Lyn Woodwork: A Culinary Journey from Memory to Meaning at Nunthorpe Oaks

On an afternoon bathed in soft sunlight at Nunthorpe Oaks Residential Care Home in Middlesbrough, 80-year-old Lyn Woodwork stands in the communal kitchen, her hands deftly shaping dough for her famous cheese scones. The warm aroma wafts through the corridors, drawing fellow residents like moths to a flame, reigniting cherished memories long buried beneath years of life’s complexities. For Lyn, baking is more than a pastime; it is a lifeline that stitches together fragments of her past with the fabric of her present.

The Cookbook: A Tapestry of Lives

Lyn is prominently featured in A Lifetime of Flavours: A Celebration of Food, Family and the Lives Behind Beloved Recipes, a remarkable compilation curated by Sanctuary Care, the not-for-profit organization that operates 109 care homes across the UK. This cookbook embodies the experiences of 42 residents, ranging in age from 70 to 105. It encapsulates their treasured recipes, creating not only a gastronomic archive but also a powerful narrative about identity and memory. “Food connects us to our history,” notes Dr. Emily Johnson, a gerontologist who specializes in the psychology of aging. “Cooking and sharing meals are fundamental human activities that can help maintain ties to our past.”

The residents’ culinary contributions resonate with the core philosophy of Sanctuary Care’s Enriching Lives Framework, an initiative designed to help residents retain identity, purpose, and joy in their later years. As Louise Palmer, the director of operations at Sanctuary Care, eloquently puts it, “Moving into a care home isn’t about leaving your old life behind, but continuing the things that bring you joy.”

Continuity Through Cooking

One of the key aspects of Sanctuary Care’s approach is the concept of ‘continuity.’ For many residents, including Lyn, this means perpetuating lifelong traditions like baking. “I have been told by many how much they love my scones,” Lyn recalls, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “I would constantly bake them for my neighbors and for street parties.”

The emotional value of these recipes cannot be underestimated. Lyn’s cheese scones—made using a blend of self-raising flour, grated cheese, and a pinch of curry powder—are not merely a culinary delight, but a vessel for memory. Experts concur: “There’s clear evidence that engaging in meaningful activities like cooking can greatly enhance emotional well-being in older adults,” asserts Professor Mark Thompson, a researcher in geriatric mental health.

• Memory Lane: Cooking can trigger positive memories and emotional responses.
• Social Connection: Preparing food together fosters relationships and community bonds.
• Physical Health: Nutritional meals contribute to overall well-being and cognitive functioning.

Baking as Therapy

Mealtimes play a central role in the lives of residents at Nunthorpe Oaks, offering both structure and a sense of community. Through initiatives like the cookbook, the care home aims to transform meal preparation into a holistic experience—one that is creative, independent, and deeply connected to the individual’s identity. “Cooking can serve as a form of therapy, providing a sense of accomplishment and nurturing well-being,” says Dr. Sarah Roberts, a clinical psychologist specializing in elderly care.

In a world that often sidelines the elderly, initiatives like Sanctuary Care’s cookbook stand as a testament to the power of community and the importance of remembering one’s roots. By highlighting the recipes and stories of residents, the cookbook not only preserves culinary traditions but also fosters intergenerational dialogue about food, culture, and heritage.

A Recipe for Generations

Lyn’s cheese scone recipe is a vivid illustration of this philosophy. To replicate her cherished dish, one needs:

• 225g of self-raising flour
• A pinch each of salt and curry powder
• 25g each of grated carrot, finely sliced spring onion, and mature cheddar
• 55g of butter
• 150ml of milk

To create the scones, preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a baking sheet and mix the flour, salt, and curry powder. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Fold in the cheese, carrot, spring onion, and add the milk to form a soft dough. Knead gently on a floured surface, roll to a 2cm thickness, and cut out rounds using a 5cm cutter. Place on the baking sheet, brush with milk, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and risen.

Taste and Healing

Beyond its culinary dimensions, the cookbook serves a deeper purpose as well. All proceeds are directed towards supporting Mental Health UK, bridging the gap between nutrition and mental wellness. Renowned chef and 2023 Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell, who penned the foreword, emphasizes the transformative power of food. “Food can evoke powerful memories and create connections. When you cook, you’re often cooking memories,” he reflects.

The emotional resonance of Lyn’s cheese scones, or any recipe contained within this cookbook, speaks volumes about our relationships with food and each other. In a world that often overlooks their stories, the residents of Nunthorpe Oaks remind us that the recipes we treasure carry not just ingredients but a profound tapestry of experiences, joy, and resilience.

Source: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk