"Ray Kenny Bursary" winner announced

Headline – Celebrity Chef Brian Turner helps student chefs on honour of Ray Kenny.

Celebrity TV chef Brian Turner was in the judge’s chair as six promising young Westcountry chefs were put to the test in honour of Ray Kenny.

Click here to see how the event was reported in the Herald Express and Western Morning News.

The students took part in a cook-off challenge at South Devon College, with the winner Rachel Tupman getting the chance to work in the prestigious kitchens at Lucknam Park Hotel in Gloucestershire.

The contest was the idea of Isabelle Kenny who created a bursary in memory of her husband Ray, who died of leukaemia in 2007.

It’s hoped the bursary will be available to catering students studying at further education colleges in Devon from this year onwards, with variations on how it will be won.

This year, the winner will receive a month’s salary at Lucknam Park, paid for by the Kenny family, with accommodation provided by the hotel.

Brian Turner who is best known for TV appearances on shows such as Market Kitchen and Ready, Steady, Cook said:

“Having known Ray whilst we were young training chefs, his passion for good food was infections.

“A key part of my career has been sharing my love of food with others – and I know Ray would have relished seeing the talent on show at this event”.

Isabelle said:

“Ray started at the original Jury’s Hotel in Dublin, where he was born, and like many chefs he realised that to be the best he needed to get experience in the top kitchens.

“So he left Ireland and went to The Dorchester hotel in London, working under the legendary Swiss chef Eugene Kaufeler.

“Ray would be pleased to know that a bursary in his name was helping chefs-in-training get to the next level and experience an amazing professional experience that Lucknam Park can provide”.

“It is such a priviledge to have Brian Turner judging the competition as they knew each other for many years.”

Click to enlarge the pictures.

[nggallery id=39]