The head chef at Frome Nursing Home, Ben Kerslake, was named as runner-up in the 2018 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian and Vegan Care Catering, held in the impressive surroundings of the Houses of Parliament, on 17th October.
The awards are run by the charity, Vegetarian for Life (VfL) who are a leading authority on meat-free diets. Surprisingly, out of the UK’s 18,000 care homes, there are currently only two that are fully vegetarian. One of VfL’s major goals is to increase this number and improve the quality and range of vegan and vegetarian catering in all British care homes.
Ben was one of three semi-finalists chosen by VfL in their annual search to find the country’s best veggie care home chef.
In the 60-bed residential and dementia care home in Frome, Ben cooks a daily choice of dishes for both vegetarians and meat eaters, but the veggie options often prove to be more popular than the meat ones. His diners, say his vegetarian lasagne and cous-cous stuffed peppers are their favourites.
Frome Nursing Home manager, Maggie Rhodes said, “We’re delighted with Ben’s recognition in these prestigious awards. We’re one big family here, and always refer to our residents as family members. Our home is somewhere they always feel safe, and with Ben’s culinary skills, are always brilliantly catered for, too”
Amanda Woodvine, chief executive of VfL, said, “The awards have been an incredible way to celebrate the charity’s 10-year anniversary and to recognise the fantastic achievements of trailblazers in the care industry. The winners, and runners-up, are making a huge difference to the care and choices offered to older vegetarians and vegans.”
The home is part of the Bristol-based, Evolve Care Group, who run 12 care homes, spread across the South West and have invested over £1.5m in developing a pioneering new model of care for those living with dementia which has been rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.
Above: Head chef of Frome Nursing Home, Ben Kerslake, with home manager, Maggie Rhodes.
