Pupils seek recipe for eisteddfod success

Pupils across Wales are taking part in the regional rounds of the Urdd National Eisteddfod’s cookery competition, which we proudly sponsor.

Regional winners: Pictured left to right are teacher and Judge Siwan Jones, Hollie Barry – Ysgol Y Lawnt (winner primary competition), WPD’s Paul Morgan, Amelie Melhuish – Caerleon Comprehensive (Winner of the year 7 to 9 competition) and teacher and judge Cerys Smith.

The Urdd Eisteddfod is Wales’ premier youth festival. Held at different locations each year, it is designed to celebrate the Welsh language and culture. 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 Gwent regional rounds recently took place at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni in Caerphilly borough, 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 eleven-year-old Hollie Barry from Ysgol y Lawnt, Tredegar. The comprehensive school winner for years seven to nine was Amelie Melhuish, a year seven pupil from Caerleon Comprehensive school.  Hollie and Amelie will now represent Gwent 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 and effort shown as well as the ability of the pupils to work 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.”

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.”