http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/Chef-Rob-helps-save-the.4839239.jpChef Rob helps save the day
Published Date: 02 January 2009
A WOMAN who gives up her Christmas day to cook lunch for 50 people was helped by her own Good Samaritan this time.
Alison Pettitt organised her third Christmas lunch at Bourne Abbey Church Hall for people who would otherwise have spent the day alone.
But when the day came and she was feeling under the weather with a cold, one of her helpers stepped up to cook the meal so Mrs Pettitt could put her feet up.
Former chef Rob Cochran, 25, who trained under Gordon Ramsay, took charge of the kitchen.Mrs Pettitt, 57, of Pinewood Close, Bourne, has cooked the meal herself since she began organising the lunch in 2006.
She said: "I wasn't very well but one of my helpers, Rob, turned out to be a top chef.
"He was absolutely brilliant and he made the most wonderful dinner. I didn't know mashed potatoes could taste so good. He really saved the day and everyone had a really lovely time."
Rob, of North Road, Bourne, modestly said there were other helpers who con-tributed more than him.
He said: "There were lots of people there helping, I only did what I could.
"There were two teenagers helping as well, which is really good.
"I didn't have any plans for Christmas so I just thought it would be nice to give something back and I really enjoyed the lunch.
"It was nice to see everyone enjoying them-selves."
After leaving New College Stamford, Mr Cochran spent six years working as a chef, including nine months at Claridge's in London alongside Gordon Ramsay.
He now works for his father's firm Gordon's Photographic, in North Street, Bourne, after deciding he wanted a change from the unsociable hours.
He said: "Gordon Ramsay was really nice and I loved being a chef but I couldn't work 18 hour days.
"It was nice to do some cooking again though and the lunch is a very good occassion.
"I will definitely consider helping out again next year."
Some of the people who attended have already signed up for 2009's Christmas dinner.
For more information contact Mrs Pettitt on 01778 422823.
