Shrove Tuesday: how do you eat your pancakes?

 by Gill Hepburn and Fiona Hill - updated for 2021

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The word shrove is a form of the English word shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of Confession and doing penance. Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were "shriven" (absolved from their sins). A bell would be rung to call people to confession. This came to be called the “Pancake Bell” and is still rung today.

Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year and falls between February 3 and March 9. Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients.

PANCAKE RECIPES

Lots of people say it's fiddly but really it's not! All you need is a little time, eggs, milk, flour and some butter or oil - and someone to appreciate them. Oh yes, and just a little patience and acceptance if the first one (which can be yours) goes wrong!

Basic pancake recipe:

100g of plain flour
2 eggs
300ml of milk
Olive oil

Gluten free recipe:

125g of gluten free plain flour
2 eggs
250ml milk
Olive oil 

Equipment

Basing upon making just one of the mixtures above, you'll need: 2 plastic jugs, damp dishcloth, 1 bowl and 1 small frying pan. I use a smaller frying pan as it's easier to turn over/flip the pancake.

Method

Right now weigh up the flour in your bowl, making a well in the middle, then add the eggs in the centre, adding a little milk and whisk together (I used an electric hand whisk which was ideal to get done air into the mixture). Once it's being combined, add the remaining milk slowly as you're whisking.

Once all combined pour into one of the plastic jugs and set aside.

Now get your pan ready.... heat the pan and pour 5 tablespoons (approx) of olive oil into the pan. Yes all of it at once! Now it's coated the pan, tip the whole lot into the other plastic jug. Now pour in some mixture to coat the bottom of the pan. As soon as the sides start to cook, go around with a flat knife, ideally a palette but not essential. And try going underneath to loosen the pancake from the pan. This makes it easier to turn over/flip! 

Once it looks light golden, try flipping it over. And then when the second side is down, turn (or flip!) onto a plate.

Depending on your pan, you may find that the pan doesn't need re-oiling, however if it does, pour the oil into the pan and start the process again.

Please note: you'll need to make up the mixture and the pancakes of the non-gluten pancakes before the others to stop cross-contamination.

American pancakes - great for shapes, too!

by Fiona Hill of Real Food

6oz plain flour
Pinch salt
1 level teaspoon baking powder
2 level tablespoons caster sugar
2 eggs
1/2 pint milk
2oz butter melted
Vanilla extract

You will need 2 bowls, measuring jug, frying pan and a whisk

Sift the flour salt and baking powder into a bowl, add the caster sugar.

Measure the milk, and add the egg yolks, melted butter and vanilla and beat till mixed. 

Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix together.

Whisk the egg whites till stiff and fold into the rest of the mixture.

Heat up the frying pan and put a ladle or large spoonful into the pan, bubbles will form and once they pop turn it over for 30 seconds and then place on a warm plate and keep warm, continue till all the mixture is used , serve with maple syrup. 

How do you eat yours?

by the Editor

Pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be lots of fun! Over the years a 'Shrove Tuesday' tradition has grown in our house, based around a comment frequently made by my children that 'you can never eat enough pancakes...'

The day starts with... (you've guessed it) ... pancakes. Some years we've opted for the simple thick American variety, this year the traditional 'crepe' style won out - and this year we went gluten free as well. And now that the older two travel further to school, we were up 'flipping' early, with my daughter preparing a batch to eat with her friends on the bus...

Later in the day the ritual continues, with savoury pancakes - or galettes (I usually try and accompany with a salad here...), followed by more sweet pancakes. 

Trust me, come the end of the day, I've usually have enough of pancakes for the year and it'll be some months before I agree to make another batch for breakfast!

Our suggested toppings:

Savoury pancakes/galettes:

• Cheese and ham
• Cheese and tomato
• Cheese and mushroom
• Cheese, parma ham and creme fraiche

Sweet pancakes:

• Maple syrup - golden syrup - agave syrup
• Blueberries - and any other berries for that matter!
• Chocolate spread - messy, but delicious
• Jam
• Sugar and lemon juice

How do you eat your pancakes?

