Stephen Wheeler talks to Jane Roberts of the Cotswold Care Hospice
Away from the lime-light of cookery TV, Michelin stars, and gastro-pubs, there are cooks and chefs in the charity sector doing equally great work – creating a special occasion with food. At the state-of-the-art Cotswold Care Hospice in Minchinhampton their motto is “every day is special” and chef Jane Roberts plays a crucial role in their holistic approach to care for people with life-threatening illnesses. Built from scratch and re-opened in 2007 (previously the hospice occupied a large old house) the care team touches the lives of more than 400 people every year, as day patients, or at home.
With a largely volunteer kitchen brigade, Jane caters for the Hospices’ patients, carers and staff, with her wholesome, home-made lunches and teas. Although she compiles a daily menu, special needs and requests are always met. Meals are served in the light and modern dining room, or on the patios, overlooking the rockeries and kitchen gardens. “Our roast lunches and hand-made cakes and desserts are popular” Jane told me. “We always use fresh ingredients,” she added, and I was shown the impressive vegetable plots with fresh lettuces, beets, onions, carrots, potatoes and more – not that I needed any convincing. “For many of our patients, their meal here is a chance to socialise with other people, and for some, it’s the only cooked meal they have in a day,” she said.
The Hospice costs £2.3 million every year to run, and as less than 10% of that comes from the NHS, fund-raising is vitally important. Recently a record number of 1800 women took part in a midnight walk and raised enough money to run the hospice for a month. As well as staff and family taking part, was a young lady and her friends who decided to celebrate her 18th birthday on the walk, and a troop of girl guides. Jane managed the logistics of keeping all the walkers fed and watered through the night. “We wouldn’t have raised so much money without the generosity of our suppliers such as Creed Foodservice,” she said, “thousands of bananas, breakfast muffins and yogurts were all donated to the cause.”
In September another midnight walk is planned, so if you want to take part, or volunteer in any way, contact the Hospice – you’ll be assured of a warm welcome.
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10th July 2010
Jane Roberts of the Cotswold Care Hospice
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