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Spurtles
are at the ready with an invitation to porridge-makers far and wide
to battle it out for the title of World Porridge Making Champion 2006.
The 13th
annual World Porridge Making Championship is set to be held in the
Scottish Highland village of Carrbridge on Sunday October 8.
The organisers
of this popular event are now calling for entries from anyone who
thinks they are worthy to take the honour of wining the world title.
Entries are
invited from restaurant and hotel chefs as well as guest houses and
bed and breakfast establishments across Scotland and further afield
along with individuals who consider themselves to make a championship
bowl of porridge.
The title of
World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the contender deemed to
have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal, water and
salt.
As well as the
coverted title and the 'Golden Spurtle' trophy, the winner of the
competition, sponsored by Scotland's leading Oatmeal producer,
Hamlyns of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a
cash prize of £250.
Contestants
are also invited to enter the 'Speciality Porridge' competition, for
porridge with other ingredients added.
The speciality
section is sponsored by Columba Cream and has a cash prize of
£150 while the winner also receives a special quaich named in
memory of legendary four times World Porridge Making Champion, Duncan Hilditch.
The
championship, which is to be among the events included in the
celebration of the Highland Year of Culture 2007, is followed with
interest by connoisseurs of the traditional national dish across the globe.
This year's
panel of judges includes George McIvor Chairman of the Master Chefs
of Great Britain, the Master Chefs Scottish Chairman, Colin Bussey
who is Executive Head Chef of the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel and
celebrity guest, Scottish cookery writer and demonstrator, Fi Bird.
The
championships are organised by Carrbridge Community Council whose
chairman, Scott Bruce said everyone was loooking forward to this
year's event which starts with a "Toast to the Porridge"
and piper-led procession along the village main street.
Mr Bruce
commented: "This prestigious annual event has built up an
international following and generates a huge amount of interest
across the world. Last year we had a strong line up of contenders of
all nationalities including one competitor who had travelled all the
way from Sweden. We expect this year's contest to be just as exciting."
Alan Meikle,
general manager and director of main sponsors Hamlyns of Scotland,
said: "Hamlyn's are delighted to continue to support the World
Porridge Making Championship, which continues to go from strength to
strength. There is a huge increasing interest in the benefits of
porridge with people becoming more aware of the importance of oats in
the diet and the championship provides a great opportunity to hilight
the healthy eating message with porridge cooked in the traditional way."
As well as the
main championship event, there is also the Carrbridge Challange with
a 5km, 3km and minis fun run sponsored by Nairns Oatcakes. Also
included is the Cairngorm Farmers Market, product tastings, craft
stalls, live music and street entertainment.
Further
details about the championship and an entry form can be found on the
website at www.goldenspurtle.com.
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