NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS WEEK EVENT

Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I were invited to attend a Meals on Wheels event at Lambourn Court on the afternoon of 4 October. When we arrived, we noted that there was a pianist entertaining the residents which proceeded the catering event. In talking to the residents, we discovered that this facility was not sheltered accommodation as such, although there was a Warden. All the residents, apart from a few, were normally able to look after themselves, such as cooking, shopping etc. Only a few residents had their meals brought into the building.

The catering firm which was supplying the food was really doing some market testing its meals on the residents. The food was heated up in special ovens in the vans and then brought into the building to be served up in the kitchen. Although the food was wholesome and of good variety, many residents considered the prices were rather high and no doubt this would be a factor when the residents decided on taking the Meals on Wheels.

When we talked to the residents, who incidentally were mostly in their 70 and 80s, it was obvious many liked the location, either because it was conveniently close to the town or it was near close relatives. The Handy Bus did call which helped with bulky shopping. I was particularly impressed at the independence of most of them. One lady in her late 80s walked to the local shop, made her own meals and still played bridge and was not resigned to sitting in her room all day! I hope I will be like her at her age!