Chef gives back to his alma mater

Staff Reporter|Published 1 year ago

From left, are students (trainee chefs) Tatum Palmer, Melissa Van Staden, Laeeq Gamba and chefs Leon and Robin Marney.

A former student of Fairmount High School, and his wife, recently gave Melissa Van Staden, Laeeq Gamba, two of the top hospitality matrics, the necessary experience they will need for a cooking competition they will be taking part in.

Leon Marney, and his wife Robyn, have their own catering business. They train students online, lecture hospitality training occasionally at Bergvliet High School, and cater both private and corporate events.

The couple have been teaching a group of meteorologists (researchers from Antarctica Legacy South Africa - ALSA) who had to train to cook as they will be spending 13 months doing Research on Marion Island.

Pictured are the researchers with the chefs.

Mr Marney said: “The first day, they were at Food Jams, and the second day, they came to Fairmount, (on April 7 and April 8). A group of students were taught how to cook and work with the ingredients they will have on their 13-month working trip away to the Marion Islands.

The team included the school’s pupils Melissa and Laeeq in the training.

Mr Marney attended Fairmount High and matriculated in 1997. He has always had a passion for food and training. Both he and his wife have 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Mr Marney thanked Terrence Klassen, teacher and former principal of Fairmount, and the students Melissa and Laeeq for their assistance.

“We are surely looking forward to many more events,” he said.

Mr Klassen said: “I am very grateful to chef Leon and chef Robyn for selecting Fairmount’s hospitality venue to do the practical sessions with the group and also for taking our hospitality students under his wing, giving them the necessary experience, as they have been registered by their hospitality teacher, Ms Julie, to participate in the International Hotel School Competition later this year.

“We would like all of our former students to follow Mr Marney’s example by getting involved in our school by offering their services, expertise, resources and time. It does not always have to be money although that would also be welcomed,” said Mr Klassen.