0:00:02 > 0:00:04We're the Hairy Bikers
0:00:04 > 0:00:08and we've made our name cooking real food for real people.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10You're nibbling on it already!
0:00:10 > 0:00:12We're here to see if our mission
0:00:12 > 0:00:15to rejuvenate a vital culinary lifeline has worked.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Meals on Wheels is a hot meal and a much-needed face to face visit.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Hi, Albert. It's only us.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Ensuring Britain's elderly and infirm are kept safe,
0:00:26 > 0:00:28well-fed and in good spirits.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31I haven't had a fish pie for years.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Two years ago, we trialled a plan to turn this essential service
0:00:34 > 0:00:37into a lean, mean catering machine,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40delivering a difference to our grans and granddads
0:00:40 > 0:00:44and making it fit to roll out across 21st-century Britain.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Hello!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'Now we're revisiting the two places where we put our masterplan into action.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Back again!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55We're going back to Elmbridge in Surrey and Slaithwaite in Yorkshire.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Today, we're heading for Elmbridge where in 2011,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05we rode to the rescue of the ailing Meals on Wheels service.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Got your supper for you.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10We want to find out how they're getting on now.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Hello! Long time no see.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14'We'll be catching up with old friends.'
0:01:14 > 0:01:18You're all lovely and slim on top of it all!
0:01:18 > 0:01:20'From long-standing volunteers...'
0:01:20 > 0:01:23How are you doing? We've heard that you haven't been very well.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25..and even royalty.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- Are you always on carrots? - I am when you're here!
0:01:27 > 0:01:30THEY LAUGH
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Now, two years on, we're back.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38And we want to find out whether our ideas have delivered a difference or sunk without trace.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49It's great to be heading back to Elmbridge.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52I can't wait to catch up with the Meals on Wheels gang.
0:01:52 > 0:01:58But before we get there, let's remind ourselves of our efforts to reinvigorate the service.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02From a peak of 34 million, the numbers of Meals on Wheels
0:02:02 > 0:02:05delivered nationwide had plummeted by more than a third.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09We'd assumed they were going to be there for our grandparents,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12our parents and us, but we were disappointed.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15In some areas, daily hot deliveries had been abandoned.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Others had to make do with microwaved frozen meals.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Do you know what that tastes like? A polystyrene tile.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29The service was in desperate need of a new generation of delivery volunteers to keep it running.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Days get very long when you are on your own.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34'Our goal was to do everything we could to transform
0:02:34 > 0:02:38'Meals on Wheels so it truly delivered for all our old folk.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40'Last thing we want is to be those two blokes
0:02:40 > 0:02:43who've done something for the telly, walked away and it all falls apart.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Our Meals on Wheels legacy was never meant to be a flash in the pan.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54We wanted it to last. So, we're back to find out if it has.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Elmbridge Borough's Council-run Meals on Wheels service operates from six centres.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01He piloted our plan from one of them, the Molesey Centre,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and we started in the kitchen.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06This is where we introduced fresh ingredients
0:03:06 > 0:03:09and some wholesome cooking.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12You know, good food can lift the soul and the thing is,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15everybody, whoever you are, deserves good food.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18And the kitchen here relied quite heavily on frozen food.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And they did work really hard on transforming that food.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Let's go and see if they've kept it up.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- Frozen veg.- It is, yes. Yes.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32When we first visited Molesey's kitchen,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36it was completely dependent on dried and frozen ingredients.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42- Got the walk-in freezer. - That's a big freezer, isn't it?
0:03:43 > 0:03:45'Preparing up to 40 meals a day
0:03:45 > 0:03:47'meant that convenience was the name of the game
0:03:47 > 0:03:52'for our queens of the deep freeze - long-standing volunteer Gladys...'
0:03:52 > 0:03:5486 at the end of the month.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- Are you?- I hope I look like you when I am 86, I tell you.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59'..kitchen assistant Lesley...'
0:03:59 > 0:04:01My husband said to me when I got the job,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04"Why are you working there? You don't cook."
