Spalding care home chefs stir up three decades of Christmas Day dinners
Andy Pridmore, a 47-year-old head chef from Spalding, has worked 30 Christmas days since he began his culinary career in care, aged just 16.
Joined this year by deputy head chef, 44-year-old Sarah Pell, for his 31st Christmas Day in care, the dedicated duo will dish up Christmas Day dinner, with all the trimmings, to residents at Cedar Falls care home, which opened its doors in 1992.
Joining the care home 28 years ago, mother of three, Sarah said, “Christmas is such a magical time of year — not just the day itself but the build-up too.
“I love seeing the residents enjoy their Christmas dinner. It’s a joy to be part of their celebration and create those memories with them.”
Andy has spent the last 22 years as head chef at Cedar Falls, he said, “Over the years I have cooked for so many residents and their families. I consider it a privilege to cater for them, and I look forward to cooking a Christmas meal that they will enjoy again.”
Although both chefs have families of their own, they both say, “residents and staff feel like family.”
This year, the culinary couple will cook up a festive storm, which will include a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, plus orange and cinnamon rice pudding – a favourite amongst the residents.
Andy met his wife, Rebecca at Cedar Falls where she was a carer. Now, a healthcare worker at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Rebecca will also work this Christmas day, looking after patients.
Sarah is a proud mum to three children aged 24, 14 and 12 – she will spend the remainder of Christmas Day at home with her family.
The pair have worked together for over 20 years’, ensuring no Christmas goes by without a delicious dinner and lots of festivities.
One particularly memorable year even saw the staff at Cedar Falls put on a Cinderella pantomime for residents, with Andy taking the scene-stealing role of one of the Ugly Step Sisters.
Deputy Manager, Maxine Winch said, “Andy and Sarah bring so much joy to the home — not just on Christmas Day, but throughout the year. Their commitment, creativity and kindness make the festive season truly special for everyone here. We are incredibly proud of them.
“Andy replaced Carol Lynch, who retired as head chef in October – she was at the home since it first opened and was with us for 30 years – she will be missed by all.”
Andy says the bond he has developed with his colleagues over the years is another reason Christmas at Cedar Falls is so meaningful.
He added, “These are people I have grown up with in my career. We’ve shared so many Christmases together — they’re like family.”