Baking champions crowned at Huntingdon care home's Summer Open Day

Residents, families and members of the local community enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon when Rose Cottage care home in Broughton, near Huntingdon, hosted its annual Summer Open Day.

The Rose Cottage Baking Championship proved one of the day's highlights, with residents judging homemade cakes baked by families, staff and visitors. Prizes for first, second and third place were hand-knitted jumpers made by 82-year-old resident Hazel, who spent weeks creating them especially for the competition.

Live music, afternoon tea, a raffle and summer-themed decorations created a lively atmosphere as residents, families and visitors spent time together, with the baking contest adding an extra helping of friendly competition to the day's celebrations.

As part of the afternoon, 82-year-old resident Hazel joined members of the home team at the Get Care Wise stall before crowning the baking victors. She chatted with visitors, answered questions about life at the home and shared her own experiences of living in a care home.

Hazel said: "The people who live here and the staff are what make Rose Cottage such a happy home. I'd encourage anyone thinking about care to visit different homes, talk to the staff and see for themselves what they're really like. Days like today are great fun, and it was lovely to make the jumpers for our Baking Championship winners. I've been knitting since my sister taught me when I was young, and I'm so glad she did because I still enjoy it every day."

Amanda Crawley, Co-Home Manager at Rose Cottage, the leading non-profit care home in the Huntingdon area run by charity Greensleeves Care, said: "Our Summer Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together, and the baking contest certainly brought out everyone's competitive spirit.

"Hazel was a fantastic ambassador for the event and really enjoyed talking to visitors and sharing her own experiences. Hearing first-hand from someone who lives in a care home is often the best way to understand what life is really like and to challenge some of the common assumptions people may have.

"Many people don't start thinking about care until a crisis forces them to, and our research found that many wished they had received more information and support when navigating care decisions. Events like these give people the chance to ask questions, look around and have conversations in a relaxed setting, encouraging families to explore their options before they need them. That can make future decisions feel far less daunting."

Get Care Wise is Greensleeves Care’s annual campaign to help people feel more informed about care and make more confident decisions. Free guides and practical information are available at www.greensleeves.org.uk/get-care-wise.