Pupils seek recipe for Eisteddfod success

Pupils across Wales are taking part in the regional rounds of the Urdd National Eisteddfod’s CogUrdd cookery competition. We proudly sponsor the Eisteddfod, Wales’ premier youth festival. Held at different locations each year, it is designed to celebrate the Welsh language and culture.

Pictured left to right are Libby Morgan awarded second place and Seren Thomas awarded first place, with WPD’s Tony Piper who was more than happy to sample some of the delicious food cooked by the pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg in Barry.

Young cookery hopefuls have started vying for a place in the finals which will take place during the eisteddfod at Cardiff Bay between May 27 and June 1. The Cardiff and The Vale regional rounds took place recently at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg in Barry, and there was great excitement as the young, aspiring cooks came together to compete. 

The winner of the primary school section for years four to six pupils was nine-year-old Seren Thomas, a pupil at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, Barry. Second place was awarded to ten-year-old Libby Morgan from Ysgol Pencae in Cardiff. Seren and Libby will now represent Cardiff and The Vale at the Finals in May. Both girls said they have been busy practising at home and are now looking forward to competing again in the finals.

Judges praised the high standard of competition, and were impressed by the skill, strong ability and confidence shown by all the participants as well as the ability of the pupils to work well independently.  The competition finals will take place at the Urdd’s cooking pavilion, overseen and judged by Great British Bake Off runner-up Beca Lyne-Pirkis who has tasked competitors with creating some delicious recipes like Vegetarian Soup with Nut-free Pesto; Cheddar, Apple and Herb Scones; Jerk Chicken; Pineapple Salsa; and Mango Mousse. 

WPD’s Corporate Communication Manager, Paul Bishop said: “The competition was such a success last year so we were delighted to support it once again. Events like this give youngsters the chance to learn new skills and to gain confidence in their abilities." 

“Good luck to all the finalists in the National Competition.”

Urdd Eisteddfod Director Aled Siôn added: “The Urdd Eisteddfod is an inclusive festival and we’re proud to be able to offer a range of competitions that encourage everyone, whatever their interests, to take part.  Of course, to be able to do this depends on the support of local and national companies like WPD. We’re very proud of our partnership with the company who has supported us for 15 years.”