A Burnham-On-Sea teenager was last night (Friday) presented with a prestigious award for her volunteering work with the town’s Food Festival.

At the 2014 ‘Pride of Somerset Youth Awards’, run by the Rotary Club, Maddy Francis, 15, was recognised for her voluntary work in promoting home cooking amongst her peers and to visitors at the twice-a-year festivals.

Maddy was nominated by the festival’s organisers, Beverley and Sarah Milner Simonds, who are pictured with her at Friday’s event.

Beverley explained: “Maddy first expressed an interest in volunteering for the Food Festival after she won a local Rotary Club cooking contest. She gave a single-handed cooking demonstration at the May 2013 festival to a large audience where she captivated the audience and was able to answer their many questions, giving advice on baking.

“At the launch of the September festival she confidently spoke to media journalists about encouraging young people into home-cooking. At the September 2013 festival she came back, by popular demand, to give another brilliantly proficient and engaging demonstration to a large audience. She was also a key part of the judging panel for the Great Burnham Bake-Off, with over 70 entries, alongside high-profile local figures. She has also contributed to our developing ideas to support fledgling businesses.”

“Her commitment to the educational aims of the festival has proved her to be an admirable ambassador for youth engagement and healthy eating. Her confidence and skill under pressure shows her to be an exceptional individual. She has huge drive and independence of spirit and I am confident that she will inspire many other young people to learn to cook, be an active part of their community, and challenge themselves to speak up for what they are passionate about.”

The judges of the awards agreed, saying Maddy “is an admirable ambassador for youth engagement and healthy eating. Her confidence and skill under pressure shows her to be an exceptional individual. She has huge drive and independence of spirit.”

Maddy said: “It was an honour to be nominated. I have aspirations to open a patisserie in Burnham-On-Sea and this award has further encouraged me that I have great potential.”

Simon Francis, Maddy’s father, said: “As Maddy’s parents we would like to pass on our thanks to Bev and Sarah for the support they have shown her. From firstly giving her the chance to present at the Food Festival to nominating her for this award, they have given her some great opportunities and encouragement.”

Meanwhile, Ellie Deane, the Food Festival’s Chief Marshall, also received a highly commended award during Friday night’s ceremony.

Beverly said: “Alongside her boundless enthusiasm she has quickly showed an aptitude for volunteer co-ordination; notably recruiting volunteers, vetting applications and managing the team on the day of the event. She has successfully managed a team of volunteers, ensuring they were motivated and in the right place at the right time at all of our festivals so far. She has also been invaluable with logistics in the lead up to the event and responsibilities have also included mapping the stall holders; ensuring Health and Safety guidelines are met, and managing press contact both prior to the event and on the day. Eleanor’s contribution has helped the festival grow rapidly and safely to now attract over 7,000 visitors, achieve national recognition and be a great free day out.”

Maddy and Ellie were presented with their award by Emma Britton, a radio presenter at BBC Somerset, which is one of the sponsors of the awards.

 
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