Lantern-making heralds Chinese New Year

Brockenhurst College students spend time with residents at Woodpeckers

A lantern-making party with young visitors was the ideal start to Chinese New Year celebrations at Woodpeckers nursing and residential home in Brockenhurst. Residents at the Colten Care home welcomed a group of college students to help with their colourful crafts session. Together they spent time cutting out paper shapes and turning them into decorative red and white lanterns to hang in the lounge.

It was one of a weekly series of visits being made this year by students on the Foundation Studies Level 1 Course in Child, Health and Social Care at nearby Brockenhurst College. Other recent sessions have involved quizzes, clay modelling, sound bingo and making mincemeat tarts.

Brockenhurst College Learning Support Assistant Laura Wheeler said: “It’s just lovely coming to Woodpeckers and seeing the interaction between the generations. Apart from grandparents, some of our students don’t tend to spend much time with older people so they really get a lot out of visiting here. The residents have such fascinating stories to tell about their lives.”

Jane Bunker, Activities Organiser at Woodpeckers, said: “We love having the students along. Our residents really enjoy meeting and talking with them and taking part in shared arts and crafts work. The Chinese theme added an extra focus this time round.”

The lanterns at Woodpeckers include the colour red because in traditional Chinese culture it is said to bring good luck and scare off the mythical monster Nian.

The home’s celebrations - heralding the Year of the Rooster, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle - also included a Chinese-themed lunch.

Two hundred and eight happy returns to Doris and Joan!

Two ladies with a combined age of 208 have celebrated their birthdays at Lymington's Court Lodge.

Staff at Colten Care's Court Lodge joined Joan Mackay, 105, and Doris Clark, 103, for birthday cakes and bubbles to mark the momentous occasions.

Julia Puia, Activity Organiser, said: "Joan and Doris celebrate their birthdays on consecutive days and were thoroughly spoiled by their families, friends and the staff here. Both Joan and Doris are very popular ladies and really got into the spirit of the occasion, enjoying a glass or two of sparkling wine before presiding over the cutting of their birthday cakes. We all feel deeply honoured to be caring for these ladies who have enjoyed such long and interesting lives.”

Lymington resident Joan Mackay celebrates 105 years

Born in Glasgow, Joan lived in Canada for a number of years where she worked as a secretary. She met her late husband in Canada while playing tennis and the couple married in the 1940's. She has travelled to Egypt and Portugal and still enjoys reading history books. 

Joan hit the headlines last September when she realised a lifetime ambition to take a trip in a giant helium balloon. Staff at Court Lodge arranged for her to soar 492 feet into the air in the gondola of the Bournemouth Balloon. 

Joan, who is the oldest resident at Court Lodge, said: “It’s been a truly wonderful birthday.”

Local Lymington girl, Doris, celebrates her 103rd birthday

Doris was born at East End near Lymington and moved with her family to Church Lane, Pilley, in 1923. This was to become her home for the next 87 years. Her first job was as a maid to families in Christchurch, Bournemouth and London before becoming a machinist for Wellworthy at the Ampress site, making vehicle parts. During the Second World War she worked from 7pm until 7am, cycling to work in her bib and brace overalls and wooden clogs. She continued at the firm until her retirement. Doris, who never married, was a keen gardener and walker and still enjoys the fresh air in Court Lodge's garden.

A very happy birthday to Doris and Joan!

Respite care can give you all a well-deserved break.

Rest and rejuvenate at a Colten Care home on a regular or one-off short stay.

Caring is a full time job and one which can be very demanding, both emotionally and physically. So, it’s essential that as a carer you take a well-deserved and needed break from caring. You should not feel guilty about needing a break from the person you’re caring for. In fact, it’s widely recognised that respite care is good for both the carer and the person being cared for.

What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term or temporary care which is centred on providing the carer with a rest from their normal duties as a carer, allowing them to have a break and recharge their batteries. Respite care is centred on improving the standard of care the carer provides, by giving them regular and needed breaks.

