Charity Take Over in @thirty-four

Catering students from our @thirty-four restaurant were paid a visit by Lucknam Park’s Tom Westerland and two former Exeter College students for a charity takeover to support the college’s charities of the year.

Lucknam Park Head Chef Tom trained and guided the students through a bespoke five-course menu; inspired by his own flair for local cuisine with a modern twist. Tom brought two former Exeter College students with him that he currently employs in his restaurant near Bath, to share their experiences of moving from being students to working in the industry.

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused,”
Tom Westerland, Head Chef at Lucknam Park

The guests enjoyed their dining experience, and they managed to raise a fantastic £350 towards the college’s nominated charities for the academic year, Exeter Food Bank and Cancer Research UK.

Tom said, “I want to show the students new food and allow them to try out something different.”

“I think these experiences are really important for our young chefs; the main thing is to bridge the gap between work and college, but also to show them what goes on in the wider world.”

Ian Biggar, the Lead Tutor for the Faculty of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, said: “This is an opportunity for the students to get on first name terms with a respected chef. We open them up to the industry, and that opens them up to employment opportunities.”

After working with and employing Exeter College’s alumni, Tom praised the quality of the chefs produced at the Ofsted Outstanding college.

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused. They’re absolutely outstanding,” said Tom.

You can find out more about our front-of-house and hospitality courses at our next Open Event on the 15th of January 2020.

Applications are open now to study at Exeter College in September 2020.

Exeter College’s Record Breaking Festival of Carols

Exeter College is celebrating a record breaking fundraising year – raising more than £1,400 for charity – at its annual Festival of Carols.

Each year the College raises money at the event for its charity of the year as chosen by the staff and students. This year the college raised a record breaking £1,453.50 in aid of Nightstop Devon. The service took place at a packed Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday 5th December.

Sarah Lakey, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser for Nightstop Devon said:

“Nightstop provides same day emergency overnight accommodation for young homeless people, between the ages of 16-25, in the homes of volunteer hosts who have been trained and vetted. “Young people are referred to Nightstop by agencies and are risk assessed before being placed with a suitable host. Nightstop then works with the young person and other agencies to find them longer term accommodation. “Exeter College are playing a vital role in supporting Nightstop throughout 2018/2019 student year. Money raised will go towards providing 50-70 bed nights a month across Devon.”

The event, sponsored by Lloyds Bank and Pollards Print, included music from the Exeter College Chamber Orchestra, Music Academy ensemble, Big Band and Performing Arts Choir and the audience were encouraged to join in the singing led by the College’s Choral Society.

Principal John Laramy said:

“For me, the Festival of Carols always marks the start of the festive season. It provides an opportunity for our Exeter College students and staff to showcase their immense talent and skill and, as a college, it provides a moment for us to give something back to our local community, who support and work with us throughout the year.”

The Festival began with a stunning candlelit procession, followed by a welcome from college Principal John Laramy and prayers and blessings by the Dean of the Cathedral and Rev’d Christopher Durrant. Guests were invited to sing along with the carols, listen to readings by students, and join in prayer.

Photography taken by Exeter College Foundation Degree Photography students.