Old Spice - A cookery course for older men.The eight week course is the result of a partnership between the Food Partnership’s Community Cookery Project and LifeLines, a project run by Age UK.
The men told us they liked the general atmosphere of comradeship, and some said they have given up processed foods and readymade meals in favour of cooking for themselves using fresh ingredients. One participant reported that he now feels more confident in the kitchen, adding ‘I actually get enjoyment out of cooking, whereas before I found it boring’. Each week there are plenty of opportunities to practice knife skills and basic cooking techniques and as the course progresses we see confidence levels improve. We recognise that it’s a big step for an older man to come to a cookery class – one that involves overcoming a lot of anxiety. Some of them have become carers to their partners, others are widowers or simply men who have never learned to cook for themselves and are tired of microwave meals. So the focus is on dishes that taste wonderful, are nourishing and simple to prepare, and don’t cost a fortune. The final session is a celebratory one, where the "Spice Boys" choose recipes to cook a banquet for their family or friends. Many past participants return to encourage the new recruits at the beginning of the course. Men over 50 are elgible to join the course. For more details and to find out the next start dates, contact LifeLines on 01273 561247 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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First piloted in Autumn 2009 in Portslade, the course was an instant success with its participants, who cooked and ate together every week.