Kent Cooks Competition 2014

Kent Scouts Sizzle at Cooking Competition

Two Kent Scouts were delighted to make it through to the exciting final round of this year’s KM Kent Cooks competition.

Luke Gowers, eight, from 6th Whitstable Freestylers and Benjamin Clare, 13, from 1st Willesborough Scouts were among just 13 finalists to be selected from a record breaking 167 entries for the county’s official school cookery contest.  They are pictured with
Brownies Hannah Stanley and Isobella McAuley at the KM Kent Cooks competition final at East Kent College.

They took up the challenge of a live cook-off at East Kent College where they prepared their signature dishes for a panel of food industry VIPs in the hope of clinching the title of best Kent cook. Although they were pipped at the post for the top prizes, the two Scouts were praised by the judges for their enthusiasm.

Event organiser Julia Williamson of the KM Charity Team said: “Luke and Benjamin were fantastic representatives for the Scouts. They had a wonderful time throwing themselves into the competition final and really did themselves proud.”

KM Kent Cooks 2015 will be open for entry early next year and members of Scout groups in Kent and Medway who take part will earn special badges.
Youngsters aged five to 18 years can join in the fun and every Scout who enters the competition will receive a limited edition Kent Cooks Occasional badge.

Julia Williams said: “Kent Cooks is great fun and encourages young people to really think about budgeting, ingredients, cooking methods and what they eat.

“Scouts can polish their culinary skills while they earn occasional badges - and if they get through to the final they’re in with the chance to win top prizes. So what are you waiting for? Get your youngsters involved!”
The overall Kent Cooks 2014 champion was Abbie Fitz-Gerald, 13, from New Line Academy in Maidstone; the secondary school category winner was Abbie Matthews, 15, from Spires Academy in Canterbury; the primary winner was Evie Goodearl, seven, from Culverstone Green Primary School in Meopham; and the family winner was Daniel Beesley, eight, from Woodlands Junior School in Tonbridge.

They received a share of £500 along with certificates, Masterchef cook books and goody bags.

Be the first to find out when KM Kent Cooks 2015 is open for entries by signing up to the free.