Just after Porthleven Food Festival last year we lost our beloved friend and longest-serving committee member Jane Kereama following her battle with cancer. Jane owned Kota and Kota Kai restaurants in Porthleven together with her husband Jude and began her career working for Antony Worrall Thompson, later persuading him to become our Festival patron.
As part of this year’s programme we had intended to pay tribute to Jane with a memorial meal at Kota Kai and tributes in the programme. Sadly, the meal will have to wait, but we’re sharing the emotional tributes penned by Antony and Jude with you and dedicating our day of online activity today to her memory. RIP Jane.
In Memory of Jane Kereama by Jude Kereama
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you….. I could walk in my own garden forever” Anon.
Jane was one of life’s true beauties, inside and out. She will always be remembered for her positive energy, humour, vivacious smile, laughter, the ability to make you feel special, and being the “Hostest with the mostest”!
Those of us who were lucky enough to know her were always greeted with such warmth and honesty, and no one could resist her natural charm.
It was 12 years ago when Jane and I, together with a small committee, rustled up the first Porthleven Food Festival. We called upon our old pal AWT to be our patron of the Festival and he has donated his time generously ever since. Even this year he changed his plane tickets to fit in with our schedule. Jane was always so grateful to AWT and his lovely wife Jay for all the support they have given our village over the years.
Jane was always so proud of her involvement in the Festival and was the only original committee member to have stayed the whole duration.This year would have been the first without Jane at the helm of the Chefs Theatre.
Her enthusiasm and smile will be missed by the Festival as much as by her adoring punters in our restaurants, village, friends, and family. But especially by myself and our son Joe.
You are never forgotten.
R.I.P my Love xxx
Antony Worrall Thompson — Chef and Festival Patron (written prior to cancellation)
2020, the start of a new decade, nothing new to Porthleven Food Festival which celebrates its 12th year.
However, a sad year for me as it is the first without my former employee, a great friend, an amazing restaurateur, a wonderful mum and devoted wife (to Jude, not me!) Jane Kereama.
Jane, among others, started this wonderful festival all those years ago, she helped to plant the acorn that developed into a wonderful oak. I am sure everyone will miss everything about her, her infectious smile, her attention to detail and her love of the show. To us chefs she was the boss, she controlled us, cajoled us and made the Chefs Theatre what it is today, very entertaining, very professional, very Jane.
To our thousands of guests, enjoy the festival, it lives on in all its glory — great food, great chefs, great music and great fun. For my part I would like to dedicate this year’s show to Jane’s memory.
