Culture From 30 Countries Celebrated With A Food Festival At Didcot Care Home, The Meadows
Over 30 countries were represented at a cultural celebration held at The Meadows care home, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), for residents, their families, and members of the community on Friday 28 June. The Mayor of Didcot, Cllr Andrew Jones attended the event to congratulate the diverse team which run the home, and to meet with residents and guests.
The cultural celebration started with late morning refreshments and a variety of cakes and sweet treats from Wales, Romania, Poland, and other countries. During the afternoon the party moved into the garden for a food festival with many culinary delights to taste including Matumbu from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Chicken Korma and Chilli Chicken from India, Kaeng Hong Le from Thailand, Goat Stew from the Philippines, Chakalaka from South Africa and cucumber sandwiches and pork pies from England.
The event was suggested when the team discovered that employees and residents from the care home come from over 30 countries and cultures, including Swapna Nandanan, Head of Care, who is from Kerala in India, and Tobias Matonhodze, Home Manager, who came from Zimbabwe to the UK in 2004. Other countries where team members lived before moving to the UK, include Wales, Poland, Nigeria, Thailand, and the Philippines. Residents in the care home have experience of travelling to many countries, or were born overseas in countries including Jamaica, Ghana, and America.
Tobias said: “Wow, what a day. Everyone, especially our Activities Co-ordinator, Megan Humphries, went above and beyond to put on a fantastic cultural feast and activity day. I am so happy that we have taken the time to celebrate our cultures with residents, their families, and visitors from the local community. We will definitely be making this an annual event!”
The Mayor of Didcot said: “The Meadows is a wonderful care home. The team, which reflects Didcot’s multicultural community, enthusiastically shared their cultures with residents in a way that creates the feeling of one big happy extended family.”
During the visit, The Mayor offered to put the care home in touch with local community groups including the Scouts, who will be invited in to volunteer and help with some gardening. The care home’s garden has had a number of new developments and is full of flowers and features, which residents enjoy.
Sue Brown, daughter of resident Sheila Phillips, joined the day with her husband Rob. She said: “It was really enjoyable! The many different nationalities and cultures here at The Meadows add to its charm. It’s so engaging for residents, many of whom have travelled overseas, so it’s great for them to share stories and experiences. We feel like we have had a trip around the world today.”
