Care caterers honoured at awards

Kim Hart, chef manager at Chantry House care home, and Sue Sides, catering manager at Eagle House care home, were honoured for their work at the Grand Final of Anchor Trust's Care Services Awards. They were presented with their awards by broadcaster Angela Rippon last week. Kim was named Anchor Homes' Chef of the Year after a two-hour cook-off while Sue beat off competition from across the country to be named Caterer of the Year. Jane Ashcroft, Anchor Trust managing director of Care Services, said: "Food is so important in a care home. It provides the residents with much needed nutrition but also creates a real sense of community. Kim truly deserves this award as she has demonstrated continual enthusiasm and determination to ensure residents get a fantastic dining experience. Meal times at Chantry House are a real highlight in the residents' day." Kim from Saxmundham, was thrilled to have won the final: "I'm always talking to residents about any food they'd like to try. Stimulation is very important when it comes to food and I like to help residents try out new and different things. I also believe strongly in catering for any special requirements – if there's something someone wants cooking, I get cooking." Sheffield-based Sue received her award having impressed the three judges: Des Kelly OBE, executive director of National Care Forum; Stephen Burke, chief executive of Counsel and Care; and Annie Stevenson, head of Older People's Services at the Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE). Delighted Sue added: "I really believe in the sense of occasion which special meal-times can bring, so we host barbeques in the summer for family and friends as well as a Christmas banquet, fish and chips for St George's Day, Irish stew on St Patrick's Day and many more. These events bring a real family atmosphere to life at Eagle House and make working much more than just a job." Ms Rippon was impressed by the compassion and high level of care demonstrated by all finalists. She said: "I am delighted to present these awards to outstanding members of staff who, like Kim and Sue, help keep our loved ones cared for and safe. "All Anchor staff fulfil a enormously important role in society. They have earned our trust through their dedication, commitment and high levels of professionalism. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated."