Residents and staff in local Care South care homes have been taking part in their very own Autumn Food Festival.

They have enjoyed various activities, including creating an autumnal fruit pie as part of a Care South wide competition. Talbot View in Bournemouth came in first place with Care South’s sister homes, Dorset House also in Bournemouth, and Kenwith Castle (in Bideford) coming in second and third place. Each winner will receive a beautiful autumn food hamper, courtesy of Harvest Foods, one of Care South’s major food suppliers.

The chef at Talbot View picked locally sourced fruit and discussed various fruits and pastry facts with residents who reminisced about their pie making days and tips for making pastry.

Helen Goss, activities assistant at Talbot View, said: “The Autumn Food Festival was a wonderful celebration of great seasonal food and an integral part of our Food, Fun and Friendship ethos. It was wonderful to have been voted in first place and residents in our care are delighted that their hard work in helping with the pie has paid off. No matter what age, food sets the rhythm of the day for everyone. We focus on the overall dining experience as meals are more than just the food on the plate – they bring residents in our care together. The fruit pie competition was a huge success, and everyone had so much fun taking part.”

Mark Wardman, catering operations manager, said: “At Care South we understand the importance of healthy, fresh produce and we take pride in sourcing, where possible, seasonal ingredients from producers local to our homes. Our chefs prepare quality food that looks great, tastes even better, and is based on menus that reflect the tastes and nutritional needs of residents in our care. Good nutrition and hydration are vital parts of the care we provide, which is why we produce homely and delicious food that supports the health and wellbeing of residents.”