An 80-year-old resident of a Middlesbrough care home is experiencing immense pride and joy as her beloved recipe for cheese scones has been selected for inclusion in a significant new national charity cookbook. Lyn Woodwork, who resides at Nunthorpe Oaks Residential Care Home, is featured prominently in A Lifetime of Flavours: A Celebration of Food, Family and the Lives Behind Beloved Recipes.
A Culinary Legacy Preserved
Curated by Sanctuary Care, a not-for-profit provider operating 109 homes across the United Kingdom, the cookbook is a heartfelt collection. It showcases 42 treasured recipes contributed by residents aged between 70 and 105 years old. The publication serves as a vibrant celebration of the enduring joy found in cooking, the power of memory, and the importance of continuity throughout later life.
Lyn has been a dedicated baker her entire life, with fond recollections of the happiness derived from cooking alongside her mother during her childhood. Her signature cheese scones are, in fact, her mother's original recipe and remain her personal favourite dish to prepare today.
Sharing Joy Through Baking
"I have been told by many people how much they love them," Lyn remarked. "I would constantly bake them for my neighbours and for street parties." Now living at the Sanctuary Care home, she continues to share her passion for cooking by preparing her famous cheese scones for fellow residents, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment.
The Philosophy Behind the Cookbook
At the core of A Lifetime of Flavours is Sanctuary Care's Enriching Lives Framework. This is an evidence-based approach to care that prioritises maintaining identity, purpose, and joy in later life. The cookbook specifically highlights the concept of 'continuity', one of the six key senses within the framework. It demonstrates how residents can actively carry on lifelong passions and cherished traditions, such as cooking, even after transitioning into a care home environment.
Mealtimes are recognised as a vital component of this continuity. They offer essential structure, valuable sensory stimulation, creative expression, a degree of independence, and crucial social connection for residents.
Nutrition and Wellbeing
Good nutrition also plays a fundamental role, helping residents to stay active, mentally alert, and properly nourished. Louise Palmer, Director of Operations at Sanctuary Care, emphasised this holistic approach: "Moving into a care home isn't about leaving your old life behind, but continuing the things that bring you joy."
"Whether it's recreating a childhood recipe or baking with friends, our chefs work closely with residents to make every mealtime meaningful. A Lifetime of Flavours is a celebration of that love of food, family, and the lives behind it," Palmer added.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The cookbook is available to download free of charge or can be ordered in a physical print format. All proceeds from the initiative will be donated directly to Mental Health UK, supporting their vital work. The publication also features a foreword written by 2023 Great British Bake Off champion Matty Edgell, who shares poignant reflections on how food has shaped his own family memories.
Lyn's Famous Cheese Scone Recipe
For those inspired to recreate Lyn's culinary delight, the full recipe is provided below.
Ingredients
- 225g / 8oz self-raising flour
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of curry powder
- 25g / 1oz grated carrot
- 25g / 1oz finely sliced spring onion
- 25g / 1oz mature cheddar, grated
- 55g / 2oz butter
- 150ml / 5fl oz milk
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / Gas Mark 7. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Mix the flour, salt, and curry powder together. Rub in the butter to achieve a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Stir in the grated cheese, carrot, spring onion, and milk. Use your hands to combine into a soft dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead very lightly. Roll out to approximately 2cm thickness.
- Use a 5cm round cutter to stamp out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops lightly with a little milk.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scones are well risen and golden in colour.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
A Lifetime of Flavours: Celebrating Food, Family and the Lives Behind Beloved Recipes is available to order with a donation to Mental Health UK.