The benefits of respite care

The benefits of respite care are numerous for caregivers.  Taking time away from care giving demands will leave a caregiver refreshed and renewed, allowing them the opportunity to re-energise to be a more effective caregiver. Caregivers deserve time for activities they enjoy, whether it be reading, gardening, taking a walk, and so on. It’s also important for caregivers to maintain social relationships with friends and other family members to avoid isolation and depression. Respite care will also allow the caregiver to maintain their own lives; to run errands, see their own doctors, and possibly attend support groups with other caregivers.

Respite Care is also incredibly beneficial for the person being cared for, as the standard of care they receive tends to improve, it reduces the chance of neglect or abuse and it also gives the person being cared for a break from the carer. Respite care can often be described as a break for the person being cared for, as fun activities and day trips are often arranged to keep them entertained.

Rest and rejuvenate at a Colten Care home

Colten Care homes offer the same high-quality care services enjoyed by their long-term residents on a short-term or respite basis. These generally vary from a minimum of a single week to multiple weeks; or even multiple repeat bookings throughout the year. Colten Care’s short term care offer is perfect for periods of respite, recovery or simply a rest from the daily chores. Family carers can also have a break in the knowledge that their loved ones will be receiving the best possible care.

Short stays and respite care is appropriate for many reasons. People on discharge from hospital may require additional support to start their recuperation or recovery process. Others simply like to take a ‘short relaxation break’, perhaps to give a full-time family carer, or indeed themselves, some time out.

Colten Care can accommodate most people’s clinical and care requirements. This leaves people on short stay care and their families safe in the knowledge that all care needs can be accommodated.

Some individuals or families require the services of a care home and would like to try for a short period to ensure the resident is comfortable before making a longer-term commitment to move home. Whatever the need, many short stay residents come back time and time again and consistently acknowledge the excellent services.

Whether a short period of recovery, a respite break for yourself or simple a ‘trial run’ for those looking for a permanent home, Colten Care offer a place where all residents can be themselves.

Tips on introducing the subject of Respite Care

It can be hard introducing the subject of respite care. While it’s always good to plan ahead and broach the topic early to give everyone time to adjust to the idea, don’t suggest it too early. This can cause unnecessary distress. 
 
Consider referring to respite care as a holiday, a break for them. Speak about it in a positive and enthusiastic light, try not to let any doubts come across as this may cause undue distress. If you’re relaxed and excited about the whole thing, they are more likely to be more receptive.
 
Try to remember that it is not selfish for you to want a break and it will benefit you both.

Short Stays at Court Lodge in Lymington

Court Lodge is an easy walk from Lymington’s vibrant and charming centre and offers a haven of quiet seclusion. It is a home from home, surrounding by real life in a leafy residential area. Built around an older house to offer first class residential and nursing care, it seamlessly blends modern comfort and convenience with a feeling for tradition, much like a college with a charming quad at its heart. There are regular activities for those wishing to participate and residents participate in community events, including the annual Lymington and Pennington summer carnival and vehicle spectacular event down the road in Woodside Gardens.

Court Lodge welcome short stays, and offers the same high-quality care services enjoyed by long-term residents on a short-term or respite basis. These generally vary from a minimum of a single week to multiple weeks; or even multiple repeat bookings throughout the year. Short term care offer is perfect for periods of respite, recovery or simply a rest from the daily chores. Family carers can also have a break in the knowledge that their loved ones will be receiving the best possible care.

Find out more about Court Lodge

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Covid-19: it is not currently possible to visit Colten Care's homes. Please find more details here: https://www.coltencare.co.uk/news-events/coronavirus-update

Taste, sights and sounds of Thailand come to Lymington.

Variety is the spice of life at Colten Care's Court Lodge.

Variety really is the spice of life at Colten Care's homes. This week, residents at Court Lodge tucked into a tasty selection of traditional Thai dishes at their summer barbecue, while the Southampton Thai Dancers provided colourful entertainment. 