0:04:04 > 0:04:05'..and head cook Julie.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Milk powder, sponge mix.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Potato mash mix.- We do, yes. Yeah.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Frozen food may have its fans
0:04:13 > 0:04:16but we wanted the girls to make a fresh start.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21Ladies, we want you to have an open mind to what we are going to say.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24The key thing is we want you to go fresh.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26It's going to mean a little bit more work,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29but we want to get you cooking again.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32We want to get you cooking cos that's dead important.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33We want the passion for what you do
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- and the service you offer into that food.- Yeah.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- Sisters of Mercy, are you with us? - Definitely.- Come on! High-fives.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44All the way round.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49We overhauled their menus, getting the girls going back to basics.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51It's going to be more work prep-wise.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53The cooking should be fine,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57but getting everything ready on time will be a challenge.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00'Not only did it have to taste good but we had to turn out
0:05:00 > 0:05:06'each of our new, fresh two-course meals for under £1.25.'
0:05:06 > 0:05:09If I find a lump in that mash, you are for it!
0:05:09 > 0:05:15Over the next few months, the girls got to work perfecting our new recipes every weekday.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Look at Glad's browning! Brilliant that, mate.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21I'm usually in the sink. I'm doing some of this now.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26It wasn't always plain sailing.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It's not cooked. It is not cooked.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31But in the end, the team got to grips with turning out fresh meals
0:05:31 > 0:05:34on budget every weekday.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Like a well-oiled machine, here.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Now, you've got a special meal today.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43For the people that mattered, Elmbridge's old folk,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45the transformation made all the difference.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Very nice chicken and mushroom pie.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- It was the leeks.- Did you like them?
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- Yes. I've never had leeks before. - Haven't you?- No.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Not, you know, in my Meals on Wheels.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01But we were always worried that the extra work required
0:06:01 > 0:06:04could derail our "go fresh" revolution.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Hello!- Hello.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Hello.- Look, Dave! It's fresh vegetables.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14It's a potato. Gladys!
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- The Gladiator!- Back again!
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- Hello, sweetheart. How are you? - Hello, Lesley.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Still looking hunted, our Les! - Thank you!
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It's like coming home.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26# Memories...
0:06:26 > 0:06:29# Light the corners of my mind... #
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Gladys, it's lovely to see you.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35I'm making fresh custard today.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41'This all looks promising. There's fresh veg everywhere.'
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I'll do cabbage. You top and tail. Beans annoy me.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49'But what will a sneaky peak in the kitchen stores reveal?'
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Now, this has changed a lot. - Walnuts.- Plain flour.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- Lentils in the back, there. - Couscous!
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Where?- Couscous!- Look!
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Yes! Milk! Milk and not a sign of any milk powder.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And look at that! Fresh veg and salad.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09It's like the inside of Antonio Carluccio's head.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13'Proof positive our cook-fresh mantra is still alive and kicking.'
0:07:13 > 0:07:17So, Lesley, how do you come up with the menus these days?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Me and Julie sit down together and go through recipe books
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and get recipes off the internet.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Are you still using some of ours? - Oh, yes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30'Our Elmbridge lasses are now serving 60 different mouthwatering
0:07:30 > 0:07:33'recipes on a weekly rotation.'
0:07:33 > 0:07:35This says it all.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37"Monday, fish pie, peas and sweetcorn.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41"Tuesday, roast chicken, potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45"Wednesday is chicken and ham tangle pie, mashed potato with vegetables.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49"Traditional pork chops, dauphinoise potatoes"
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and then roast beef on Friday.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Five fresh meals per week.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59So, how long have you been volunteering now, Gladys?
0:07:59 > 0:08:0120 years, this year.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- She needs me. She calls me her mum.- Ah!
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- You see?- That right, Lesley?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10That is right, yep.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Are you a bit embarrassed, our Les, now?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14You've gone a funny colour.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18When we were first here, the biggest challenge to cooking fresh
0:08:18 > 0:08:21for the girls in the kitchen was the amount of prep.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Without extra help, the didn't believe they would have
0:08:24 > 0:08:27enough time to get all the veg chopped and the dishes cooked.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30How do you cope with all of the extra prep and stuff?
0:08:30 > 0:08:32We have got some new volunteers in.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Some of ours come in at 8.30am to start prepping veg with us
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and we've got some that come in at 11.00am
0:08:38 > 0:08:41and do the later stuff for the lunchtime.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43To help speed up cooking since our last visit,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Elmbridge Borough Council has bought the girls an all-new,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48all-singing, all-dancing oven.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51It grills, it fries, it steams, it bakes
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and it washes itself at the end of the day.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's a bionic man, not an oven!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Brilliant for me. No cleaning.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Do you want to try the pie I've cooked?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Yeah!- Well, yeah! Of course! - Schnacks!- Excellent!
