Catering Lecturer at Central Bedfordshire College, Concetta Lewis, has been awarded a Diploma for Support by the Craft Guild of Chefs.
This recognises her role in organising the British Culinary Championships.
The award was presented at the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards and Honours Luncheon at The Waldorf in London, attended by around 170 industry professionals. Six diplomas were presented, alongside a range of other awards.
Showcasing skills and building connections
Concetta, who has worked at the College for eight and a half years, leads the organisation of the British Culinary Championships at the Central Bedfordshire College Kingsway Campus, acting as liaison between the College and the Craft Guild of Chefs.
The Championships, one of the UK’s largest live culinary competitions, bring together students and professionals to showcase skills and build industry connections.
The event has grown significantly in recent years, with entries increasing from 70 competitors post-pandemic to nearly 200 over two days at the most recent Championships, alongside greater involvement from exhibitors and sponsors. The next event is set to expand further, including preliminary heats for WorldSkills.
Commenting on the achievement, Concetta said:
“I was very honoured to receive a Diploma for Support, as recognition of the work and dedication I have put in over the past two years in support of The British Culinary Championships, an event we host at our Kingsway Campus. This is an event we have supported for nearly 10 years, and over the past three years, we have seen the championships grow exponentially. The Championships is a fantastic way to introduce students to the world of competition, whilst giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills and network with professional chefs and students from other colleges.
“Needless to say, none of this would be achievable without the support of my colleagues, Sylvie Matanda, Sally Keane and Monica Lindars, the Estates team and our administrative teams”
Concetta was nominated by Stephen Scuffell, Chairman of the Vice Presidents Council at the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Praising Concetta’s contribution, Stephen said:
“Concetta’s dedication to the British Culinary Championships and her commitment to supporting both the Guild and the next generation of chefs have been outstanding. Her leadership in managing the event at Central Bedfordshire College has ensured its continued growth and success, making her a truly deserving recipient of this Diploma for Support.”
The Craft Guild of Chefs, established in 1885, is a leading UK chefs’ association, internationally recognised within the hospitality and catering industry.
Attendees at the luncheon included Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace and President of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Steve Munkley MBE, and Mark Reynolds, Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Central Bedfordshire College offers a range of high-quality catering and hospitality courses, supporting students at every stage of their journey.
Find out more
To find out more about the culinary courses available, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/central-bedfordshire-college/