Robert Ditty, Master Baker and Beekeeper and Robert McDonald, Master Chef put on a fascinating Christmas Cookery Demo at Robert's Castledawson Bakery recently.

The event was organised by Randalstown & District Beekeepers and was in aid of GI.F.T. International (Grassroots Initiatives, Funding and Training), a local charity run by Janet Wilson and Catherine Gleave. Janet and Catherine raise money for small, family businesses in Kenya which are all environmentally friendly and self sustaining including beekeeping projects.

The evening was a great success with the two Roberts giving a fascinating insight into the world of good food, cooked well, using the best of local ingredients. The theme was Christmas and several of the recipes used Robert Dittys prizewinning honey from his own bees.

Robert Ditty is a well known Master Baker who took up beekeeping just over two years ago. Robert McDonald, is a Master Chef, well known in Northern Ireland and is currently Head Chef at The Central Bar, Ballycastle. Both are members of The Slow Food Movement.

Says Robert Ditty

"Slow Food UK works to ensure good, clean and fair food is a right for everyone. By this we mean that food should taste good and be enjoyed; be produced in a way which respects the environment, human health and animal welfare; and that food producers are paid a fair wage."

"Slow Food UK is a not-for-profit organisation, with key charitable objectives of educating the public in British food heritage from production to food skills, promoting healthy eating, British agriculture and artisan food products, and championing biodiversity."



"Beekeeping and producing my own honey is just one part of my approach to good food, I was delighted to be given the opportunity by Randalstown & District Beekeepers to demonstrate some simple ideas for Christmas, using honey and local ingredients along with my good friend Robert McDonald, as well as raising money for a very good cause".

Robert McDonald, Master Chef said, "It was a pleasure to work with Robert at this event, we are determined to raise awareness of good, local produce and it was the ideal opportunity to create simple recipes such as honey roasted parsnip soup, honey and marmalade duck glaze using Roberts honey and give the audience of local beekeepers the opportunity to taste everything at the end of the evening to the benefit of both local producers and Kenyan beekeepers".

The evening raised #475 which was presented to Janet Wilson and Catherine Gleave

Randalstown & District Beekeepers are running a Beekeeping Course for beginners at Greenmount College in February 2011.

For further information, contact The Secretary, Caroline Thomson on 02894453655.