Care Home Regional Directors Compete In Charity Cook Off

Staff and residents at Orchard House Care Home in Newport saw Regional Directors Maria Stefea and Jayne Holloway step out of their comfort zones to compete in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2025 last Wednesday (April 9)

Swapping business suits for chef whites, Maria and Jayne represented Barchester’s South Division in a head-to-head cooking competition against Regional Directors from across the country.

The event aims to raise vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, which supports vulnerable individuals and small community groups by improving mobility and quality of life.

To support the cause, Orchard House held a cake sale and raised over £100, adding to the fundraising efforts.

Maria and Jayne, passionate about cooking and giving back, have been practicing hard.

Maria shares:

“We’re thrilled to support the Foundation, and cooking is a skill we’ve loved since childhood.

“We’re competitive and (were) determined to raise as much as we could!”

Kim Fleming, General Manager at Orchard House, added:

“We’re so proud of Maria and Jayne.

"They’re incredible and their efforts will make such a difference!”

More than £100 has already been donated, with more expected to come.