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Do you know the last time we were here?- Bought-in pie.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10We had a taste of that bought-in pie.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12It was bogging and, I mean, I'd stand by that.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- It was minging, wasn't it?- It was.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20As cooks, we were keen to sample the food
0:09:20 > 0:09:24when we first came to Molesey and chicken pie was on the menu.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Make sure you get some chicken. It's slid out of the end.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Do you have to hunt for it?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37That looks like a bit of cardboard.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Can't get beyond the artificially chemically taste.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Get the corner.- Look at that! - Look! Proper meat!
0:09:43 > 0:09:49'Two years on, will the tasty, fresh pies on today's menu pass our taste test?'
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- It's lovely.- Hey.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- It's lovely.- It's really nice, good, honest food.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56On a day-to-day basis,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59I would really love a slice of that with some of that fresh veg.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01I'd be very happy and healthy.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04How does that make you feel? Are you proud?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Yeah. Very proud. - So, this is scratch-built pie.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13From the very beginning. Meat, onions, seasoning. Job's a good one.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Handmade pastry. That is fantastic.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21The lasses at Molesey are doing us proud, cooking fab,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24fresh food that we think tastes great.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27We're chuffed to bits, but more importantly,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30what do Elmbridge's old folk make of it?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Just lately I had a beautiful casserole.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The meat was so tender.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38I've never had anything so tender, not even when I've cooked it myself.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41I am particularly fond of the fish I had today.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45There is a wide choice of vegetables.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Fresh food is always better.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50It's home-cooked. It's not coming out of a can.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55I think, to me, they are wonderful. Really.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Two people we really want to catch up with
0:11:00 > 0:11:03are the lovely Mr And Mrs Phillips.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06In their late 80s, both suffer from severe back problems,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08severely restricting their mobility.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12But that never stopped them graciously giving their time,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15supporting us every step of the way when we were last here.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18All I'm saying is, we've been fortunate enough
0:11:18 > 0:11:21to meet a couple of diamond geezers coming here.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- That's the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me.- That's really nice.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Kenneth's discerning eye was invaluable
0:11:27 > 0:11:30when we were choosing a new logo to rebrand the service.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35As soon as I saw it, I immediately thought of a refuse bin.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37THEY LAUGH
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Yes! Now you mention it, Mr Phillips!
0:11:42 > 0:11:46'And hearing that our new, fresh dishes met with their approval...'
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- If you had to rate them out of ten, what would you give them?- About 11!
0:11:52 > 0:11:55'..made us feel like what we had been doing truly had'
0:11:55 > 0:11:57made a difference to the people that matter.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04'Now we are back to see how they're getting on.'
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I'm quite excited to see them. - It has been a long time.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Hello!- Long time no see!
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Who are these young, slim... - THEY LAUGH
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- You flatterer! - I love you!
0:12:19 > 0:12:22And now you're all lovely and slim on top of it all!
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- Good to see you.- Lovely to see you.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I've got a comfy one. Lovely.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30So, how have you been?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32It's been two years since we've seen you.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35You both look as gorgeous as ever but how have you been?
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I've got scoliosis of the back and it's not much fun.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41I am getting to be a very old lady.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44I've opted out of the London Marathon!
0:12:44 > 0:12:48That's not like you, Mr Phillips.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I was coming round to train, you know?
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- How was your lunch today? - Very nice. Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Very good. Since you were here last we've had all these good meals.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Good.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07And they are all nice people who come and say hello and have a chat.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11And if you're stuck indoors, as we are, it's a great thing.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13That's what we were hoping for, weren't we?
0:13:13 > 0:13:15That that relationship would develop
0:13:15 > 0:13:18and everybody would come in, you'd get great food...
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Has the standard been maintained over the past two years?- Oh, yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- I think they are doing very well. - We are very lucky.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30You can tell that it's fresh. We had some very nice spinach the other day.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Are there any favourites? Do you have any favourites?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I like roast, what was it? Roast beef?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Roast beef, dear. Yes. - Yes. And roast potatoes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- And vegetables. Lovely. - Not forgetting gravy.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Pat likes some food with her gravy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50THEY LAUGH
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Do you like the chicken casserole that they do at Elmbridge?- Oh, yes.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I like chicken casserole.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's got lots of gravy with it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02THEY LAUGH
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I can't help it!
