On Saturday 7th June, four families who come to Helen & Douglas House were welcomed to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons for a magical morning at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School. Raymond was one of our guest speakers at our 2024 annual Christmas Concert at Christ Church. At this concert he met Nathan who we care for and who loves cooking, and so Raymond invited Nathan and some other children to his cookery school.
The families were greeted with tea, coffee, cakes and pastries in the beautiful La Belle Epoque (private dining space), setting the tone for a truly special experience.
A personal greeting from Raymond
Once everyone was settled, the children were invited into the kitchen where Raymond Blanc greeted them personally with hugs and handshakes. When the children mentioned they loved Taylor Swift, her music was soon playing in the background, bringing lots of smiles.
Cooking, senses and laughter
The cooking session began with chocolate mousse – whisking egg whites and learning why it’s made first to allow it time to set. The children then moved on to making pasta sauces, exploring ingredients through taste, smell, and touch. They crushed basil in their hands, smelled onions, and sampled heritage tomatoes and chocolate.
A particularly funny moment happened when Raymond forgot to put the lid on the blender while making pistou (French pesto) – and it ended up on the ceiling! The children couldn’t stop laughing, and it became a highlight of the day.
Rolling pasta and sundaes galore
Everyone had a chance to help make fresh pasta using the pasta machine, feeling the dough roll through their fingers and learning how it’s made from scratch. Raymond then cooked the pasta and served it with the sauces they had created.
Afterwards came a surprise: a tray of ice cream, meringues, marshmallows, and chocolate curls. Raymond made delicious ice cream sundaes for everyone. For one child who didn’t like ice cream, Raymond prepared a special dessert just for him – a small act that made a big impact.
Gifts, goodies and garden strolls
While the children were cooking, parents waiting in the lounge were offered champagne, cocktails and drinks of their choice. Before leaving, they received goodie bags filled with cakes and pastries and enjoyed a walk around Le Manoir’s beautiful gardens.
Each child was given a gift bag with a Le Manoir cookbook and a teddy bear, personally signed by Raymond and sous chef Mikey. He spent time with each child, chatting, laughing, and writing messages.
Joy, singing and memories made
One of the children led a group sing-along of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’, which even Raymond and his sous chef Mikey joined in with! The atmosphere was light-hearted and full of laughter. Raymond stayed posing for photos, signing more autographs, and sharing in the joy and jokes of the day.
Every part of the experience was designed with care so that every child, regardless of ability, could take part – whether through touch, smell, or taste. Raymond and his team went above and beyond to make it an inclusive and joyful experience for every family and staff member present.
A few words from our families
“Thank you so much for today, Darcy and Richard had a wonderful time. We’re going to buy a pasta making machine for Father’s Day!”
“It was AMAZING, thank you so much for inviting us.”
“Raymond was so lovely when Nathan met him at the Helen & Douglas House Christmas Concert and invited him and some friends to his cookery school. It was magical watching my son laugh and learn something new. He enjoyed every minute and the food was amazing. All the staff were lovely and all joined in. Another dream come true thanks to Helen & Douglas House.”
“Thank you so so much for today, both Vinnie and myself had an amazing morning. Vinnie was so happy Raymond walked him to the car holding his hand.”
And from Vinnie himself:
“There are no words in the dictionary to describe today.”
Thank you
From everyone at Helen & Douglas House, we want to say a massive thank you to Raymond, Mikey, Kate and Leanda and everyone at Le Manoir for such a magical and memorable day. At Helen & Douglas House we help local children live life to the full, packing their short lives full of wonderful experiences and creating great memories for their parents and carers.
The kindness, generosity, and attention to every detail by Raymond and the team at Le Manoir created so many magical moments for our children, families, and staff. It was a wonderful day – one our families won’t forget!