We are all doing our best to re-address menus and look at savings but it’s getting to the point where so many services are not sustainable from all sectors of our food service industry and let’s hope for this can be resolved soon before more of our service suffer. Following that it’s good to talk about the amazing people that we have.
This month has also seen the formal launch of the new Food in Prisons Policy Framework, which has been a huge commitment to collaboration and as Denise Bean, head of catering and wellbeing at HMPPS, has said in this month’s magazine a great story on the launch and the change to come.
Also this month the Government has launched the nine-week consultation period to review the new School Food Standards (England) which have been developed alongside nutritionists and public health. Although welcomed by the School Food People it would be great if as many people as possible who have an interest in school food to comment on the consultation document.
Many of our sectors including The School Food People, TUCO, NHS and NACC have all been full steam ahead with their own chef of the year competitions which showcases the amazing talent we have in public sector.
As part of the winning prize, some of the chefs had the opportunity to cook along side the in house team at the Hilton Metropole in Edgeware Road London, to produce the winning meals to be served at the Public Sector Catering Awards on the 9th April, and what a feast it was, the meal was exceptional. Many congratulations to the amazing winning chefs and what a great experience I’m sure you all had.
As well as a wonderful meal, the whole point of the evening is to celebrate and recognise all of those amazing public sector employees. There was a huge number of entries across all categories this year and the judges had a tough old time to get to the winners. Everyone came out in their best attire and a wonderful evening was had by all. Once again many congratulations to all those shortlisted and to all the winners on that evening.
A special mention to three very special people who were the recipients of some very special awards. Jayne Joyne former PSCA chair and the new chief executive of the Scottish Food Commission and Beverley Baker one of the very first members of LACA as it was then and more than four decades in the industry both received Industry Recognition Awards so well deserved to two amazing ladies.
And this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to the fabulous Andy Kemp MBE who was extremely surprised. Andy had championed many issues over the years and has had a huge impact on our industry, many congratulations to Andy so well deserved.
Thanks to all who raised £5,700 for the charity raffle for the Hospitality Action represented by Charlie Hodson the patron who said: “Our message from Hospitality Action is one of strength and support for all within public sector & our hospitality family that simply says ‘we`ve got you’.” An amazing charity and very inspirational patron.
I then popped down to Brighton on Monday 13th April to attend the Hospital Caterers Association Forum. It was a fair old trek from the North east but so worth it. I Had a fab welcome evening on Brighton Pier and back to our youth on the dodgems, ghost train waltz (bit ropey after that one) and lots of fun was had by all.
The great array of speakers gave me great insight into the work done across the healthcare sector from food to staff, sustainability and the challenges they face. Thanks to Iain Robertson hosting and who has been a great chair of the organisation and congratulation to Nicola Strawther as she takes over as the new chair of HCA.
A great Forum which also resulted in a little retail therapy in London on route back via the Great School Lunch event delivered by the School Food People held at the House of Commons so a full on week.
So as our nights are so much lighter and the temperature is rising it certainly lifts the spirits and another bank holiday on the horizon so whatever you do have a lovely time and relax if you can.
