C&C founder receives Industry Personality Award

01/05/2009

C&C's Managing Director and the current CEDA* Chairman Peter Kitchin was proud to be able to present the prestigious CEDA Industry Personality Award 2009 to his father John Kitchin.

After spending most of his life in the catering industry, including a spell as Chairman of the HCA (Hospital Caterers Association), John was recognised for his contribution to the industry and remains a consultant to the family business he founded in 1981.

It was an emotional night at Carden Park Hotel on 24th April when the surprise presentation was made, with many a tear shed both on the stage and in the audience. John Kitchin received a standing ovation from the 200 plus guests which included his wife Enid, daughter-in-law Cathy, and three of his seven grandchildren Paul, Jessica and Matthew.

Peter described how lucky his father had been along the way, telling the story of how, during the war, his school was bombed one lunch time resulting in the loss of 38 children and six teachers. John's mother was unwell and had asked him to come home for lunch the day the attack took place.

“It was a wonderful moment for me,” Peter said. “I’m so lucky to have worked with him - and enjoyed every day - for the last 28 years.”

[*CEDA is the Catering Equipment Distributors Association.]