Please note: this post is 25 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
In Islington last week there were a new team of Social Club Co-Ordinators in town and they absolutely smashed their first event! Love Your Neighbour Match Stanley and Poppy have been meeting up for just under a year and quite often they will spend their time cooking together. Stanley is passionate about pasties, but his have a bit more kick to them then your typical recipe. On Wednesday evening the dynamic duo ran a club teaching all of their North London Cares pals how these sensational savoury treats are made. As you can see they certainly kept the attention of the room!
The first task of the evening was to get things "Rolling" as Stan showed everyone how he gets his pastry ready for filling while also explaining his love of cooking. Poppy asked Stan a few questions in front of the group and it was clear to see how genuine and relaxed their friendship was as they spent as much time laughing as they did prepping the pasties!
Under Stan's expert gaze the neighbours chopped their veg ready to use as a filling and then loaded it into their pastry. There were lots of concentrating faces but a lot of smiles at the same time as everyone got involved with the task.
Stan said "It's been lovely getting to know Poppy, she's very sociable and we have a great time on Mondays when she comes to visit. In fact as soon as she's gone I find myself really looking forward to the next time!"
"I think this evening has gone really well. Everyone has been so interested and they were all talking to each other and making friends while they were chopping the food. One of the neighbours asked me about making the dough and now she's going to have a go at doing it herself! The atmosphere was wonderful, I loved it"
Once the pasties were prepared and put in the oven there was chance for Stan and Poppy to relax and chat with the other neighbours. Nearly every photo we snapped of them they were in fits of giggles and it's obvious that these pals are very well matched!
"It's been great to feel more connected to my local area by learning about all the changes that have happened in Islington over the years from Stan." said Poppy "We have a great time chatting as we have loads of shared interests and there's always the bonus of tucking into one of Stanleys delicious meals!"
Poppy and Stan meet up once a week and cover all manner of topics whilst preparing a meal together.
"We talk about what we've been up to in the week, the many clubs that Stan attends, what I've been up to in work and the lovely times Stan had with his late wife. It's been great building a friendship with Stan and so nice to see him in his element tonight, sharing his skills with the neighbours and really enjoying himself.
The end of the club came round way too soon and Stan and Poppy were already talking about the idea for the next club as they left.
"I make a lovely cake, perhaps I could share that with everybody" said Stan
We might just take you up on that Stan!