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Marguerite Patten honoured at City College

13 October 2009

Famed food writer, 94-year-old Marguerite Patten OBE, was recently honoured as a special Brighton & Hove citizen at a tribute luncheon hosted by City College Brighton and Hove as part of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival. Sixty dignitaries and guests were served a delicious lunch by catering students at the College's Gallery Restaurant, using some of Marguerite's classic dishes, including twice-baked cheese soufflé and crown roast of lamb.

Marguerite worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Food during the Second World War and became a household name for her inventive recipes using ration food, touring the country giving cookery demonstrations in factory canteens and hospitals. She was also the BBC's first ever television cook. During her career, she has been a prolific food writer and has published more than 170 books, and sold 17 million copies worldwide. Her pioneering approach to healthy eating has prompted campaigning chef Jamie Oliver to seek her advice on his campaign for healthier school lunches.

Marguerite Patten with students Katie Simmonds and Marcus Scott

Marguerite Patten with students Katie Simmonds and Marcus Scott

Talking of the modern phenomenon of the 'Celebrity Chef', Marguerite says:

'I don't approve of the word celebrity because it's not who we are but what we do that counts. I'm a home economist, trained to help people in their own homes and I helped people to make the most of what was available during the rations of wartime Britain - for example the egg-less fruitcake and the cheese pie. However, 'we'll eat again' was our mantra then and I wouldn't go back to the limited food we had then for the world - though I do think that seasonality is extremely important and fresh, local produce is so much better than eating out of season or flying food all around the world.'

Michael Buckman, the Curriculum Manager of City College's Catering department, says:

'Marguerite is a legend of British cuisine so it was a real coup for the College to be able to host this event in her honour.'

For media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk website www.ccb.ac.uk

About City College Brighton and Hove: Situated in the heart of Brighton, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of vocational excellence. Every year 2,500 full-time, 8,000 part time, over 500 Higher Education and 500 14-16 year old students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their place of further and higher education training. In addition, the College provides training to many businesses via its 'City Business Skills' department which focuses on employer training needs. Offering over 750 courses from basic level right through to business and postgraduate training, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.