Participating in a diverse range of activies is recognised as being an important way to stay mentally sharp as we get older. Keeping active, eating well, keeping learning, challenging your brain and engaging your senses are all important - and these qualities were certainly 'in play' as residents, friends, families and carers enjoyed a Thai-themed day in the sunshine!

“Many of our residents may have enjoyed holidays in the Far East and Asia, including Thailand, explained Jackie Seeborun, Home Manager. "They really appreciate being able to relive the taste, sights and sounds again of that fascinating part of the world. It’s been a lovely day, much enjoyed by everyone. The food and dancing have been fantastic and staff, residents and families have had a great time.”

Jackie explained that year’s theme was chosen in tribute to Suwanna Saelin, a healthcare assistant at Court Lodge, who comes from Thailand. “We are a multi-cultural home and everyone – carers, housekeepers, nurses, activity organisers and, of course, our chef Matt Jerrard and Catering Manager Paddy O’Driscoll – have worked together as a team to put on this event. My special thanks to Julia Puia, Activity Organiser, who made a great contribution.” 

Macmillan Coffee Morning on 30th September

Court Lodge invite you to join them from 11am on Friday 30th September for their Macmillan coffee morning - part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning fundraising event held annually in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care, a charity which is very close to their hearts.

Enjoying the therapeutic effect of animals at Court Lodge.

Longdown's mobile farm delights Colten Care home's residents and visitors.

THERE was fur and feathers-a-plenty when care home residents were paid a visit by a mobile farm. Colten Care’s Court Lodge in Court Close, Lymington, played host to goats, pigs, ducks, chicks and even a donkey called Max. Farmer Ian Earls brought the menagerie from Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst, near Southampton. Residents were able to hold and pet some of the animals, before feeding the greedy goats with giant milk bottles.

The home’s oldest resident, Joan Mackay, who will be 105 years old in October, was delighted when a 10-week old Cherry Valley Duck was named in her honour. Court Lodge activities organiser Julia Puia, said: “It was lovely to see the way the residents responded to the animals. Their faces lit up when holding the tiny chicks and stroking the cute pigs and goats.”

Residents were joined for the visit by a large number of their friends, family and grandchildren. Julia continued: “Petting animals is very therapeutic as well as a lot of fun and it was heart warming to watch our residents enjoying them alongside the many children who were visiting.”

The health benefits of animals is increasingly being recognised as a great way to help deal with depression, anxiety and stress. Domestic animals come with some pretty powerful mental and physical health benefits. Dogs in particular can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. 

How can the creatures have such a positive effect? There are a number of reasons according to Linda Blair, clinical psychologist. 

"First, we all find animals, particularly unusual ones, at first surprising and sometimes frightening, but then most often amusing. Their presence, particularly if it’s a creature we’ve never seen before, makes us smile and probably laugh, and this releases stress. When we laugh, we also release endorphin, and as a result, we’re less likely to feel pain.

Second, an animal provides a talking point, a way to encourage those who may have withdrawn into themselves to start engaging with others. Just watch anyone walking their dog. People stop to ask questions about the animal, and this often leads to further conversation. Studies have shown that increased sociability is strongly associated with feelings of happiness and contentment.

Third, when we feed or stroke an animal, we’re helping to care for it. In 1975, Ellen Langer carried out a now-famous experiment in a care home where she showed that when residents were given the responsibility of looking after a house plant, they became more alert and reported greater wellbeing.

Finally, when we stroke a creature, we release oxytocin, a neuropeptide. Marcus Heinrichs at the University of Freiburg showed that oxytocin reduces anxiety and increases a sense of calm. Peter Kirsch at the University of Giessen noted reduced fear when oxytocin levels are high. Donatella Marazziti at Pisa University found that oxytocin reduces inflammation and increases wound healing. And most remarkable, Adam Guastella at Sydney University found that increased oxytocin levels were associated with greater emotional recognition in children with autistic spectrum disorder."

