Two dedicated chefs in Lincolnshire are preparing to spend their 31st consecutive Christmas Day cooking a festive feast for care home residents, prioritising community over their own family celebrations.
A Culinary Tradition of Care
Andy Pridmore, the 47-year-old head chef at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding, has worked an incredible 30 Christmas days since starting his career in care catering at the age of 16. This year marks his 31st festive service. He is joined, as he has been for over two decades, by deputy head chef Sarah Pell, 44, who herself has been part of the Cedar Falls team for 28 years.
Andy has spent the last 22 years as head chef at the home, which first opened in 1992. He took over from Carol Lynch, who retired in October after 30 years of service since the home's opening. For both Andy and Sarah, the residents and staff have become a second family, a bond that makes their Christmas work deeply meaningful.
More Than Just a Dinner Service
The festive meal is a major highlight, featuring a full traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, plus a special orange and cinnamon rice pudding that is a firm favourite amongst the residents. However, the duo's contribution extends far beyond the kitchen. Their commitment has fostered a truly festive atmosphere for decades.
One particularly memorable year saw the staff stage a Cinderella pantomime for residents, with Andy taking on the scene-stealing role of one of the Ugly Step Sisters. This creativity and willingness to go the extra mile defines their approach.
"Christmas is such a magical time of year - not just the day itself but the build-up, too," said Sarah, a mother of three children aged 24, 14, and 12. "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."
A Family Affair of Service
The spirit of service runs deep for both chefs. Andy actually met his wife, Rebecca, at Cedar Falls where she worked as a carer. Rebecca, now a healthcare worker at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, will also be working this Christmas Day, caring for patients.
Reflecting on his long tenure, Andy 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." He emphasised the familial bond with colleagues, stating, "These are people I have grown up with in my career. We've shared so many Christmases together - they're like family."
Maxine Winch, deputy manager at Cedar Falls, praised the pair's unwavering dedication. "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."
After serving the Christmas meal, Sarah will head home to spend the remainder of the day with her own family, while Andy and his wife Rebecca will have completed another year of their unique tradition of festive care.
