Residents of Lake Macquarie’s Jewells Lifestyle Community retirement village recently joined a class of Year 8 food technology students at Avondale School, Cooranbong, in what was a lesson that taught the significance of preserving tradition and memories through culinary exploration.

The class was a practical lesson in cooking; preparing tried, trusted and treasured family recipes from both groups, but it also helped students to discover that spending time with older generations can be educational and fun.

“It was a lesson in love,” said Avondale School food technology teacher Tarlae Bradford.

“The group came together with such beautiful purpose, with my students learning that food keeps memories alive. Each retiree shared not only a recipe, and cooked it alongside the students, but also a heartfelt conversation about the stories and love associated with that food item”, she said, adding that the voices of the 10 women from the retirement village who dedicated time to spend with the class, really brought the recipes to life.

Jewells Lifestyle Community resident Marie Ryan, who participated in the class, thoroughly enjoyed the morning sharing her treasured Almond Biscuit recipe.

“Food is comforting” says Marie, “bringing people together and nurturing them in a way that conversation alone cannot. This recipe reminds me of so many good times I have had with family and friends throughout my life, and of stories shared over a good cup of tea” she said.

The Jewells Lifestyle Community retirement village is managed by Adventist Senior Living, conveniently located between Newcastle and Sydney, and incorporates designer open plan villas alongside a community-minded social calendar that sees initiatives such as the cooking class with Avondale School enjoyed by residents.