Cooking up a feast in Bromyard

Bromyard residents are being offered the chance to try new cooking skills in retirement, at a workshop supported by Age UK Wyvern. Participants prepare the food together, eat the results, and of course, take home the leftovers.

Lynsey Hunting, who runs the sessions, commented, “It’s very much based around the needs of people in the group. If someone can’t stand very well, for example, perhaps they might sit and chop the vegetables.”

Volunteer Angela Reader helps support the class and would recommend it: “It’s a great way to spend your time and give something back”.

Cookery class regular Johnny Powell has been attending the group for two years. “All the meals we’ve tried have been lovely,” he commented, “but the chicken satay has been the best. I’ve cooked all my life, but coming here has taught me new skills.”

The difference the group makes can reach beyond learning new skills, however.

Another group member, Beverly Woodyatt, explained how she came to join, “After a period of ill health I could no longer drive or go to work, and I felt like my world was closing in. Someone suggested that I join this group. I felt very, very apprehensive before I went but from the first moment it’s been lovely. I look forward to it each week and I even start to hate bank holidays when I can’t go!”

Lynsey is also developing new projects for older people throughout Herefordshire, with Age UK Wyvern now offering “pop up sheds” in Leominster, Weobley and Kington, giving people the chance to learn gardening and crafting skills.