Jenny

Leila Fisher was employed by me as a private chef from 1988 to 1990. We hired Leila in London whilst we were residing in South Kensington. She subsequently travelled with us to our main residence in Sydney where she took charge of planning menus, shopping and cooking for our household and for the many guests we entertained.

My husband worked in advertising and we regularly hosted clients, friends and family from around the world at our farm, Comfort Hill. Leila managed all aspects of catering for these gatherings, including liaising directly with guests’ secretaries to confirm dietary requirements. Leila has a broad culinary portfolio ranging from everyday cooking for the children to family style Sunday lunches, to haute cuisine for formal entertaining. Beyond her culinary work she was a warm and engaging presence in our home. She often joined us for doubles tennis and horse riding, and on occasion looked after our two children, driving them to school and caring for them while we travelled on business. She was reliable and talented, and became a true friend to our family.

— Jenny Ball, Sydney, Australia