The Really Useful Course

The Avenue's "Really Useful Course", run by Mary Forde and Diana Horsford, specialises in teaching Gap Year and University students a unique mix of cooking and useful everyday skills.

"The Really Useful Formula":

• Intensive cookery course
  plus
• Wine Appreciation
• First Aid
• Personal Finance
• Travel Awareness
• Car Ownership
• Practical Skills

Our cookery course has been designed to guide the inexperienced through a week of well planned, traditional recipes. Each day covers new techniques and recipes. We are a "hands on" course offering plenty of help and support, but at the same time explaining that there is no better route to success than practice.

By the end of 5 intensive days everyone has progressed from a tentative white sauce maker on Monday to a confident soufflé chef on Friday. Emphasis is on healthy, affordable eating with plenty of tips on vegetables and fruit. The course provides a wonderful start to an independent life.

The week is devoted to cooking with two afternoons spent out of the kitchen. On one afternoon there is a Life Saving/First Aid course (certificated) which includes practical resuscitation techniques, coping with serious injury and reacting confidently in emergencies. Flat tyres, flat batteries, accidents and insurance are covered in a second action- packed afternoon together with many more practical skills. On Thursday evening there is a wine lecture followed by a supper party for students' invited guests.