Boo-tiful Halloween tables win inter-care home competition

A SPOOKTACULAR challenge took place between Hill Care’s homes, as they competed to create the most haunting Halloween table.

Three dozen care homes across the north took part in the centrepiece challenge, which involved creating a creepy cake and “severed” finger buffet.

The winner for the North East was Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees, for their ghost and pumpkin covered cake, bat-shaped pastries, colourful cupcakes, witch-themed cookies, and an assortment of other terrifying treats.

They also set up a trick or treat stand outside the home for local children.

Resident Ian Pearson, 75, said: “That’s great news that we won the competition. We had loads of fun putting up the Halloween decorations and making the snacks for the buffet. We definitely deserved to win.”

Kirsty O’Connor, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “Residents had a great time making everything for the Halloween party and buffet.

“Ian Pearson and Joan Eddy manned the trick or treat station and had a laugh with the kids that came round for a visit on the night.

“Kitchen assistant Joanne Hall made a brilliant chocolate celebration cake that everyone agreed was delicious.”

In Yorkshire, Aden House Care Home was named winner, after residents got involved making rice crispy cake pumpkins, skull buns, mummy decorations, and carved their own Jack-o’-lanterns.

The home’s cook, Jane Lockwood, baked a multicoloured, layered spider web cake for a fangtastic centrepiece.

Resident Eugene Pasemko, 85, said: “We really enjoyed helping to make the food and decorations for the table and to win is the icing on the cake.”

Natalie Turton, activities coordinator at Aden House Care Home, said: “The residents couldn’t wait to get started once they heard about the competition and had some great ideas for the table.”

Anna Lee, home manager for Aden House, said: “It was great to see everyone get involved in the preparations for the event. It was a real team effort from our residents and staff, especially our cook, Jane, who made the delicious cake.”

Mandy Vernon, manager director of the Hill Care Group, said: “There were so many great entries that it was a difficult decision but, in the end, we chose Aden House and Ingleby care homes. Their prizes are a contribution that will be paid into their residents’ funds for more fun activities.”