Des Britten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Des Britten
|
|
|---|---|
Britten's investiture as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the governor-general, Sir Jerry Mateparae, in 2012
|
|
| Born |
Desmond John Britten
27 December 1937 Ōtāne, New Zealand
|
| Died | 13 February 2020 (aged 82) Wellington, New Zealand
|
| Occupation | Broadcaster Restaurateur Priest |
| Known for | Celebrity chef Wellington City Missioner |
Sir Desmond John Britten (27 December 1937 – 13 February 2020) was a famous New Zealander. He was known for many things! He was a chef who owned restaurants, a radio and TV host, and a writer of cookbooks. He also became an Anglican priest.
Sir Des Britten worked for the Wellington City Mission for 17 years. This mission helps people who are struggling in the community. For all his great work, he was given a special honour in 2012. He was made a 'Sir' (knighted) for his services to the community.
Contents
Who Was Sir Des Britten?
Sir Des Britten was born in a place called Ōtāne in Hawke's Bay. This was on 27 December 1937. He grew up on a sheep farm, as his dad was a sheep farmer.
He went to Napier Boys' High School. After school, he worked on his family's farm for a few years.
His Career in Media and Food
Des Britten started his career in radio. He was a disc jockey (DJ) in Napier and then Hamilton. A disc jockey plays music and talks on the radio.
After spending two years in Australia, he came back to New Zealand. He joined the NZBC, which was a big broadcasting company. He became an announcer on a radio station in Wellington called 2ZB.
He also hosted popular dances for children. These events were held at the Wellington Town Hall. They were known as the "Coca Cola Hi-Fi Club."
In 1964, Des Britten and his wife, Lorraine, opened their own restaurant. It was called "The Coachman" and was in Courtenay Place, Wellington. They ran this special restaurant for 28 years.
In the 1970s, Des Britten became a TV star! He hosted two cooking shows on New Zealand television. These shows were called Thyme for Cookery and Bon Appetit.
In 1995, he received a special award. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand put him in their Hall of Fame. This was for his important work in the restaurant world.
Helping the Community
Des Britten became an Anglican priest in 1983. He then became the vicar (leader) of St Barnabas Church in Wellington.
From 1994 to 2011, he led the Wellington City Mission. This organisation helps people who are in need. They provide food, shelter, and support.
After he retired, he was given a special title. He became a Canon Emeritus in the Wellington church area. In 2011, he was also named the "Wellingtonian of the Year." This award goes to someone who has done great things for Wellington.
In 2012, Des Britten received a very high honour. He was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This means he was made a 'Sir' for his amazing work helping the community.
Later Life
Sir Des Britten's wife, Lorraine, passed away in 2018. They had been married for over 50 years. Sir Des Britten himself passed away in Wellington on 13 February 2020. He was 82 years old.
His Books
Sir Des Britten also wrote several cookbooks. Here are some of them:
- Cooking with Des Britten. Wilson and Horton, Auckland (1971).
- Thyme for cookery. Hicks Smith, Wellington (1973).
- The Des Britten cookbook. Woolworths, Auckland (1977).
- Gourmet cooking for babies. Reed Methuen, Auckland (1987).
- Des Britten's foodie fables & other just desserts. Grantham House, Wellington (1996).
