Our Talented Residents

John Bruce, former chef on the QE2 and now one of our care home residents, is one of many of the talented residents in our care homes who continues to be creative in later life.

“I organised the meals with the chefs and together we planned the special menus of lamb and sea bass for the residents. It was a team effort and I enjoyed being back in the kitchen. It took me back to my days at the QE2,” says John. “Those days were very stressful; we were cooking for 1,700 passengers and 1,000 crew.”

Culinary conversations between John and Stella & Harry Freedman House care home’s Living Well Team facilitators, carers and the catering team led to this initiative. Janice Galloway, Living Well Team Manager, says, “We wanted to celebrate John’s talents and skills and bring them into the present, as part of the person-centred care that our teams provide. It was fantastic to make that happen and see him in action.”

Fellow resident, Laurence Brown, recently launched his new book, At the Court of Broken Dreams at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre.

“I’m so pleased to launch this book here, with my friends, the amazing staff and volunteers,” Laurence said. “It’s a tale of love and war in the Middle Ages, with gay and Jewish themes, featuring the controversial character of Richard III. I have dedicated the book to the carers, nurses and managers in the home, because without the incredible care they have shown this book would not be possible.” At the book launch, Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, said, “We wish Laurence much success with his new book. His acknowledgement for our care team means a lot to us and we are so proud to celebrate our living values of inclusivity.”

Meanwhile, care home resident, Anita Owide, affectionately known by her grandchildren as Nanna Anita, worked as a dress maker in Poland Street and made clothes for Princess Marina, the late Queen Elizabeth’s aunt. Today, she recycles broken jewellery, transforming pieces by hand into drop earrings and necklaces and donating them to charities. Her beautiful jewellery collection was available this year at the Friends of Stella & Harry Freedman House Summer Fete.

Anita says, “I love doing this work to help others and I love being creative. I met His Majesty King Charles III in 1996 when he visited the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre and came to the pottery class in the art room, I still have the photo.”

Sheree Charalampous, Jewish Care’s Creative Arts and Development Coordinator, says, “Our creative activities across Jewish Care promote creativity, self-expression and wellbeing for all.”

“We are so proud of our many creative and talented residents and members at Jewish Care, who have led such fascinating lives and have so much to share with us and to contribute to our community, and to society.”

Anita Owide is appealing for donations of broken or unwanted costume jewellery to be sent to her at Stella & Harry Freedman House or delivered to the reception team at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet.

You can order Laurence’s new book, At the Court of Broken Dreams online via Amazon. By making your purchase through Amazon Smile with Jewish Care as your chosen charity, you can support us too.