George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Murder On The Dancefloor

Listen Live

Royal Navy challenges Ripon pupils to cook-off competition

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 08:30

Members of the Royal Navy Catering Services visited Ripon Grammar School.

Ripon Grammar students were challenged to a cooking competition by the Royal Navy last week.

Year 10 food and nutrition students were divided into four teams and handed boxes of ingredients by serving members of the Royal Navy Catering Services.

Cooking against the clock, they were asked to create a main course and dessert, with each team handed a mystery selection of special ingredients to enable them to make their dish stand out from the others.

Students had one hour to present their finished dishes during the interactive MasterChef-style lesson.

The contest formed just one part of the day, which saw the Navy representatives outline the varied career paths on offer to school leavers interested in joining the UK’s naval force, with roles including nursing, engineering and working on aircraft and submarines.

The teenagers also got to find out about life in Royal Navy catering, as the Navy cooks, Eliot Dunk and Michael Wiggins spoke about service life and provided an insight into the Navy’s educational, sporting and social opportunities.

Head of food and nutrition, Louise Solden, said the session was “hugely enjoyable.”

She said:

“Students benefited from hands-on experience of cooking two, high-skill dishes in an exercise that tested their initiative, teamwork, communication and time-keeping skills, something that will help prepare them for their GCSE.

“The time constraints meant they had to focus and work as cohesive teams in order to finish the challenge, and they all performed fantastically.”

RGS head of careers, Bob Walker, added:

“All the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learnt new skills working as a team, and produced some great food.

“They also learnt a lot about the Navy and career options within the Navy.”

More from Local News

Harrogate BID and Your Harrogate to deliver free social media training for businesses

Your Harrogate has partnered with Harrogate BID to deliver a series of free social media training sessions for BID Members, aimed at helping them strengthen their online presence.
Supporting Older People's summer ball returns to Harrogate

Supporting Older People (SOP) has announced the return of its much-loved Summer Ball.
First look inside Ripon's new health and wellbeing hub

A new health and wellbeing business has opened in one of Ripon's most recognisable retail locations.
Harrogate MP: Small businesses 'simply cannot afford' shoplifting spate

Local MP Tom Gordon has said small businesses "simply cannot afford" for a recent rise in shoplifting to continue.
New salon opens on Knaresborough's High Street

A new hair salon has opened its doors on the High Street in Knaresborough, offering a range of styling and treatment services.
Horticap celebrates double win at Harrogate Flower Show

A Harrogate horticulture charity is celebrating a double award win at this year's Harrogate Spring Flower Show.
Harrogate headteacher shortlisted for national award

A Harrogate headteacher has been shortlisted for a national award dubbed the 'Oscars' of the education sector.
Harrogate woman wins full tank as part of Free Fuel Friday

A Harrogate woman has won our first 'Free Fuel Friday' and bagged a full tank of fuel.
Harrogate schoolchildren recognised for protecting wildlife

Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School have been recognised by UK charity SongBird Survival for helping local songbirds survive the winter months.
Planners recommend go-ahead for Harrogate padel courts

Retrospective plans for two padel courts at a Harrogate gym are set to be given the go-ahead by councillors next week, despite concerns from local residents.
Harrogate district businesses shortlisted for annual Muddy Stilettos Awards

A whopping 35 businesses in the Harrogate area have been named as finalists in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards.
Body of man missing for five months found

A body has been discovered in the search for a man missing for more than five months, police have revealed.
Roads to close for St George's Parade in Harrogate

Various local scout groups will be marching through the streets of Harrogate this weekend as part of the St George's Parade.
Artisan bakery chain tight-lipped on new Harrogate café

A well-known artisan bakery chain has declined to comment on reports it's preparing to open in Harrogate - its first location in Yorkshire.
Harrogate sisters to run London Marathon for hospice that cared for their mum

Two Harrogate sisters are preparing to take on the London Marathon in memory of their mum - while raising thousands of pounds for a local hospice that supported their family.
Controversial library network reconfiguration has led to better service, say council leaders

Senior councillors say the controversial reconfiguration of North Yorkshire’s library network has resulted in a better service for users.
Man arrested for false imprisonment after police incident in Knaresborough

Police have arrested a man following a 'stand-off' in Knaresborough earlier today.
North Yorkshire EV charger roll-out 'paused not abandoned'

North Yorkshire Council's plans to install hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the county have been "paused not abandoned", say council chiefs.
Councillors agree transfer of historic Ripon Town Hall to city council

Funding will be sought to restore Ripon's historic town hall following the transfer of ownership to the city council, councillors have been told.
Harrogate pupils welcome roarsome visitor to school playground

Oatlands Infant School pupils had a 'roarsome' visitor this morning.