Rachel’s TV win is just glorious
Rachel Janes, third right, is part of the Star Bistro team which has won a regional heat in Food Glorious Food
Millions of TV viewers have seen a Dunstable 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, enjoy sweet success in a national cookery contest.
Rachel Janes is a member of the Star Bistro team, which has won a regional heat in ITV’s Food Glorious Food.
Now the team is through to the semi-finals, and will appear on the show again on April 10.
The Star Bistro team’s Star Pimm’s summer jelly delighted the judges, including Anne Harrison, Tom Parker Bowles and Stacie Stewart.
Loyd Grossman and Carol Vorderman are also involved in the Wednesday night show.
The bistro is based at the National Star College, near Cheltenham, which supports young people with complex disabilities.
And the team competing in the TV contest includes Rachel, fellow students Tristan Blick, 19, and Georgina Ivins, 18, and former student Joe Cook.
The winners of the series will collect £20,000 and have their dish produced and sold by Marks & Spencer.
Rachel, who is in her third year at the college, works in the bistro, which is open to the public.
That involves working in front of house, serving customers, and in the kitchen.
When she leaves college, her dream is to work in a cafe, with some support.
Rachel uses an iPad to communicate with customers.
During her time at the college, she has improved her communication skills and has grown in confidence.
She said: “I’ve enjoyed working on the TV series, though it has been nerve-racking!
“I was a bit nervous but we all enjoyed it.”
The college is a national centre of excellence, with students from across the country.
Principal Kathryn Rudd said: “It was a great experience for the students because they had to work as a team under pressure and change roles to do tasks they did not normally do.
“The experience has been amazing and all four have grown in self-confidence.”
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Tuesday 18 June 2013
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