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Hello!- Hello. I'm Dave. - Nice to meet you.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10'A surprise visit from the Phillips' daughter, Linda, who lives about
0:14:10 > 0:14:14'an hour's drive away, gives us a chance to get a family perspective.'
0:14:14 > 0:14:19Linda, is it a comfort to you when you can't get round to see them every day, is it a comfort?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Yes. It's nice to know that someone is coming in.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27If I hadn't been able to come over, you know that someone is coming in
0:14:27 > 0:14:32and to keep an eye and if something isn't quite right, or...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34They're going to let you know...
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- And that's a huge peace of mind, isn't it?- Very much so.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42I just think it's great that you've both become involved in this cause.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46It's been fantastic that you have brought it to people's attention
0:14:46 > 0:14:49because I don't know how fashionable old people are
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- but I think it is a really worthy cause.- It is indeed.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57What's it like having a father who is a complete and utter mischief?
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Is that a... - THEY LAUGH
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- I'd be worried if he wasn't! - Absolutely!
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Thank you, my love. It was lovely to see you.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Good to see you.- And you.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Bye, Mr Phillips. - Bye-bye. Thank you.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Do you know, it's impossible to underestimate the impact
0:15:15 > 0:15:19that Meals on Wheels can have. The benefits to people's lives.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23It's the comfort it gives to the children, to the family.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It's a security blanket I think we should be entitled to.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Yes, we should.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31And I think it's that ripple effect, isn't it, on a millpond?
0:15:31 > 0:15:33When one small act of kindness,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36which is fundamentally what Meals on Wheels is,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40has ramifications right the way through.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Through the family, through society in general
0:15:43 > 0:15:46and it's an enormous, enormously important service.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52As cooks, we are incredibly proud that Elmbridge's old folk
0:15:52 > 0:15:55are still enjoying freshly cooked meals.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But in these hard-pressed times when every penny counts,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01it is crucial they're on budget to be sustainable
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and ensure the meals continue way into the future.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08'Back at the Molesey Centre, we are catching up with council boss
0:16:08 > 0:16:11'Kim Chadwick to see if the sums really do add up.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- How are you?- We're tops. Yourself? - Yeah, good.- You've gone blonde!
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- I have.- Is that so people wouldn't recognise you after being on the first show?
0:16:20 > 0:16:21Enough with the pleasantries.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24It is truth time, isn't it, really?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Managed to do it on the £1.25 a day budget?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Well, it hasn't been easy because obviously in the last two years,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32things have gone up in price.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34There have been days when we've gone over, however
0:16:34 > 0:16:38we have overall managed to maintain the £1.25 budget.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- That's really interesting. - That is fantastic.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- That means it's sustainable, you know, and can grow.- It does.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48And there's more!
0:16:48 > 0:16:51The Elmbridge team were so proud of their delicious hot lunches,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55they've introduced a supper service, too.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59The old folk here can now enjoy freshly-made sandwiches
0:16:59 > 0:17:02and cakes for their tea, and they are loving it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05The Meals on Wheels questionnaires that we send out,
0:17:05 > 0:17:12we are 97% to 99% on taste, value for money, appearance.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15So every year, year-on-year, we are improving.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17So you've done it.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22You done it successfully. Can other people do it?
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I don't see why not and if they want to come along and visit us
0:17:24 > 0:17:28in Elmbridge and we can show them how to do it, I'm more than happy to show them.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Good food, good nutrition and a good bit of craic.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Lovely to see you.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37'Before we meet up with some more old friends, we've got one piece
0:17:37 > 0:17:39'of unfinished business in the Molesey kitchen.'
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Hi, Leslie.- Hi.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Do you know, I remember two years ago,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47when you stood at this very same spot
0:17:47 > 0:17:52and your eyes met Si's over a pan of steaming custards.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56I learned back then that our Leslie had been making her custard
0:17:56 > 0:17:59with powdered milk and water for 13 years.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I want you to use milk.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Have a taste. See what the level of sugar is like.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Nice, hey?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Nearly as good as mine. - Tell me...
