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Where it all began...
Emily-Jane Dale
Emily-Jane Dale
Emily-Jane Dale
Emily-Jane worked in media for many years, but lost her job due to the pandemic. She'd always loved cooking, and trained as a chef when she left school. Faced with the opportunity to do something she loved, Emily-Jane created "Auntie Em's Kitchen" sharing her world food recipes for all types of events.
When Emily-Jane spotted a post online from Football Fun Factory (who provide holiday activities funded by the council), looking for catering help, she stepped forward.
Through the grapevine, Milton Keynes being an exceptional community, she discovered that Bav from MK Cookery School was providing a similar service.
"We realised really quickly that our thoughts are really very closely aligned when it comes to helping within the community" - and so they joined forces, eventually leading to the formation of Auntie's Cookery Academy!
Bav Patel
Emily-Jane Dale
Emily-Jane Dale
In 2017, after working in hospitality for giants of industry like Pizza Express, Bav realised a dream she'd had for a long time.
Her passion for food - eating it, cooking it, trying it, led her to take on the challenge of running Milton Keynes Cookery School.
Along with husband Sam, Bav has since taken the school from strength to strength, providing a huge variety of courses, corporate days and catering for events.
In the Milton Keynes area over the past few years, Bav and the cookery school have often been involved in community projects.
"I've always aspired to contribute to the broader community, and upon meeting Emily, I not only discovered a lifelong friend but also a kindred spirit who shares my passions. Establishing this charity will empower us to breathe life into all the incredible ideas we've envisioned together."
OUr Trustees
Belle Lawrence
Steve Dryden-Hall
Steve Dryden-Hall
Chair - Marketing
Passionate about social justice and a huge foodie, Belle brings 20 years of marketing and advertising experience to the Board. Belle just loves rolling her sleeves up and getting stuck in to every project, in several ways! Belle also loves to champion and support people, and as well as asking asking "why not", she paves the way to "we did it!".
Belle’s network in the hospitality and marketung industry, as well as her background in corporate negotiations and operations lends itself greatly to the building and ongoing success of Auntie’s Cookery Academy.
Steve Dryden-Hall
Steve Dryden-Hall
Steve Dryden-Hall
Co-Chair - Fundraising
Steven brings a wealth of assets to the Auntie’s Cookery Academy table. With a passion for food, service, and helping others, Steven is well-connected within the business community in MK. Through his roles in MKFLA, Boom 7, and MK Eats, he has cultivated a strong database and networking prowess.
His expertise extends to event planning, effortlessly sourcing items needed for various occasions.
Steven boasts an impressive array of influencer and media contacts, making him a valuable resource for our project in the Milton Keynes area.
Liz Micklem
Steve Dryden-Hall
Liz Micklem
Treasurer
Liz has worked in finance for 15 years across a wide range of clients, charities and industries. She loves the figures! But more importantly what they mean, and how they help steer decisions that will help Auntie’s Cookery Academy grow and meet its objectives. Working with different clients day in, day out means she’s seen it all when it comes to finances. Navigating the technical terms, adapting to different challenges and fundamentally helping growth. Outside of being a ‘boring’ accountant she spends her time eating (of course!), dog walking and watching rugby.
our network
Our course has been developed alongside Learn Plus Us to create the Award certification and ensure safeguarding.
Working with Milton Keynes City Council means that care leavers have the opportunity to be referred to our course.
We interact with Become to understand the challenges that care leavers face, keeping up with the latest data.