MAGAZINE

It always seems strange to embark on something new at the end of a year, but after a few months of quietly lurking behind the scenes, this is my first full issue as editor of Care Home Catering, and I’ll leave you to judge whether I’ve made a good start!

I have to be honest – I’m known amongst family, friends and past colleagues as someone whose sensibilities generally veer towards the trivial and superficial viewed through a lens of slightly sneering cynicism. So much so, that when I told them about my new role, the usual reaction was: “You what?” followed by hollow laughter and a lot of head shaking.  In fact, one person was cruel enough to say: “Well, I’ve heard it all now!” A bit harsh perhaps, but probably fair. In truth,I also wondered whether Care Home Catering and I were the perfect fit for one another.

So, imagine my surprise when I realised after my first, admittedly brief, interactions with some of the people and organisations operating within the care home catering sector that this is the magazine that I’ve been waiting to edit. From initially worrying that there wouldn’t be enough to write about, I’m now more concerned that there will never be enough space to cover it all!  

And after clocking up more conference and exhibition visits than I care to remember, I left both the IDDSI Festival that took place in September and the NACC Development & Training Forum in October absolutely buzzing! Conferences can be interesting, they can be informative, they can be fun – who knew?  Certainly not me!  You can read the full rundown on the NACC Development & Training Forum on page 34 and learn more about IDDSI on page 8. 

I also had the privilege of spending a day observing the Meals on Wheels service run by Nottingham County Council, which I secretly anticipated with some trepidation, but thanks to my guide, Meals on Wheels driver Laura Stuart Wilson, I actually had a blast while also witnessing, at first hand, how vital this service is and how important it is that local authorities and others should be supported in their efforts to keep it going. Nottingham County Council has found a way of making Meals on Wheels work for them, by making it a universal service.  For next year’s issues, I’ll be visiting other organisations that are making Meals on Wheels pay, to see if these successful models can inspire others to resurrect their own ‘saviours without sirens’ services. My experience is recorded in the Big Read, which begins on page 12.

On page 26 you’ll find our interview with David Ashton- Jones, the chief executive of Homes Together, which provides accommodation for young adults with visual and physical impairments and learning difficulties. Ashton-Jones explains how Homes Together is supporting its residents to become more independent and self-sufficient through cooking.

If you are in the market for a new oven, combi, or microwave, turn to page 18 before making any quick decisions, find inspiration for soup and snacks on page 31 and learn how you can make the best start to the day on page 40. If you are considering eliminating milk products from your diet, find some compelling reasons not to ditch the dairy on page 44. Elsewhere, you’ll find all of our regular news and product pages.
With Christmas now on the horizon, I’m sure that we are all looking forward to spending the shortest and darkest days of the year hunkered down with our nearest and dearest, delicious food, lots of wine and nothing much to do for a few days. However, the Christmas break offers the opportunity for everyone to consider who they will nominate for our Care Home Catering Awards 2024.

There are five different categories, and the winners will be announced at the Care Home Catering Forum in June. We’ll be releasing more information on the Forum in our Spring issue which will also cover ice cream and desserts, warewashing, hot and cold drinks, prime cooking equipment and textured and modified diets.  

Until then, I wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Val Hirst
Editor