Linda Blair is a clinical psychologist. Her book, The Key to Calm (Hodder & Stoughton, £14.99), is available from Telegraph Books for £12.99.

Lymington care home group celebrates nursing excellence.

Lymington-based care home group, Colten Care, brought together nearly 100 team members for a celebration of nursing.

Among the participants at the one-day conference were more than 70 RGNs representing all 20 homes run by the family-owned group.

Held at the AFC Bournemouth football stadium, the event was designed to encourage nurses to develop their leadership skills while reaffirming the company’s commitment to invest in nursing despite recruitment challenges facing the whole care sector.

The keynote presentation was given by Lymington sailor and adventurer, Manley Hopkinson, who sought to draw parallels between the leadership challenges of nursing and the kinds of decisions inherent in ocean sailing and polar exploration.

An ex-Royal Navy officer, Manley was a skipper on the 2000 BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht race, leading a crew of volunteers, including novices, for nine months on a 32,000-mile journey ‘the wrong way round the globe’. He was also part of the three-man team that won the inaugural race to the Magnetic North Pole, facing polar bear attacks and continual sub-zero temperatures.

“Nurses may not consider themselves as leaders but they are," commented Manley. "If you are helping, guiding and influencing people within your care then you are a leader. It’s about maintaining humanity as you deliver leadership. You take on the joy of leadership combined with the clinical side. I call it compassionate leadership. I asked people to consider compassionate leadership being not just for those directly in their care but also for families, team members and the wider community.”

Presentations from clinical experts covered subjects such as nurses’ professional revalidation and how Colten Care supports nurse learning and development. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the event," added Manley. "There was a lovely energy about it. Everyone made me feel very welcome and I felt the audience were hugely receptive.”

Alongside the conference, there was a trade show that enabled attendees to find out what is new on the equipment side to help in their work.

Janie Pearman, Home Manager at Belmore Lodge in Lymington, and a former casualty nursing sister, said: “It was a great idea for nurses to get together. The day was both informative and inspiring and we came away buzzing with ideas. I cannot believe what a morale boost this has been to our nursing team.”

Elaine Farrer, Colten Care Operations Director, said: “This was the first dedicated nurses’ conference of its size we’ve ever held. It was all about celebrating nursing excellence. We wanted our nurses to understand our appreciation for the significant professional role they have in the care of our residents.”

Studio tour tunes care home residents into DJing.

Residents from a Lymington care home turned DJs for the day when they visited New Forest Hospital Radio.

The six-strong party from Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge had the chance to introduce tunes for the next broadcast of their own monthly request show recorded by the station. The tour of the studio, at Lymington Hospital, also gave the visitors a hands-on look at the technology that goes into producing a programme.

"I’d never been in a recording studio before", said Marcia Page. "It was really interesting.” Fellow resident Janette Banks agreed, “It was a totally new experience. When I came to Belmore Lodge I never expected I’d have a chance of being a DJ!”

The group was accompanied by Belmore Lodge Activities Organiser Jackie Fergusson, who said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit and we learned a great deal about how our programme is made.”

Since last year, bespoke one-hour monthly request shows specially produced for residents of four Colten Care New Forest homes have been broadcast under a partnership with the station. As well as Belmore Lodge, they are Court Lodge in Lymington, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton. Plans to extend the service to Linden House in Lymington are also under way.

Dedications are left at each home and gathered by the station’s volunteer DJs to play. The shows are broadcast online and made available to download as podcasts.

“The programmes are an ideal way for relatives and friends to suggest dedications for loved ones’ birthdays and anniversaries", added Jackie. "Music is a joy for many of our residents and the shows are proving very popular. All kinds of music are played from classical pieces through to folk, rock, jazz and pop. We have portable stereo sets which mean residents can choose to listen in their bedrooms or together with others in our homes’ lounges.”

Hospital radio presenter Michael Robinson, who was host for the day, said: “We really enjoy producing the shows and to welcome some of our Colten Care music fans face-to-face at the studio was lovely.”

