Thatcham girl scoops prize in High Sheriff's cookery competition

Open to secondary school pupils and college students across Berkshire, and following an initial heat held on October 11 at Reading College, the grand final of the competition, hosted by the High Sheriff, Chris Khoo, was judged by Newbury College chef, Malcolm Baggott.
The winner of the 13 finalists, was Eloise Russell, aged 15, from Kennet School, Thatcham.
Mr Khoo said: “I am delighted at such a wonderfully enthusiastic response to the competition. To see youngsters enjoying themselves in the kitchens is fantastic. These are the chefs of the future.”
Following the competition, a cookery book will be produced featuring recipes and photographs of the dishes prepared by the students and other competitors, together with those from students at Reading and Newbury colleges.
All proceeds from the sales of the cookery book will go to the High Sheriff’s Fund – set up with the Berkshire Community Foundation – to support voluntary groups working to support the High Sheriff’s themes for the year of ‘Harmony, Healing and Hope’.
Mr Khoo was sworn in as the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire at Reading Crown Court, on March 31. A largely ceremonial role, it represents the Queen’s highest judicial officer in the county.
A consultant plastic surgeon, for 25 years at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Aylesbury, and then at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, from 1983, Mr Khoo remains in independent practice locally.