Twelve wide-eyed and excited children from Bethany School in Boscombe, Bournemouth, embarked on an unforgettable culinary adventure at Rick Stein Sandbanks, diving into the fascinating world of seafood.

This hands-on experience, generously hosted by the cookery school, introduced the children to an array of ocean delicacies, from mackerel, trout, and hake to the more exotic lobster, crab, langoustines, oysters, and prawns.

The highlight of the morning was an interactive workshop led by the talented Chef Razvan, who captivated the young learners — aged just eight and nine — with his deep knowledge and passion for fish.

The children bravely touched and smelled different fish, gasping in amazement as they examined a hake’s sharp teeth and gills, learned how a spider crab scuttles sideways, and even got up close to a mighty brown jack crab. The children then got to dig into a well-earned treat: Rick Stein’s signature fish and chips, rounded off with a delicious ice-cream dessert.

Elisabeth Rawson-Jones, Pastoral Lead at Bethany CE Junior School, said:

“Thank you Frances and Lorraine for arranging this amazing learning opportunity. Our children gain a huge amount from these experiences at Rick Stein and Chef Razvan is a wonderful teacher. Each visit is inspiring. The children were thrilled with it all and haven’t stopped chattering about everything they saw and tasted since. Thank you Razvan and everyone at Rick Stein Sandbanks”.

Frances Cornelius, chair of Variety Wessex, said:

“This was a really successful morning that gave these deserving children a wonderful experience. Thank you Chef Razvan, for giving your time and expertise to these Bethany pupils. Thank you too everyone at Rick Stein Sandbanks for your generosity and for welcoming us all into your fabulous restaurant and Lorraine Segal for arranging it.”

This extraordinary outing was part of Variety, the Children’s Charity’s ‘Great Days Out’ programme, which creates special experiences for disadvantaged and disabled children. This magical under-the-sea adventure not only broadened young minds but also created lasting memories.