A love of cooking leads to a Taste of Friendship; Suir Active Retirement Group has provided a recreational outlet to Waterford’s retired population for over a decade. It was during 2020 that the resilience of the group was tested as lockdown after lockdown put paid to any social activities.
However, undaunted by the challenges it faced, the group came up with an unique approach to keep its members active, engaged and create ever-lasting memories of true friendship.
‘A Taste of Friendship’, a book of recipes by the members was ‘developed for friends by friends in lockdown’ and features recipes submitted by its members, while one member submitted a poem and another painted the recipe book cover.
With funding provided by Waterford City and County Council, “A Taste of Friendship” was launched earlier this week by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly.
Cllr. Kelly said “This is a wonderful and heartfelt initiative that got all of the active retired group involved. From a worrying and challenging time came a testament to friendship and camaraderie as the groups’ members shared recipes, stories and experiences of their lockdown. What’s particularly special about this publication is that the recipes were handed down from previous generations and can be handed down to generations to come.”
Joan Mullally, Chairperson of the Suir Active Retirement Group said that the book was a result of its members spending extra time in the kitchen during lockdown. “Like so many active retirement groups we were forced into our kitchens, baking became the hobby we returned to. I put out a call for recipes, with a few to pass them onto one another, as we all had to go back to basics cooking, especially those of us living alone. I received so many favourite generational recipes, the committee decided to publish a ‘Book of Friendship’ recipes that we cooked during the pandemic.”
‘A Taste of Friendship’ is available to purchase for €5 from the groups’ members and Joan 087-1366778 and all proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards ensuring the continuation of provision of social and recreational services to Waterford’s retired population.
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