Resident Writes Heart-Warming Poem Paying Tribute To The Head Chef And In-House Dining Team At Gracewell Of Edgbaston
Sandra Edgington moved into Gracewell of Edgbaston on the 19 March, just before the UK’s nationwide lockdown to tackle Covid-19 commenced.
Sandra’s partner Tony, was already a resident at Gracewell of Edgbaston. Sandra moved into the care home as she was worried about a prolonged period where she would be unable to see Tony. As Sandra visited Tony every day, Zoe Steventon, Gracewell of Edgbaston’s Home Manager, offered for her to move in. Sandra packed her bags and moved in two days after.
Every day Sandra thanks all of the team at the home for their company, for cooking her delicious food, for bringing her the newspaper and her favourite coffee, a cappuccino. She credits the Gracewell of Edgbaston team for lifting her spirits during this difficult time. Sandra is thrilled she gets to see Tony every day and said she would have felt so lonely if she had stayed at home.
Jazz Lalli, Home Admissions Advisor at Gracewell of Edgbaston, said:
“Sandra is such a caring and loving individual, she has been great company for other residents, not just her partner.
“She even asked for permission to help other residents’ families keep up to date on their loved ones, which has provided them with a lot of comfort.
“It has been wonderful having Sandra as part of our Gracewell family especially during this difficult time.”
Sandra wrote a poem to say particular thanks to Head Chef, Carl, and his team, who have continued to provide nutritionally balanced and delicious meals to residents. Sandra’s poem is below:
An Ode to Carl (and his team) in a time of Covid-19
FOOD!
Makes us happy and can change our mood,
Here at Gracewell is a kitchen, led by Head Chef Carl
He and his A-team, so important for morale
These are difficult, worrying lockdown days
But made so much brighter by menus which amaze
Three times a day those trolleys appear
So weighed down with delights, can be difficult to steer!
On board are homemade soups, tasty and sustaining
You won’t hear these residents complaining
And mains, whether roasted or braised, boiled or sautéed
Are all ambitious, nutritious, delicious!
Then there’s the apple tarts, treacle puds and chocolate cakes
Wonderful desserts this kitchen daily makes
So THANK YOU, Carl and your magnificent team,
Eating here, I feel I really am that cat that got the cream!Sandra (Resident)
Carl Cooper, Head Chef at Gracewell of Edgbaston was absolutely delighted when he saw Sandra’s poem. He has worked as Head Chef at Gracewell of Edgbaston for almost five years, after he trained in the in-house dining team at Sunrise of Edgbaston.
Carl believes that Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare offer young people so much opportunity for career progression, and he cannot imagine working anywhere else.
When asked what his favourite dish to cook for residents was, Carl responded:
“It makes no difference to me. I put 150% into every single thing I make for our residents. Whether it is a bowl of cereal or a Sunday dinner, every dish is just as important.”
Carl Cooper, Head Chef at Gracewell of Edgbaston, said:
“When I saw Sandra’s poem I was over the moon! I just looked at it and thought, wow, that’s made my weekend in lockdown so much better.
“I couldn’t receive such incredible feedback without my team – like a football captain, I am reliant on the rest of the players in my team being on the pitch.”
