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Cooks’ Charity

The Cooks’ Charity has traditionally been used to support major projects related to the catering industry. Over recent years financial help has been given to Bournemouth University , Hackney Community College and the Academy of Culinary Arts amongst many others.

In 1994, the Company gave funds to Bournemouth University for the establishment of a Centre for Culinary Research - The Worshipful Company of Cooks Centre for Culinary Research at Bournemouth University.   They developed an active research programme into public sector catering, which continues today under the banner of the International Conference of Culinary Arts and Sciences (ICCAS) including the publication of many academic papers.

In June 1997 a sizeable grant was approved for building a training flat and the refurbishment of a kitchen to help students with disabilities and learning difficulties at Hackney Community College .

In 2000 the Company supported the Academy of Culinary Arts by funding the appointment of an Administrator for their ‘Adopt a School’ campaign. In this programme a chef ‘adopts’ a school and helps to instil young children with an interest in good food.

Together with the other Associated Companies, the Mercers, Masons and Broderers the Cooks Company contributes annually to a joint Charitable fund which is awarded by each of the Companies in turn to a suitable cause.

The Company also supports annually the Lord Mayors Appeal, the Royal British Legion, the Sons of the Clergy Charity and Warfield Parochial Charities as well as making a host of small donations in response to appeals that circulate among Livery Companies.

Recent charity ventures include:

  • CancerBACUP, Europe 's leading cancer information service – to support the publication of a menu book for people undergoing chemotherapy.
  • The reprinting of one of the earliest cookbooks - ‘A Proper Newe Booke of Cokerye’ ( Corpus Christi ) belonging to the wife of Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury 1559-1575.
  • St. John Ambulance (London District) - for a catering vehicle, known as the ‘bronze teapot’ for St John’s members use at major events. This vehicle was chosen to be branded by the Worshipful Company of Carmen.

The fund also provides pocket money for the Company’s nominees at Christ’s Hospital School and maintains a grave at Highgate Cemetery.