We recently funded a four‑week beginner cookery course delivered by Fresh Beginnings, as part of our Destination Kingsway/Stewards programme.

Led by Barbara from Fresh Beginnings, the sessions took place throughout January and February at the DCBL Stadium. Five local residents came together each week to build their confidence in the kitchen and learn how to create hearty, budget‑friendly meals — particularly valuable for larger families in the Kingsway and Stewards areas.

Over the four weeks, the group cooked a variety of hearty homemade meals, including: 

• Curry with naan
• Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread
• Mac and cheese with lemon mousse
• Chicken soup with bread rolls

The course placed a strong emphasis on affordability, nutrition, and building practical cooking skills - all with the aim of helping households create filling meals that don’t compromise on flavour.

To support their continued learning at home, each participant received a £20 voucher, a set of measuring spoons, digital kitchen scales, and a Fresh Beginnings cookbook upon completing the programme. 

We would like to say a huge thank you to Barbara for delivering such uplifting and confidence‑boosting sessions, and congratulations to all five participants for getting hands‑on and producing some fantastic dishes. 

To stay up to date with Fresh Beginnings’ community work and future courses, follow them on Facebook: Fresh Beginnings Facebook