Heavitree
Grace Hadden
Heavitree
Grace Hadden
Heavitree
Gordon Ellis & Richard Comerford Kingsway
“Me and my grandad cook together every Monday in order to start his week good as he can get lonely since my nan has passed.
The rest of the week he gets his food delivered as like a meals on wheels type deal as that’s an opportunity for him to interact with another person when they deliver it but he predominantly cooks alone and will make food by himself if he’s feeling up to it.”
“at a deeper level food gives a chance for me, my family and my friends to get together and tell stories share memories and have a good laugh”
Park Life Community Hub
Heavitree Park
“I met with someone at Devon County Council who is working with the asylum seeking community and he happened to mention the challenges for families with the food. It transpires that much of the food is pre packaged and the government have a contract with a supplier in Birmingham so it is shipped down daily. The food is inadequate with little or no choice- it does not meet the cultural needs of people and certainly does not allow for any choice, anonymity or identity. I wanted Park Life to be able to offer a space where people can have some basic ingredients to then create a meal that is individual, cultural and nutritious.”
“It gives them space outside of the hotel where they have very little to do to engage with an activity. For many people cooking and eating is a huge part of their community identity being able to share hospitality with others. Cooking in this way enables many people to take food of their heritage back to their families and I know many share with friends and neighbours.”
“The project combines people from our local community who volunteer and enable people from the asylum seeking community in the hotel to join together. Some of the participants get to know eachother better through the project and there is an emerging friendship and respect between volunteers and participants.”
“I love cooking here because it reminds me of cooking in my home country”
Park Life Cafe
Heavitree Park
“I think there are so many stories that I have heard from working here about this space playing such a huge part in people’s routines. From Meg coming in daily with her dogs for a mug of tea and a lemon polenta cake to children coming in after school for their ice creams! Having an area where both these groups can spend time is a huge part of how we can build community.”
“For me, this is the first time that I have cooked to serve customers and it is a real eye opening experience. I have so enjoyed taking pride in plating up the food and making it look good! I have always loved food and would say sharing food together is a huge part of my family. So cooking food in a space that is so evidently playing a part in community is a privilege.”
Kath Hadden Whipton Lane
“I love cooking , having my family and friends around the table , sharing or taking food to people if they are having a hard time or to celebrate something. It’s my way of showing them love.”
“Taking a meal to a new neighbour or someone whose had a baby or been poorly is a way of making a simple connection between two people or two families , of showing people they are loved and valued and that they are surrounded by people who care and ‘see’ them.”
Will Dolphin Whipton Lane
“Food is so important to me and is a huge passion of mine. If I wasn't a photographer I'm sure I would be involved in food in some way or another, both my Mum and brother have been chefs to a good standard too and I guess it was handed down by my mum from a young age.”
“Cooking and sharing food with family and friends brings everyone together for good times and connects communities. We've often had street parties where everyone cooks up a big feast, I always love our Christmas parties where we have lots of families over for drinks and I always cook some lovely street-type food for everyone to enjoy.”
Sefo Teisina Whiteway drive
Umu - Tongan name for an underground oven.
“In the islands we make an umu every week and for celebrations. Here in the UK we do it once every few months.”
“Community is very important, and everything is shared as this is where we build and strengthen relationships”
“Lu (Taro leaves, meat of your choice, veg and coconut cream) wrap in foil then place in the umu”
Greg Horn Whiteway drive
“This dish is so versatile, I cook it when we have friends over with their children. Some children can be fussy but everyone eats this.”
“You can serve it plain or jazz it up with sauces and garnishes”
“Its best to make a big batch. The prep is a bit messy but once that is done, it is a simple dish to finish off.”
Claire Hunt Vaugh Road
“We sometimes have international students staying with us and I enjoy cooking traditional meals and showing them what English food is like and learning about their different cultures and traditions.”
“I
try to help people in our community by cooking them a meal if they are going through a difficult situation. A friend recently went through cancer treatment and I made them some meals. It was a practical way of helping and it made a big difference to them.”
Rachel, Rob and Mia Willmott Sweetbrier Lane
“We love cooking good food. Our house revolves around the kitchen and cooking is a big part of our week. It has this way of bringing you down to earth no matter what else is going on in your day; it’s something that nourishes our bodies, brings us great joy and is often shared with friends and family.”
“I think our favourite part of cooking is sharing it with others. Whether it’s an egg on toast or a slow-cooked lamb, as you share what you’ve made with old friends and new, it creates this precious moment around the table where everyone can find fun, laughter and rest.”
“Food is a big part of the Heavitree community. It could just be a cup of tea and a biscuit, but like so many communities around the world, food brings people together and encourages connection.”
Kirsten, Seth and Edis Hurley Sweetbrier lane
“Food is very important in my community, my friends mostly love cooking and eating. My family too.”
“We often cook meals for friends, go to the beach and cook hot dog with friends. We offer to provide meals for people in the community who are struggling, with new babies, illness, etc.”
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who helped with this book, it’s a book on community, food and people and I couldn’t of done it without these people.
Richard Comerford and Gordon Ellis
Kate Wilder, Amira Zeidan and Loida Castro
Naomi Willmott and Alex Borland
Mum, Dad, Evie, Rachel and Emmy Jones
Will Dolphin
Sefo Teisina
Greg Horn
Claire Hunt
Rachel, Rob and Mia Willmott
Kirsten, Seth and Edis Hurley