Following her visit, Janette Banks shared her own radio-themed method of getting to sleep at night. “If ever I’m taking too long to nod off, I try to imagine what my eight records would be for Desert Island Discs. Usually I don’t get them all clear in my mind before I fall asleep.”

For more information on New Forest Hospital Radio, including volunteering opportunities, visit www.nfhradio.org.uk. The show involving the Belmore Lodge residents is scheduled for broadcast and podcast download in late July. June’s broadcast is already available for download.

Care home chefs whisk up tasty treats for National Cupcake Day

Swirls, sprinkles and icing are among the vital ingredients as Colten Care chefs help residents enjoy the UK’s first National Cupcake Day.

The family-owned provider is baking a cupcake for each of its 1,000 residents to be served specially as part of the Alzheimer’s Society ‘cupcake crusade’.

Chefs in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex, where Colten Care recently opened its latest home - Wellington Grange in Chichester - have all been devising recipes based on residents’ choices.

The cakes include eggs from local producers and other regionally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

At Avon Reach in Mudeford, Dorset, chef Izabela Turczyn trialled a range of yellow and orange designs based on the colours and shape of Colten Care’s ‘double-C’ logo.

Fergus Davitt, Hotel Services Manager, said: “Our chefs are chosen for their dedication and passion, which shines through in events such as National Cupcake Day. We’re inviting all 1,000 of our residents, together with friends, families and other visitors, to have a cupcake and share in the fun.”

The aim of the national day is to help raise funds for people affected by dementia. It takes place on Thursday 16th June, 2016.

For more information, use the hashtag #CupcakeDay.

Local Colten carers skydive for Oakhaven.

'Daring carers' Sophie Ackroyd and Jodie Endacott raised over £1,600 for Lymington's Oakhaven Hospice Trust by jumping from an aeroplane.

Sophie and Jodie have their feet solidly on the ground while caring for residents at Colten Care's Woodpeckers nursing and residential care home in Sway Road, Brockenhurst.

But after deciding to raise money for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington, they found themselves 10,000 feet up in an aircraft doorway, preparing to jump out.

The women took part in Oakhaven's annual charity tandem skydive from Netheravon Airfield near Salisbury, Wiltshire. The event raises valuable funds for the hospice which has offered specialist palliative care to over 125,000 residents in the New Forest and Waterside area.

Both Sophie and Jodie have very personal reasons for supporting Oakhaven; Jodie's grandmother is currently being cared for at the hospice; Sophie also has a family friend who will be using the service and both women have cared for Woodpeckers' residents who have spent time in the hospice.

"We've both come to realise that sadly hospices do not get enough recognition or funding," shared Sophie, from Hordle. "So we decided to do our bit and make people aware of what an amazing place Oakhaven is."

"It was someone at work who actually suggested a parachute jump - although strangely enough she didn't volunteer to join us!" laughed Jodie, from New Milton. "We travelled to the airfield early in the morning and underwent training on how to land correctly and then it was just a case of waiting to jump."

"I was supposed to do it at 12.30 but unfortunately the weather delayed it and I wasn't actually able to jump until 5.30pm. I got dressed and ready three times before I was given the all clear and by that time I was so nervous I thought about backing out. But my family, friends and my instructor really spurred me on and in the end I just went for it."

She continued: "I'd like to say it was a fabulous experience, but freefalling at 250mph is not pleasant! The best bit for me was definitely when the parachute deployed."

"Sophie really enjoyed it though and we were both thrilled when we learned we had each raised over £800 in sponsorship from family friends and through donations online."

Colten Care are very proud of their daring skydivers - as a company they are committed to raising funds for charitable causes. Residents in each home are encouraged to nominate a main charity to help every year, leaving scope for other organisations to be supported too. Activities organisers, social carers and other team members then enable residents to contribute directly in meaningful ways such as making arts and crafts to sell at fundraising fetes and suggesting ideas for sponsored quizzes. Last year, Colten Care residents and team members raised nearly £32,000 for charity.