Derry families participate in Urban Villages ‘Cooking On A Budget’ programme

Eight local ‘head of families’ were delighted to complete a ‘Cooking on a Budget’ programme at the Cathedral Youth Club on Monday last and also collected a new air fryer to help get them started in their new cooking journey.

The event, led by Dove House Community Trust, working in partnership with Cathedral Youth Club was funded by Urban Villages and ‘chief cook’ Julie White from the Old Library Trust facilitated the sessions. 

Held as part of the ‘Know It Change It Live it Programme (KCL Programme), the cooking on a budget programme consisted of 4 sessions over 4 weeks and each programme saw Julie working and mentoring eight head of families in all aspects of nutritious cooking.

Speaking at the final evening on Monday, Jayne Quigg, Dove House said it was great to get the course out into the community.

"I’m delighted to see this being such a successful course for local women in helping them to cook nutritious meals that can feed their whole family, and on a budget."

Each week of the course had its own theme and delivered information on wholesome nutritious cooking ideas that help low-income families remain within a budget but still be able to feed everyone in the home.

Course facilitator Julie White, said everyone found the course enjoyable but most of all, informative.

"It was important that we covered all the topics of the programme which included money saving shopping tips; food wastage awareness; energy saving tips as well as managing a weekly budget and even debt advice. All-in-all, the ladies really put their heart and soul into it."

Course participant Marie McLorn praised facilitator Julie for her help, saying, "I really enjoyed participating in the course. We learned a lot including the advantages of using an air fryer. It was a great experience and Julie was most helpful."

Also taking part, Lyndsey Patterson said it increased her confidence in cooking.

COOKING ON A BUDGET!. . . Ladies pictured at Cathedral Youth Club, Fountain on Monday last after completing the Urban Villages 'Know It, Change It, Live It programme, a four weeks course facilitated by Julie White, Old Library Trust (right). Included on left is Jayne Quigg, manager, Dove House, Kathleen Simpson, course participant and Jeanette Warke, manager, Cathedral Youth Club. At back from left with their new air fryers are Audrey Hepburn, Ruth Hepburn, Carol Stephens, Sylvia McIntosh, Janette Walker, Lyndsey Patterson, Julie McBride and Marie McLorn. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

"Taking part in the course here at the Cathedral Youth Club encouraged me to try new recipes and gain more experience with various foods. I look forward to trying out a lot more in the coming months."

It’s hoped similar courses will be held at various venues throughout the Triax neighbourhood in the coming weeks with Jayne Quigg saying to keep an eye on the Dove House Community Trust Facebook pages for more information on upcoming courses.