School meal staff throughout Bridgend county borough council left their aprons and rolling pins at home to attend the 10^th annual Catering Business Awards last week. The catering teams were congratulated for their commitment to the school meals service over the past twelve months at the Hi Tide Inn, Porthcawl on 30^th November. An array of awards were handed out, and the winners were: 

MOST IMPROVED KITCHENS:  Penybont Primary School
                                                        Maesteg Comprehensive Senior School

CUSTOMER CARE AWARD:       Afon Y Felin Primary School
                                                       Maesteg Comprehensive Lower School

COOKS OF THE YEAR:              Jan Franklin, Brackla Primary School
                                                       Jan Howells, Bryntirion Comprehensive School

KITCHENS OF THE YEAR:        Ogmore Vale Primary School
                                                      Pencoed Comprehensive School

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR:          W R Bishops & Sons Fruit & Vegetable Supplier            

And several special awards were handed out to staff on the night too: 

• Highly Commended awards for customer care were given to Bryntirion Junior School & Nantyffyllon Primary school

• Special Recognition awards were handed to Tondu Primary School and Brynmenyn Primary school, who had to work together to prepare school meals for three schools in one kitchen during a long refurbishment programme.

• Pat Davies was presented with an award for her outstanding contribution to school meals with her 30 years of active service in the department, developing from a kitchen assistant to a Business Manager in charge of 15 comprehensive school kitchens.

 Pil Primary school and Archdeacon John Lewis Church in Wales Primary school were celebrating after receiving the prestigious Gold Food Hygiene Award from the Environmental health department.  Only three gold award have been issued to kitchens in Bridgend county borough, two of those now in school kitchens!  

Norma Griffiths, Group Manager for Catering Services: 

“Last week saw strict standards launched for school meals by the National Assembly, so never before has it been so important to recognise the dedication of our staff. Now in our tenth year, the night is always an excellent way to boost moral and encourage teamwork. The event is funded entirely by our suppliers and without their generous donations we would not be able to show our appreciation to the school meals staff in Bridgend county borough. I would like to congratulate everyone who won an award.”