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Look me in the eye.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Tell me that you're never, ever going to use milk powder again
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- when you make custard?- I'm never going to use milk powder again.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Give me a look at your hands, because if you are crossing them...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- And now you're using fresh milk, aren't you?- I am, yes.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34I've got a present for you from Dave and I because, to us, you are...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37THEY LAUGH
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- No!- Yeah. Look at this! Look! Look! Look!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42It's a twofer. It's a twofer.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Leslie, look.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Hey!
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- It's too thick, that.- No, it's not.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- I like it like that.- Thank you.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02Elmbridge has truly cracked fresh food and it's even on budget!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05But our challenge was never just about food.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08There was an even bigger issue - recruiting volunteers.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'In recent years, Meals on Wheels volunteer numbers had plummeted
0:19:11 > 0:19:16'by more than a third, putting the service's future in jeopardy.'
0:19:16 > 0:19:19We wouldn't be able to provide Meals on Wheels
0:19:19 > 0:19:22on a seven day service without our volunteers.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- 'Good morning.' - Good morning. Meals on Wheels.
0:19:26 > 0:19:32'In Elmbridge alone, the volunteers were contributing £300,000 worth of free manpower a year.'
0:19:32 > 0:19:38But they were crying out for new delivery volunteers to keep the service running.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39It's very cold, isn't it?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41And without their generosity,
0:19:41 > 0:19:46this daily face-to-face service would simply have ground to a halt.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Mr Thompson, I'm Si. Very nice to meet you, sir. How are you?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52The delivery volunteers we met were an inspiration
0:19:52 > 0:19:55and we made some memorable friends.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Who could forget dancing girl Gloria Cogle?
0:20:02 > 0:20:06She's 90 now and going strong, still delivering once a week.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10I volunteered 35 years ago, when I retired,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14because my parents both had Meals on Wheels
0:20:14 > 0:20:17so I thought I wanted to give something back.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Yours is marked, this one here.
0:20:20 > 0:20:26- Two, here.- For the past three years, Gloria has been partnered up with working mum Josephine Ellis.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Watch your head.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Hi, Albert. It's only us.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34And together, this dynamic duo helps Meals on Wheels
0:20:34 > 0:20:37meet its commitment to deliver food 365 days a year.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'Nothing stops us.'
0:20:40 > 0:20:44We go out in the snow, sun - not that we have much sun - the floods.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- We are out there in our wellies, if necessary. Aren't we?- Yes.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51It's very comforting to think that these people are prepared
0:20:51 > 0:20:55to give up one or two days a week for one day a fortnight
0:20:55 > 0:21:01or whatever it is, just to keep us fed and keep an eye on us.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04I think it's wonderful, the way they give up their time
0:21:04 > 0:21:06and they're so friendly when they come to the door.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Always got a kind word.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- Hello. How are you? Lovely to see you.- Hello, gorgeous.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17'Another of the long-standing old guard volunteers here in Elmbridge
0:21:17 > 0:21:22'was a lady who became very close to our hearts, our Gracie.'
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Who are we seeing today? - We are doing Mrs Armstrong.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29'Grace Messenger had been dishing out Meals on Wheels
0:21:29 > 0:21:32for a quarter of a century when we first met her.'
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I feel like a Labrador in here, Grace.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37More like a St Bernard, if you ask me!
0:21:37 > 0:21:42'And at 77, she typified Elmbridge's devoted band of volunteers,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45'80% of whom were over retirement age.'
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Grace, do you think we need more young volunteers?
0:21:48 > 0:21:52We need volunteers whatever but young volunteers, yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55People that can put in the time that I have put in.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57We are pretty ancient.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00We are older than a lot of people we are delivering meals to.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06This is today's meal, which is delicious.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09'A million old folk across Britain describe themselves as lonely
0:22:09 > 0:22:14'and for Grace, volunteering meant more than keeping people nourished.'
0:22:14 > 0:22:16It's not just delivering a meal.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20It's a social service and it means a lot and it is very important.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24It is trying to make people understand that actually,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27what you give as a volunteer, you get tenfold back.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31You get a lot out of it too, don't you, Grace?
0:22:31 > 0:22:35I get a great deal out of it, that's why I've been doing it for 25 years.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38A while since we've been here, mate.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40'There's no way we could return to Elmbridge
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'without seeing how she is getting on.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Hi, Grace!- Lovely to see you!
