Suffolk care homes team up with Great British Bake Off star for Stir-up Sunday

Home news

Nov 19, 2015

Residents at Care UK’s care homes in west Suffolk have got their mixing bowls and wooden spoons at the ready for a festive ‘stir-up’ on the traditional day for making Christmas puddings, Stir-up Sunday.

The Care UK teams at Cedrus House care home in Stowmarket, Mildenhall Lodge in Mildenhall and Davers Court in Bury St Edmunds have joined forces with former Great British Bake Off finalist, Brendan Lynch, ahead of the big day on Sunday 22nd November, with Brendan creating a Christmas pudding recipe especially for the homes.

On Sunday, the head chefs at Cedrus House, Mildenhall Lodge and Davers Court will be working with the residents to mix together ingredients such as mixed peel, raisins and glace cherries, and everyone will have a chance to stir as they make the festive dessert.

Stir-up Sunday, which takes place on the last Sunday before advent, is traditionally the day when families and friends gather together to ‘stir-up’ their Christmas pudding and make a wish, leaving plenty of time for the pudding to mature before Christmas Day.

Michelle Webster, home manager at Cedrus House, said: “Stir-up Sunday provides the Care UK team and residents with a wonderful opportunity to take part in a tradition which also encompasses all the benefits of baking. Reminiscence activities such as baking are so important for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as the familiar scents and tastes can evoke happy memories from the past.

“We always take the time to celebrate special days and we like to ensure all residents feel at home by keeping to any traditions they may have. Stir-up Sunday is an important milestone in the lead up to Christmas and we are all very excited to use Brendan’s recipe to create a delicious pudding."

Commenting on his passion for baking and inspiring older people to take up the hobby, Brendan said: “I am a strong believer in the therapeutic benefits of baking for older people and combining this with a traditional occasion such as Stir-up Sunday can create a calm and comforting environment for all involved.

“The process of mixing certain ingredients and the smells associated with baking a Christmas pudding can trigger memories and nostalgic feelings from Stir-Up Sunday’s of the past, conjuring up happy times spent with family and friends.

“Since my youth, baking has been an important part of my life. In times of stress and worry I would often use baking as a way to relax. Now I hope to give older people the inspiration to give it a try and see the benefits for themselves.”

Martin Smith, head chef at Cedrus House, concluded: “Christmas pudding is a firm favourite with the residents and we are all very excited to test out our baking skills creating our own festive inspired treats ready to be revealed on Christmas Day.”

Care UK’s Christmas pudding recipe can be downloaded at careuk.com/stirupsunday