Hey Viva Guysfield – Residents Enjoy A Spanish Themed Day!
With the days getting shorter and an autumnal chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to imagine blue skies, a warm breeze, melodic guitar music and fabulous food – all things we associate with Spain. The team at Guysfield decided to create a Spanish-themed event for residents and it brought smiles all round.
Sociable Sangria and the Flavours of Spain
Posters and displays featuring the cheerful red and yellow colours of Spain were in evidence around Guysfield Care Home and tables were decorated in preparation for a sumptuous Spanish lunch, created by chef Mehmed and his team. Families had been invited to come along and the arrival of jugs full of homemade Sangria was a tribute to the relaxed, sociable nature of Spanish dining – and a great way to get everyone into the mood for some fabulous cooking!
To start with, a vegetable soup called Puré Hortelano was served – a dish inspired by an Andalusian recipe which features a breadcrumb topping. This was followed by a wonderful range of tapas including Albondigas – tasty meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce – and of course, Paella, Tortilla and Patatas Bravas - crispy fried potatoes with garlic aioli and brava sauce. A delicious Crema Catalana – the classic Spanish custard dessert with a caramelised sugar crust – was a fitting finale to an inspired lunch.
Spanish Culture, Songs – and Siesta
Afterwards, the theme of the day had been woven into a quiz which featured questions on Spanish culture and popular sights to see when visiting the country on holiday. And of course, no event would be complete without music. Everyone enjoyed listening and singing along to uplifting hits like ‘La Bamba’ by Ritchie Valens, ‘Como La Flor’ by Selena and ‘Bamboleo’ by the Gypsy Kings.
Feedback from the residents was overwhelmingly positive. Margaret C said the food was great and “it was like being back to Spain”! Rose W loved the sangria and the singing and she also reminisced about Spanish holidays with her husband. Joan H said Spanish soup was ‘the best she’d ever had’ and May B and her family, who visited on the day, enjoyed the sangria very much, adding that they’d had a wonderful time.
After such a full and vibrant afternoon, it wouldn’t surprising to hear that many residents sensibly embraced another well-known Spanish tradition …… the siesta!
Welcome to Guysfield Care Home in Letchworth, Hertfordshire
You can find us in the beautiful conservation village of Willian, just a mile to the south of Letchworth Garden City, in Hertfordshire. With all the amenities of a modern home, you’ll find first-class facilities with exciting activities, and plenty of places to relax or entertain.
Around our care home in Hertfordshire, there are beautiful gardens to explore. Our residents like to make the most of local amenities also – including the village shop, post office and our local pubs: ‘The Fox’ and ‘The Three Horseshoes’.
