Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

There were three lines of employment that took my fancy when I was a schoolboy; lorry driving - just like dad, a fairground-ride owner, or a glittering career in broadcasting.

Out of the three, broadcasting was the one I wanted the most but the one I least expected to land.

Although I still get a buzz from the fair, there's no longer the desire to have an Octopus or Terminator ride to call my very own.

As for driving, HGV or otherwise, now it would get right up my exhaust pipe.

So why learn catering? Because I love feeding people!

I've always enjoyed cooking and, although I say so myself, I'm not too bad at it - even though there was a time when my dustbin had gastric ulcers!

I wouldn't have stood a chance if I had gone to catering college straight from school.

No confidence

I simply didn't have the confidence back then, and you need plenty of that in a working kitchen.

The potential pressure should not be underestimated. However I have been surprised at how much I've learnt in such a short space of time.

It's been a good, if not slightly unnerving experience to be a student again after more than 30 years.

I haven't been shouted at yet, but I think people are simply being polite!

As well as my regular trips to City College, I've also worked in the Army cookhouse on the barracks at Swanton Morley, the cafeteria at the Norfolk And Norwich University Hospital and helped make two delicious lemon cheesecakes at the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth.

Oh, and I look a complete dish in my kitchen whites!

I would recommend catering to other people but only if you have nerves of stainless steel... give it a go you never know what you might learn.