Janine James
Janine has over 20 years of experience running an independent catering business Café Oooh La La, 7 years of which have been at Hulme Community Garden Centre. During her time at the garden she has supported in the region of 50 volunteers, created 7 part-time jobs for local people and delivered catering for 75 events. In addition to trading as a cafe business Janine has delivered community baking courses and skills development for volunteers, supporting people back to work. Beyond the garden centre Janine has supported the development of Zion Centre’s Food & Mood mental health workshops as well as local Hulme festivals. Prior to establishing Café Oooh La La at the Garden Centre Janine was a resident chef for Welsh Circus No Fit State, crew caterer for the Big Green Gathering and Eden festivals as well as chef for Glastonbury dance tent four years in a row. Her event catering won numerous awards for her festival offer including Glastonbury Green Award (NCAS) 201 and Secret Garden – Best Breakfast Café on site (2013, 2014).
Zia James
Zia is currently working as community liaison and marketing manager for the NIA Centre. She is connected to the local community and outreach agencies fostering skills development programmes. She has worked within the catering industry for 6+ years developing festival food offers and contributing to the day to day management of Café Ooh La La.
Laura Mansfield
Laura is a freelance curator developing food focused projects that bring together diverse communities. She has developed projects with The International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Special Collections Manchester Metropolitan University, The Lion Salt Works Cheshire and Museumand The National Caribbean Heritage Museum exploring different food histories. She currently co-programmes an annual festival for Hospitalfield Arbroath, Scotland showcasing local producers and developing creative workshops for families and children as part of her ongoing project www.FEASTjournal.co.uk
