The year 1983, a very young professional cook, I was asked by dignitaries of a higher level to Australian Government, to cook for overseas visitors for a week at “Woomargama” sheep station, just outside of Albury in New South Wales. Woomargama is renowned for breeding merino sheep.
My brief was to prepare breakfast and dinner using local Australian produce. Menus was of course where submitted months before any guests arrived. I still didn’t know who or whom I was cooking for.
All food suggestions where approved and preparation began a day before arrival of 30+ guests.
On the day of guest’s arrival, I was briefed again not to engage with anyone, especially the media, this was extremely important and requested. We were told if you heard or over-heard a conversation, you are not to repeat.
My accommodation for the duration of the week, a bed sit off the main hallway of the station house, I remember briefly it was quaint.
I remember too well that day how hot it was, a storm had just hit, I could hear voices in the room next door, (the lounge room). Suddenly the door to the kitchen flung open, like a whirl wind a young lady said in a very posh English voice. “Hello, your Jeffrey. I’m Diana” I know all about you, how are you? With her hand straight out to shake my hand.
With a shock of seeing Diana Princess of Wales. “I believe I said, OH your royal highness, I’m well, would like some water? How are you? Are you having a good trip?
Diana with her smile, new I was nervous
There was also a chef that accompanied the entourage of guests Mervyn Wycherley (who would have known I would be working with Chef Wycherley in the future.)
Her conversations over that period of a week made anyone feel at ease.
I remember there was baby Prince William. Also, a helicopter ready on the property for Royals to leave if there was a breach to media.
Prince Charles loved talking about food and the fond memories he had when he went to school at Timber Top in Victoria not far from Mansfield where I was born. This was a special time and memories to share of one part of My Story, Jeffrey R Gear
Chef Jeffrey Gear 