea, who came to watch with her mother couldn’t wait to try the Risotto which she said was delicious, but as you can see from the photo, the Chocolate Fondant was definitely her favourite.

Holly was presented with a certificate and a voucher for dinner for 4 at the college restaurant by West Herts College Head of Catering School Andy Wakeford, she now goes onto the District Heat and everyone in the Watford Rotary Club wishes her the best of luck.

On Sunday, Watford Rotary hosted over 70 guests at the Clitheroe Centre, South Oxhey for their annual Rotary Pensioners Christmas Tea Party. The pensioners enjoyed a wonderful tea with sandwiches and cakes galore supplied by West Herts College Head of Catering Andy Wakeford. Entertainment was supplied by the South Oxhey Choir singing Christmas Carols which then developed into a sing song enjoyed by everyone.

We were honoured by the attendance of a number of dignitaries including the Mayoress of Hertsmere Brenda Batton, Chair of 3 Rivers Council Phil Williams and Freeman of the Borough Norman and Mavis Tyrwhitt. Our thanks to Kerry James, manager of the Clitheroe Gardens Community Centre for her tireless work and Martin Sexton of Watford Rotary who organised the event.