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- It's lovely to see you, too. - Hi,- Si! Great to see you.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Hi, Dave!- We've got you some flowers, darling.- Thank you.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59How are you doing? We've heard that you haven't been very well.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03That's very nice. I haven't. I've just come out of hospital.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I am not sure what was wrong with me but it was a lot
0:23:06 > 0:23:11of various things and they've patched me up and I'm back.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The only thing that worries me is my leg.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18I find walking very difficult but I use a frame.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22With that in mind, I'm guessing you haven't been volunteering recently?
0:23:22 > 0:23:23No, I haven't.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27I was ten days in hospital and I was very unwell before
0:23:27 > 0:23:31so I can't work it out, but it seems quite a long time.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33But I'm back next Wednesday.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36THEY LAUGH
0:23:36 > 0:23:37It's perfect, isn't it?
0:23:37 > 0:23:39"I had a week off. I haven't been very well.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41"I had a week off and then I'm back at it."
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I think it's fantastic, Grace.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46My main worry is not being able to walk, but of course
0:23:46 > 0:23:51I drive and that is the skill I use.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53One thing you said struck a chord with me and it was
0:23:53 > 0:23:57about the importance of the human contact from the volunteers.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00You said you always made a point - you were never pushy -
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- but of maybe touching a client on the shoulder.- Always.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05You know, a little human contact
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and there is a lot of warmth in that simple action.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10It is. I always say, "You look very good today."
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Even if they've got one foot on a banana skin
0:24:13 > 0:24:15and the other in the grave.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Well, you have given yourself a week off.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I have given myself a week off and then it's back.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22So it's definitely a habit.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Can't quite do the maths but that's into the thousands,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29the amount of meals you've delivered and the lives you've touched.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33It's a considerable amount of people you've helped.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37I've never thought of it like that but I'm sure you're right.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40You know, Grace, it is great to see you and we're really,
0:24:40 > 0:24:44really pleased that you are going to get back out on the road
0:24:44 > 0:24:48because, you know, what you do is absolutely invaluable.
0:24:48 > 0:24:54Well, it is lovely seeing you two. I can't believe it was two years ago!
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- We can't.- That's what Dave and I were saying.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- Time is just such an odd thing. - Isn't it?
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- You are an inspiration to us all, Grace.- Come on, give us a kiss.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Don't get up. For goodness' sake. Lovely to see you.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11'She has been not well.'
0:25:11 > 0:25:14It is a very stark reminder, as time marches on,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17that there is always going to be a need for more volunteers.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20But volunteers that are as committed as Grace.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24And Grace is representative of a lot of volunteers.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27The volunteers themselves are quite elderly
0:25:27 > 0:25:31and sometimes elderly folk put themselves on the line
0:25:31 > 0:25:34to deliver the food to other people.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36We need some new blood, young blood coming in.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- And you know, young blood might be 65, do you know what I mean?- True.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45When we started our mission,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47we knew only too well that the ageing volunteer force
0:25:47 > 0:25:50shoring up the system in Elmbridge couldn't go on for ever
0:25:50 > 0:25:54'so we set about trying to recruit the next generation.'
0:25:54 > 0:25:59'Using the council's publicity material, we hit a brick wall.'
0:26:00 > 0:26:03I think this might be why people aren't volunteering.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Is that it?
0:26:07 > 0:26:09There's nothing on that side, look.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12What happens if they come from behind?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15We didn't hook a single new recruit.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17We needed to start spreading the word that Meals on Wheels
0:26:17 > 0:26:22in Elmbridge needed fresh volunteers in a more creative way.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24See you in a bit.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27'Armed with freshly baked fortune cookies
0:26:27 > 0:26:30'containing messages to inspire,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33'we set about finding folk with time on their hands.'
0:26:33 > 0:26:39- "A life lived for others is a life worthwhile."- Very profound.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43And figured there was no better place to start than the golf course.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49It's just to help in the kitchen or help deliver with the old folks.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- Would you consider volunteering? - I would certainly think of doing it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56You know you've got lots of free time, you are retired.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59And you think, "I must do some voluntary work."
