12th April 2013
Spring 2013: Welcome
As I write this, we all hope the warmer spring weather fast approaches bringing us new supplies of great crops, spring lamb, Jersey Royals to name but a few. It is always one of the best times for an abundance of some of the best in local, good quality British produce.
As I write this, we all hope the warmer spring weather fast approaches bringing us new supplies of great crops, spring lamb, Jersey Royals to name but a few. It is always one of the best times for an abundance of some of the best in local, good quality British produce.
Also, this is my last Stockpot Welcome and, as my time as National Chairman comes to an end, I can reflect upon such great times that we have enjoyed.
To be chairman for the last three years has been such a great privilege; to lead many fellow professionals in this wonderful Guild of ours has been one of the most exciting times that I can remember. I have enjoyed many great personal experiences over my time in this role, with too many to name and run through, all individual, and all as important as the next one. Having travelled to central parts of Europe, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, and as far afield as Chile I have clocked up many miles; and this doesn’t include my travels all over the UK!
The Guild is flourishing, and will continue to flourish over the next few years, and everyone should be proud of what is achieved on a monthly basis. With the fantastic Committee of Management and various unsung sub-committee members, the Guild is as strong and committed as ever.
At this year’s AGM, a new chairman will take the helm, and I wish him all the very best in the years to come.
As for the AGM, the very best bit is after the ‘business part’ where we re-elect the new committee – the honours and awards. This as ever is where we recognise and honour the many people who have given us great service.
Moving on, we have the 20th anniversary awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in the presence of our royal patron HRH The Countess of Wessex and our President Air Marshal Sir David Walker. This is already working out to be our very best ever awards dinner, with the chance to see previous special award winners, enjoy excellent food and wine, and celebrate with this year’s winners.
To be sure of your place at the dinner, please make contact with us and book your ticket.
The Graduate Awards is also in full swing. Last year’s 10th anniversary lunch was cooked by previous award winners, showing just how far they have come on and how much they have moved forward. This year’s celebration is being held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower for the first time. Last year we opened, after many years without one, a new Channel Islands division. It has been very active in its first year, and for the islands this was a much needed boost in the chef world. Various events have been held along with competitions, all very well supported. The Wessex Salon Culinaire continues at Brockenhurst College in Hampshire this year and, after last year’s success, much is expected.
At this year’s AGM we will see the stepping down of Giovanni Fontebasso from his role of Senior Trustee, a position he has held for several years. We thank him for all his loyal service, not just to this role but for the various roles he has held, whether it be within the old Surrey division or as National Chairman, a position he held from 1996-1998. We trust his semi-retirement is pleasant and hope he still keeps in contact with his friends here at the Craft Guild.
It would be amiss of me not to mention the great help, assistance and support of Martin Bates our very own CEO, Franciska, our office assistant, and Roy Perrett, National Secretary, all of whom keep the office running and ensure we deliver our goals.
All it remains is for me to do is once again thank each and every one of you for your kindness and support over the last three years. I wish you all a great start to the spring and summer months – and bring on the warm weather!
Andrew Green
National Chairman
Craft Guild of Chefs
Click here to read the latest edition of Stockpot magazine online
Also, this is my last Stockpot Welcome and, as my time as National Chairman comes to an end, I can reflect upon such great times that we have enjoyed.
To be chairman for the last three years has been such a great privilege; to lead many fellow professionals in this wonderful Guild of ours has been one of the most exciting times that I can remember. I have enjoyed many great personal experiences over my time in this role, with too many to name and run through, all individual, and all as important as the next one. Having travelled to central parts of Europe, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, and as far afield as Chile I have clocked up many miles; and this doesn’t include my travels all over the UK!
The Guild is flourishing, and will continue to flourish over the next few years, and everyone should be proud of what is achieved on a monthly basis. With the fantastic Committee of Management and various unsung sub-committee members, the Guild is as strong and committed as ever.
At this year’s AGM, a new chairman will take the helm, and I wish him all the very best in the years to come.
As for the AGM, the very best bit is after the ‘business part’ where we re-elect the new committee – the honours and awards. This as ever is where we recognise and honour the many people who have given us great service.
Moving on, we have the 20th anniversary awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in the presence of our royal patron HRH The Countess of Wessex and our President Air Marshal Sir David Walker. This is already working out to be our very best ever awards dinner, with the chance to see previous special award winners, enjoy excellent food and wine, and celebrate with this year’s winners.
To be sure of your place at the dinner, please make contact with us and book your ticket.
The Graduate Awards is also in full swing. Last year’s 10th anniversary lunch was cooked by previous award winners, showing just how far they have come on and how much they have moved forward. This year’s celebration is being held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower for the first time. Last year we opened, after many years without one, a new Channel Islands division. It has been very active in its first year, and for the islands this was a much needed boost in the chef world. Various events have been held along with competitions, all very well supported. The Wessex Salon Culinaire continues at Brockenhurst College in Hampshire this year and, after last year’s success, much is expected.
At this year’s AGM we will see the stepping down of Giovanni Fontebasso from his role of Senior Trustee, a position he has held for several years. We thank him for all his loyal service, not just to this role but for the various roles he has held, whether it be within the old Surrey division or as National Chairman, a position he held from 1996-1998. We trust his semi-retirement is pleasant and hope he still keeps in contact with his friends here at the Craft Guild.
It would be amiss of me not to mention the great help, assistance and support of Martin Bates our very own CEO, Franciska, our office assistant, and Roy Perrett, National Secretary, all of whom keep the office running and ensure we deliver our goals.
All it remains is for me to do is once again thank each and every one of you for your kindness and support over the last three years. I wish you all a great start to the spring and summer months – and bring on the warm weather!
Andrew Green
National Chairman
Craft Guild of Chefs
Click here to read the latest edition of Stockpot magazine online