Students cook up figgy pudding for DofE

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Students at The Manchester College have cooked up a festive idea to help The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award scheme. Hospitality services students have made a Christmas pudding for a 'guess the weight' competition to be held in December. The competition aims to raise much needed funds to support the DofE in the north west.

The pudding was carefully prepared to a traditional recipe at the college’s Openshaw Campus. The students then handed it over to the DofE. It will be kept in an undisclosed location until it is revealed to shoppers at a DofE Christmas extravaganza. The event will be hosted by Santa Claus and his real life reindeers, at the Manchester Fort Shopping Centre in Cheetham Hill, from 10-11th December.

The pudding will be kept in an undisclosed location until it is revealed to shoppers at a Christmas extravaganza

The DofE is a leading youth charity that gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life. The current economic climate has proved particularly challenging for the charity. In order to keep up its good work across the north west, Mike Chambers, the scheme’s ambassador for the Bury region, has embarked on a programme of fundraising events.

Mike said: “We are very thankful to the students at The Manchester College for their time and support with our fundraising activities, without which we would struggle to continue. I’ve tasted a sample of the pudding and it’s delicious so the winner is in for a real treat.”

Student, Helen Moore, aged 26, who helped prepare the Christmas pudding, said: “The task gave us the opportunity to learn how to prepare a traditional pudding. Now I know the method I might start making my own Christmas puddings from now on.”

I might start making my own Christmas puddings from now on.

8,000 people are expected to visit the shopping centre during the fundraising weekend. Just one lucky winner will take home the Christmas pudding - a delicious addition to their Christmas dinner table. Many shoppers, however, will be able to meet Santa Claus and have their picture taken with the reindeer.

Clare Wharton, curriculum lead manager for hospitality and catering, said: “We are delighted to be able to support a worthy cause that assists young people across the north west, giving them the opportunity to fulfill their potential and have a brighter future. It is very much in line with the college’s own mission and so we wish Mike and his team all the best for the future.”

What next? Could you cook up a prize dish? The Manchester College has hospitality and catering courses starting in January. Call our Course Enquiry Team on 0161 203 2100 for more information.