On Friday 8th November 2024, the Ferry Project Cookery School was officially opened by The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP.

Invited guests gathered on the Plaza and were served warm mulled apple juice as they hear from Rebecca Howard, Keith Smith and Steve Barclay.

Rebecca Howard, Ferry Project CEO, explained the aim of the Cookery School and how it fitted in with homelessness prevention, rehabilitation as well as other roles to do with the improvement of community health and its wider reach and appeal to the general public as well as local businesses.

Keith Smith, outgoing CEO, thanked a variety of individuals and organisations who helped make the Cookery School possible including the major financial donors, Cambridgeshire County Council and Allison Homes. Thanks was also given to the entire Ferry Project staff team, the maintenance team, Rebecca Howard who project managed the refurbishment, and Alison Crouch the Cookery School Tutor. Altro who donated the new kitchen flooring and to Simply Interiors for laying it. Also a bit thank you was given to Needs, Howdens who supplied the kitchen equipment and JBE who helped with the mechanical and electrical services.

Steve Barclay paid tribute to the outstanding work of Ferry Project and noted how it was a ‘shining jewel’ in Wisbech.

He then unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon, officially opening the Cookery School.

Afterwards, guests were able to tour the new kitchen facilities and see some live-action demonstrations of some cookery in progress.

Then they retired to the Lawrence Room where bubbly and a variety of cakes and canapes were available.

There are a wide variety of classes and events happening at the Ferry Project Cookery School that are open to members of the general public, with funds being ploughed back into the work of the charity enabling them to continue to support homeless people in Fenland, helping them to get a fresh start in life.

To book a place on a course or to find out more, visit our website ferryproject.org.uk/cookery-school