Both ends of the age spectrum

When Ashley Davies was considering career options he decided to gain experience at both ends of the age spectrum.

So, whilst studying for his teaching certificate he started working at Brockington House to pay his way through University and gain experience working with the elderly.

“When studying for teaching you need to work a lot in schools and I just thought it might be useful to also spend time working with the older generation so I had both sides covered,” said Ash.

“After spending time in the kitchens at Brockington House I realised I preferred it to teaching.”

That love of cooking may have stemmed from Ash’s childhood where he would help his mum prepare meals for the family of eight and developed a special skill for baking.

After impressing staff and residents at Brockington with his cakes and biscuits he was offered the chance to gain professional qualifications as a cook and jumped at the opportunity and recently completed his Level 3 Diploma in Catering and Food Safety.

“The ladies and gentlemen at Brockington House are always interested when you bring food round that you have made it yourself. They will often offer little tips which I’ll try to incorporate next time,” said Ash.

“Food plays such an important part in all our lives and its lovely to see the smile on their faces when they tuck in.”

Outside of work Ash, 27, enjoys boxing and can make five visits a week to the gym – he says he needs to because of his sweet tooth!

He’s also part of the kitchen crew at Brockington House that looks to raise funds for good causes.

Outside of work he also enjoys spending time with his large circle of relatives, who have been quick to pick up on his culinary skills.

“Every year I visit my grandparents on the Essex coast and there’s a Chinese meal I do which they really like and I love cooking it for them,” he said.