SERC Lecturer Shortlisted for National Award
7th May 2025
South Eastern Regional College Chef Lecturer, Brian Magill, has been shortlisted for a Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2025 in the Culinary Hero category.
The shortlist recognises the work Brian and his students have completed on the Freezer Friends initiative with Bangor Food Bank and with support from the local community.
The Freezer Friends initiative is a pioneering project addressing food poverty while providing real-world experience for students. He has established a framework where surplus fresh produce is transformed into nutritious, frozen ready meals, which are distributed to foodbanks, outreach centres, and social supermarkets. The project continues to expand, involving local businesses, farms, and councils, creating a sustainable model of education and social impact.
Paul Mercer, Principal Lecturer, School of Business, Health and Hospitality at SERC said, “It is such an achievement for Brian to be shortlisted for these national awards. Brian is an outstanding and innovative Chef Lecturer whose passion for education, industry collaboration, and social responsibility has made a transformative impact on both students and the wider community.
“With nearly 20 years of experience, he continuously goes above and beyond to create dynamic, industry-relevant learning experiences that equip students with essential culinary skills while fostering a strong sense of community engagement.”
Brian has led multiple food poverty projects. His students have created and shared low-cost, family-friendly recipe videos, contributed to community meal events, and provided a steady supply of meals for those in need. Under his leadership, the annual community Christmas dinner serves more than 400 three-course meals to local people who are experiencing financial difficulties. His partnerships with local councils, retailers such as Tesco and Asda, the YMCA, and community groups have strengthened these initiatives, ensuring long-term impact.
The Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Hero Award is subject to a public vote until 16 May. Your support to help recognise Brian would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to share the link with your colleagues, family and friends and encourage them to vote for Brian at: https://cgcawards.co.uk/5/culinary-hero-award-vote
