Rydon students put their catering skills to the test

Their task was to turn the hall at Lodge Hill into a restaurant and serve lunch to parents, Rotarians, local business people, school governors and Lodge Hill staff. The students even arranged their own musicians to entertain guests during the meal.

This is part of Rotary Club of Storrington & Pulborough District’s youth development support and follows on from previous youth projects designed to coach life skills, team working, self confidence, self esteem, presentation skills, leadership skills, communication, conflict, self preservation, budgeting, client interaction, first aid, basic food hygiene etc.

Background: The Rotary Club of Storrington and Pulborough District has provided £3K in the 1st year and £2K every year thereafter for the last 4 years for these projects that have involved youth clubs in the area and included a “Hills Kitchen” and Alan Sugar style “Young Apprentice” events.

Organiser and Rotarian Matthew Wykes (centre back in photograph) praised the efforts of the young people saying: “The Rydon College pupils excelled today in what was a challenging task. The lunch, table service and entertainment was top class.

“With Youth Clubs and young people’s activities in the area facing funding difficulties, this kind of supplemental support for young people is essential if their social and other life skills are to be nurtured.”

Report and picture contributed by the Storrington & Pulborough District Rotary Club.