28 October 2013

A GREAT HONOUR

I was completely bowled over and extremely humbled to be named as one of three recipients of a Founders Award from my old school, Epsom Girls Grammar School this year.

At a very pleasant dinner at Romfords on Tamaki Drive almost 100 Old Girls and a handful of present senior pupils met and chatted and then heard the remarkable stories of the 2013 recipients; Lisa Harrow, actress; Jill Mandeno, infotech pioneer and business woman; and myself, a culinary professional. I never regard myself as a high achiever but when the citation was read out I was quite astonished to learn of my own accomplishments over thirty years of teaching, cooking, writing and mentoring.

And there's still work to be done for I am passionate to see our own New Zealand food as part of our tourism strategy and for all New Zealanders to recognise and supprt thse who grow and produce our food within our country.

Pictured above, My sister Chris, My niece Rebecca Chrystall, myself and my 90 year old mother Patricia Stevens. All EGGS girls!