Mary Berry charity dinner raises £30,000

Mary Berry, Archbishop and Frances Atkins Amazed at Youth Trust Fundraiser

 Over £30,000 was raised at an evening hosted by Bowcliffe Hall on Friday 17^th May in aid of the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

Mary Berry and the Archbishop of York, Bowcliffe Hall

70 guests joined the Archbishop of York at Bowcliffe Hall on Friday evening to enjoy a five-course menu designed and cooked by the Michelin-starred chef Frances Atkins of The Yorke Arms. Mary Berry, and her son Tom, were among the guests attending this event, which was provided courtesy of Jonathan Turner, owner of Bowcliffe Hall.

Guests heard from two schools currently taking part in the Young Leaders Award (YLA), run by the Youth Trust. Students from St Johns CE Primary Academy in Brighouse and Bishop Young Academy in Seacroft shared their experiences of the YLA in addition to partaking in a cookery lesson from Frances Atkins and helping the Bowcliffe team serve canapes to the guests.

The Youth Trust aims to inspire generations of young leaders to change the world for the better by developing character and leadership skills. Through the YLA, the Youth Trust has empowered over 80,000 young people in 650 schools to learn and practice leadership skills that make a difference in other people’s lives.

Young Leader Daniel Cheetham (Bishop Young Academy) year 8, Mary Berry, Jonathan Turner in his  home made replica Blackburn Aircraft, Archbishop of York and Young Leader Charlotte Pratt (Bishop Young Academy) year 8.

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said:

“It has been a thoroughly enjoyable evening, the food and company outstanding! It was a joy and delight to hear from the young people what they have learned from their experience of the Young Leaders Award. Working together, thinking of others and serving their communities brings light into our world, and change for the better. Young People are our future. Through the generosity and support of the guests this evening the Youth Trust will be able to reach more schools and encourage more young people to make a difference. Fantastic!”

Mary Berry said:

“Delighted to be invited by Archbishop of York to such a special evening. I am all for supporting the young and the Youth Trust is supporting our children for the future. Bowcliffe Hall is a beautiful venue and Frances Atkins food was simply delicious. Wonderful evening.” 

Jonathan Turner concluded:

“The event has been a success in every aspect and all the monies raised will further boost the inspirational work of the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust in developing the next generation of leaders. An enormous ‘thank you’ to everyone involved for making the evening so memorable.”  

Cause UK provided fundraising, PR and event management services to this project.

Photo above shows Ella Longbottom, Year 6 (from St John’s Academy Clifton) with Mary Berry

Photo right shows: Frances Atkins, Mary Berry, with Young Leaders Daniel Cheetham (Bishop Young Academy) year 8, Ella Longbottom year 6 (St John@s Academy Clifton) and the Archbishop of York in the kitchen at Bowcliffe Hall

All Photo Credits: Charlotte Graham