What do you get when you combine the finals of MasterChef, The X Factor and, The Voice? Find out why Windsor Youth are so impressive and how, you can join in next time.

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It was a combination of the final stages of MasterChef, the X Factor and, The Voice.

A Winter’s Tale with a Scorching Finish

On a cold winter’s night in early March, glittering Tuxedos and Ball Gowns were out in force, matched by gleaming armour, proud rows of medals and burnished brass, but, couched in the sparkling setting of a formal event in the NCO’s Mess at the Combermere Barracks, all of this adult stuff was eclipsed by virtuoso performances from lilting harmonious voices, lyrical and captivating melodies and deliciously moreish delicacies cooked to perfection by young people of Windsor and, served impeccably by the Thames Valley Police Cadets.

It was a combination of the final stages of MasterChef, the X Factor and, The Voice and, Windsor teens were impressing the adults greatly.

 

 

 

I can not speak more highly of the achievements of our young people, inspired and guided by the adult leaders.

Windsor Teens Impress Greatly #WTIG

The night was all about our Windsor teens who, with a little encouragement and skilful guidance from the adults, demonstrated skills and talents many of us adults can only dream of, and there are more to come.

 

 

 

I kid you not, that was one of the finest meals I have ever had, comparable even to a famous establishment in Bray which, augmented by entertainment from the harmonious singers from the Windsor Girls School and the extremely able, ebullient, Windsor Upper Schools Big Band, and precision service by the Police Cadets, made this an evening to remember long, and celebrate as a milestone of achievement.

Yes, the Teens from Windsor’s Food Academy had just nailed their first ever banquet, for 70 fussy diners, aided and abetted by their sponsors in Thames Valley Police, the Irish Guards, RBWM, the Army Covenant the inimitable James Manwaring.

I can not speak more highly of the achievements of our young people, inspired and guided by the adult leaders.

 

 

 

Every mouthful tasted delicious, the food itself looked so beautiful, and it was served with precise professionalism

What others said: the great and the good

Here’s what others said of that memorable night, full of achievement;

• “What a terrific evening, and how lucky I felt to be invited to such a wonderful Celebration of your brilliant Food Academy. The banquet was fantastic! Every mouthful tasted delicious, the food itself looked so beautiful, and it was served with precise professionalism by the Cadets in the sparkly surroundings of the Mess.” Sarah Scrope, High Sheriff of Berkshire

• “Pupils working with experienced chefs enabled them to see the standards required and alerted them to the considerable career opportunities available within the catering industry.  John and I attended the latest banquet at Combermere Barracks as Mayor and Mayoress.   The meal was superb and cooked to a very high standard.  It attracted a group of people across the area including senior police officers.  It was community involvement at its very best.” Margaret Lenton, Mayoress of RBWM and former Head Teacher at Upton Grammar School, Slough

• “My wife and I found the whole evening entirely inspirational, and we were completely amazed by the outstanding quality of the food produced by the team. Well done to those who undertook the course, and to all those who supported them on their journey to producing culinary delights. I would encourage others to follow in their footsteps and to join future courses.” Andy Jeffs, Executive Director, Communities Directorate, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead                                                                                                                               

• “I was delighted with the range of support from the borough’s leading figures and proud to recognise the hard work and the success of the young people.  I was also blown away by the quality of the food, the service and the music we were treated to … our young people have so much talent and commitment!”  Kevin McDaniel, Director of Children’s Services, Achieving for Children Community Interest Company providing services for RBWM                                                                                                           

• “The food was outstanding. The young people shone with pride at their amazing achievements. Their newfound confidence was lovely to see, They should all be very proud of themselves.” Carole Da Costa,  Secretary, West Windsor Residents Association

• “Our last course was exceptional and we all grew very attached to the Students, as they responded and their confidence bloomed.  They did a magnificent job at the Banquet on 10^th“ Jeffrey Pick, Thames Valley Police, Food Academy Organiser

 

The good news is…you can take part in…a future series of the Windsor Food Academy

 

Uptown Funk in Downtown Windsor

I don’t have a video of the Windsor Upper Schools Band from the night but, here they are with a live street performance recently in Daniels, Windsor

 

Supported, funded and initiated by Thames Valley Police, The Army Covenant and RBWM

What is the Windsor Food Academy?

The “Food Academy” has been set up in Windsor to support children’s personal, social and emotional development by giving them opportunities to develop their self-confidence and self-awareness.

Supported, funded and initiated by Thames Valley Police, The Army Covenant and RBWM, the programme consists of a number of 8 week cooking programmes throughout the year which culminate in a Community Banquet.

The Food Academy should provide a forum for learning and development, with students coming from diverse communities and will include those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.

The first Food Academy included 12 young people aged between 13 – 15 half from ‘army families’ and half, from families in West Windsor with the aim of helping and supporting ‘underperforming’ students, or young people who would benefit, from a boost to their self-esteem.

 

 

What does TVP’s Chief Inspector and participants say about the scheme

Here’s what TVP Chief Constable, Francis Habgood, and some of the participants have to say about the programme.

 

“since starting Food Academy, she has been awarded four certificates at school for various things, including a food award”

Transforming children’s lives: The last word

The best comment and, the last word has to go to a proud parent who once anguished about her child but now no more. Transformation complete.

“I wanted to thank you and your team, of kind and lovely people, for making Alexa (not her real name) feel so welcome in every part of the Food Academy.

She had such an amazing time and has grown every week with confidence, in fact I’d like to say a huge thank you, as since starting Food Academy, she has been awarded four certificates at school for various things, including a food award!

This has given her the most confidence and finally, she has her head screwed on and knows where and what, she wants to do in her life.”

 

Each course runs for approximately 8- 10 weeks so short, but very sweet

I hope you found this post useful.

Watch out for further, and other informative posts to empower and enrich people’s lives here at www.wwra.org.uk.

Let’s work together to build a better community for all.

 

 

Accountably yours,

Wisdom

WWRA Councillor, Wisdom Da Costa, Clewer North, Windsor

 

Credits

Photos & © Eva Zielinska-Millar from www.mikenormanphotography.co.uk, Thames Valley Police and others

 

Caveat

This post is part of Cllr Wisdom Da Costa’s regular series of Blogs to inform and empower local residents; as he promised in his election leaflet

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the West Windsor Residents Association (WWRA)