5th Oct 2007 - 00:00
Abstract
The importance of school meals to the independent education sector can be seen at Hymers College in Yorkshire where a new £1 million kitchen has been opened.
"Catering may not be needed to sell a day school, but we have created a facility that will," said bursar Geoff Noble at the official launch of a new kitchen and restaurant facility at the College in the East Riding of the county The kitchen was officially opened by Colin McGurran, head chef at the award-winning restaurant Michelin-star Winteringham Fields, a local 16th century manor house and one of only three UK restaurants meeting the Good Food Guide's criteria as 'highly individual and displaying impressive artistry'. The day-to-day catering operation is run by Leicestershire-based contract catering firm Wilson Vale, which is two years into the contract and approached the school board of governors for funding to pay for interim repairs. Instead the board decided to invest almost £1 million to upgrade the old kitchen and bring the dining facilities to a reasonable standard. Construction work was carried out in the 2007 summer term, which the Wilson Vale recommended as the option likely to cause the least disruption. During the work the catering staff operated from temporary facilities and provided a full meals service to the school throughout the rebuild programme. Noble praises all those involved in the project, saying: "With this investment it is fair to say we are able to provide excellence in catering as well as academic achievement. The change in caterers has been nothing short of remarkable and we now believe they have the facilities they deserve." Wilson Vale, privately-owned and turning over £5.2 million in 2005, was launched in 2002 by joint managing directors Andrew Wilson and Carolyne Vale. In 2006 the company came 15th in the Sunday Times Fast-track Top 100, winning awards for its staff training and development. For more details about the company visit www.wilsonvale.co.uk.