Some Christchurch dads are finding out more about cooking healthy meals with their children at a course arranged for them by Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust and Somerford Children’s Centre.

Nutrionist and author Ester Davies is tutoring a group of some 20 dads and kids during a six-week course being held on Saturday mornings at facilities at The Grange School. The programme is aimed at giving the dads tips on easy and healthy recipes which they can cook but also finding ways to involve their children, some as young as five or six, in the culinary activities.

The programme has introduced the dads to a variety of recipes, including stir-fry spicy pasta, kebabs and Mediterranean roast vegetables, strawberry shortcake and traditional apple crumble with custard.

All family members taking part are clearly enjoying the experience. One of the dads Toby Whiting, who attends with his seven-year-old son Louis, said: “It’s fun and exciting and both of us are learning new things. I’ve already cooked two of the dishes I’ve been taught here at home and I’ve made my first ever cake!”

Eleven-year-old Alfie Cork-Simpson said: “It’s amazing – I’ve learnt how to peel vegetables properly and cut them into batons, for example.” And his father, David Simpson, added: “We’ve learnt some very effective recipes and the whole programme has been well thought-out.”

Ester Davies said: “This is great way of getting dads and kids together and finding bonds through food. By building stronger bonds within families we’re helping to build a stronger community in our own small way.

“I’m very grateful to the Food Festival Education Trust for funding the programme and being involved in encouraging our young people to develop cooking skills that will help them to be self-sufficient in the future. I would also like to thank Mrs Cooper from The Grange School for allowing us to use these fantastic facilities on Saturday mornings.”

The Dads’ Club, based at Somerford Children’s Centre, contacted the Food Festival Education Trust whose trustees were happy to provide funding for the course.