Brecon Beacons College Has The Recipe For Success!

A cookbook with a difference is capturing the hearts and the stomachs of the community in Brecon – it even has Rugby International Dan Lydiate hooked.

The former Brecon Beacons College sports student and Fellow, has added his weight to the community project, to the delight of college staff who are behind the venture.

The College is hoping to cook up a storm by producing a book, made up of tasty recipes donated by those connected to the community, and selling it to raise funds for local good causes including Brecon Foodbank and St John’s Centre.

Flanker Dan Lydiate, who was recalled to the Welsh squad to play Ireland, stepped forward and provided a delicious recipe for none other than a hearty Beef Cawl. Local MS and current Minister for Education in Wales, Kirsty Williams has also kindly supported this project.  Along with her family, they have agreed and contributed a home favourite, that triggers for them many fond memories and a connection to the United States.  The ‘Sloppy Joe’ recipe is definitely one to look out for!

Jo Howells, Adult and Community Education officer and Sara Miles, Marketing and Communications Assistant at Brecon Beacons College are behind the project. Working closely with Alix Miller, St. Johns Centre Community Worker and Tracy Parry, who runs Brecon Foodbank.

“The principle behind the project is to work collectively to produce a cookbook made up of contributions from across the Brecon area, said Jo.

“Our starting point was the joining of three organisations, Brecon Beacons College (Part of the NPTC Group of Colleges) St. Johns Centre (and the Wellbeing Projects) and Brecon Foodbank. Other local individuals and business kindly became involved and the project grew with contributions donated,” added Jo.

When complete the books will be produced bilingually and printed by the College before being made available for sale. The proceeds of sales will go to the community projects to further support the services they offer.

“The proceeds will go to worthwhile causes, added Sara.  “We are hoping to get the book completed by Spring. We really want to thank all those who have taken the time to contribute to the book. We couldn’t have done it without all the support.”

Brecon Foodbank started in 2014 by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. Now based in St John’s Family Centre. The food bank works in partnership with many local agencies such as Brecon Mind, and Brecon Advice Centre. Clients visit from the surrounding area too. It relies on goodwill and support and their shopping lists are posted on Facebook and on their webpage. They gratefully take non-perishable food items that are in date and not opened. 

St John’s Family Centre is in St John’s Ward and its projects strive to lighten the cost of healthy eating and support the local community through the wellbeing project, including a luncheon club, food co-op, garden project and cooking clubs. It works closely with Brecon Foodbank and other local charities to support the more vulnerable parts of the community.