RESIDENTS from an over 55’s supported housing schemes got together for an early Christmas lunch supplied by Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) students.

Nearly 60 residents from across Basingstoke and Deane, who are part of the Sovereign Housing Association’s scheme were served up a treat at BCoT’s training restaurant on November 22.

The idea came about as part of the housing associations independent living and community team.

Tracey Scutter, independent living and community officer, who organised the event said: “One of the key aims of Sovereigns independent living service is to reduce isolation within our older persons’ accommodation.

“Not only was this event a great opportunity to bring together older residents from across the community, it was also a great piece of partnership working with BCoT to support the students and to bring the two generations together.

“We hope to be able to deliver more events with them in the future to really extend our cross generational working and draw together services in the community to directly benefit our residents.”

For students following BCoT’s city and guild’s two-year catering course, the Restaurant offers first-hand experience of working in a restaurant and kitchen. Many students, like Kerry Ford and Bethany Alexander aspire to have restaurants of their own one day.

Rebecca Palmer, restaurant manager at BCoT said: “We were extremely proud and privileged to host the Sovereign Christmas lunch at the restaurant at BCoT. It was a pleasure to see the Sovereign residents from all over Basingstoke come together with the students for an afternoon of fine dining and festivities.

“Our aim is to provide high quality food and hospitality to our local community, and this event gave our students the experience to demonstrate their professional culinary skills to local residents. The college prides itself with its community links and this event has helped cement The Restaurant at BCoT as an outstanding dining venue in Basingstoke.”