AN ANDOVER care home had residents ‘breaking bread’ as part of Real Bread Week.

Staff at Harrier Grange arranged a making of their own bread as part of the varied schedule of activities which residents enjoy at the home.

Real Bread Week runs until March 3 with the aim of encouraging people to make their own bread from scratch or buying fresh bread to support their local bakery.

Residents and staff rolled up their sleeves and got to grips with measuring ingredients, mixing and kneading dough, then shaping and baking their own bread designs. They then gathered together to enjoy their freshly baked produce with lashings of butter and a selection of jams and preserves.

Stacie Judge, activities coordinator, said: “I’m pleased that the bread day has been such a success, with all the residents having great fun making shapes out of the bread and then getting together to enjoy eating what they’d made.

“Not only was it a fun and sociable day, but when the residents were kneading the dough there was a lovely calm atmosphere in the room.

“The real wonder of this activity comes once the bread is baked. It is a powerfully sensory-filled activity, smelling the bread, feeling it warm in the hand, and tasting the fresh bread. It’s a really good experience for everyone, but particularly helpful for those with dementia. When we were eating together, there was a real sense of pride and satisfaction for our residents.”