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 The hard work of Villa's 900-strong team of operational staff was celebrated at the Opstars Awards. The club runs a unique scheme that offers matchday staff incentives during the season. Staff from various departments came together for a special awards ceremony in the Holte Suite, where a host of gongs were handed out in a series of categories.
Among the winners was Executive Chef Peter Reed who received an outstanding contribution award for his unrivalled enthusiasm and commitment to the hospitality and events department.
Kevin Annett, who has already received a clutch of awards in his short career, was handed the young chef of the season gong for delightful dishes in the Directors Boardroom. Three years ago, he excelled when he was voted Midlands young chef of the year and also won gold this year at the Hospitality Awards. Peter Inger emerged victorious in the best senior chef category after making mouth-watering meals all season in Trinity.
Villa's own pastry chef Craig Gent, who wowed diners at the 'chocoholics' event held in VMF a few weeks ago, was handed the special achievement award for his homemade desserts. Other notable winners included Elliott Myers in the best food service assistant category, Michael Jones in the best executive supervisor category, Andrew Roadknight in the best kitchen porter category and Geraldine Mathewson in the best kiosk cook category. All staff that help bring the matchday experience together are winners and we couldn’t do it without their dedication.
Winners Elliott Myers - First place in best food service assistant category Michael Jones - First place in best executive supervisor category Rude Kabeya - First place in best executive manager category Herve Basabose - First place in best bar team leader category Jeanette Gibbons - First place in best host/hostess category Daniel Smith - First place in best executive bar staff category Andrew Roadknight - First place in best kitchen porter category Charlene Steele - First place in best kiosk supervisor category Taureen Bennett - First place in best kiosk operative category Geraldine Mathewson - First place in best kiosk cook category Peter Inger - First place in best chef category Michael O'Donnell - First place in best matchday customer service host category Kevin Annett - First place in the young chef of the season category Natasha Geen - First place in best matchday support category Craig Gent - Special achievement award Pete Reed – Outstanding contribution to AVHE |