National Pizza Day gets care home residents in the kitchen

CARE home residents became temporary pizza chefs at a popular shopping centre restaurant to celebrate National Pizza Day. 

The residents of Waverley Lodge Care Home were invited into the kitchen at MOD Pizza at the Metro Centre in Gateshead for a beginner’s guide to pizza making.

They were treated to free drinks, ingredients and professional support while they picked and piled on their favourite toppings, before sitting down in the restaurant to enjoy their creations.

Resident Veronica White, 67, was right at home in the kitchen, having worked in Liz’s Café at the Lemington Community Centre, where she made sandwiches, scones, pies and quiches.

Michelle Park, activities coordinator at Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington Newcastle-upon-Tyne, said: “Veronica was in her element when she had chance to make her own pizza.

“She had a fabulous time. It seemed to bring back memories of when she worked at the café.

“We can’t thank the MOD enough for all of their kindness. Everyone had a fantastic time.”

Resident Joyce Matthews, 92, said: “I had a fantastic time. I’ve never done anything like this before. What an experience.”

Julie Booth, home manager, added: “We love to give our residents different and interesting experiences and National Pizza Day was a good opportunity to take a trip to a local pizza restaurant.

“It was a wonderful way to ensure they continue to connect with the community, meet others outside the care home and use their day-to-day living skills.”