0:26:59 > 0:27:02And somebody coming and suggesting it to you
0:27:02 > 0:27:06and being so enthusiastic, it makes you think, yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- That was a very nice cookie. - Thank you.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Our renewed efforts to solve Elmbridge's volunteer vacancies
0:27:14 > 0:27:16started to have an impact.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Sarah, a busy young mum of two, came forward to help with deliveries
0:27:20 > 0:27:25despite being nervous because of her childcare commitments.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26Hi, Mr Phillips.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29'Something like this is really flexible.'
0:27:29 > 0:27:33And I can do it quickly before I go and get Ollie and Josh from school.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Shall I just leave it here? Would you like me to get anything out?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38As did freelancer Julie, who felt volunteering
0:27:38 > 0:27:43would make her feel less isolated and give her a sense of purpose.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Today we have fishcakes,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50cod fishcakes with sweetcorn and peas and mashed potato.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I think this service in particular is fantastic.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56One gentleman we saw today said it was a life-saver for him
0:27:56 > 0:27:59because otherwise he wouldn't eat a hot meal so it's brilliant.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Such a good thing to do.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07We were making some progress in Elmbridge
0:28:07 > 0:28:11but to have a real impact, we needed Meals on Wheels to get noticed.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15We are doing the world's biggest Meals on Wheels.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20It's going to be a big shepherd's pie, a cake to feed 600 people.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25'We were convinced that the way to people's volunteering hearts was through their stomachs.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28'So with the help of dedicated volunteer Gloria,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31'we hit the airwaves in a publicity push.'
0:28:31 > 0:28:35We are going to build the biggest Meals on Wheels in the world.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Don't think that Meals on Wheels is fuddy-duddy. It's not.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41It's a right good laugh. The people involved are fantastic.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44There are volunteers who have been there for 30 or 40 years.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- How long have you been, Gloria? - I've been doing it for 33 years.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49What do you get out of it, Gloria?
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The satisfaction of being able to help people.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Enlisting recruits from the local catering college,
0:28:55 > 0:29:01we set about making a 1.3-metre, 54-kilo shepherd's pie...
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- HE GROANS - '..and a whopping 20-stone cake.'
0:29:08 > 0:29:10CHEERING
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Now, here we go. This is the crucial bit.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- That's it.- "Meals on Wheels. Deliver a difference." Look at that!
0:29:21 > 0:29:23'With our monster meal in tow,
0:29:23 > 0:29:28'on Pie Day we set off to win over hearts and minds. Look at that!
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'Our hope was to sign up 50 committed volunteers,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38'enough to deliver Meals on Wheels to around 250 people.'
0:29:38 > 0:29:41That's fantastic. Thank you. Yes!
0:29:41 > 0:29:46'Our spectacular recruitment drive certainly seemed to get results...'
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Please. Step up. Step up.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51..with 64 people pledging their valuable time.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54I never imagined Meals on Wheels would be under threat.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56I always imagined it would be there so we offered to help
0:29:56 > 0:29:59and we're going to start delivering as soon as we can.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Getting our message across that the service we are providing
0:30:02 > 0:30:05is vital for those people out there.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08The food is fantastic. These guys have done a wonderful job.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11I'm quite moved that everybody has done it.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14The big question is,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17two years on, has our drive to recruit fresh blood had an impact?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23'Fingers crossed that Molesey Centre manager Jane
0:30:23 > 0:30:25'and her boss Kim have some good news.'
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- All right, darling? How are you? - Good to see you.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32It is lovely to see you both but this is a moment of truth.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35We knew that one of the biggest problems was actually getting
0:30:35 > 0:30:38new volunteers, so put us out of our misery.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Have we had any success?
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Yes. THEY CHEER
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- Get in! Get in! - BOTH: How many?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48THEY LAUGH
0:30:48 > 0:30:52There was an awful lot of volunteers that came forward after the campaign.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56We've still got volunteers that pledged their support
0:30:56 > 0:31:00on the famous Pie Day and are still volunteering for us today.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03'That's amazing news and just as well,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06'as our publicity drive had another effect.'
0:31:06 > 0:31:11When people found out exactly what we were offering here in Elmbridge, with our Meals on Wheels service,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14people requiring service went up by 40%.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Crikey! Thank goodness they are coming forward.- Yes. Thank goodness.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Because there is clearly a need for it. And that's the thing.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Because we all knew there was a need for it.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27One of those who answered our call to the cause back on Big Pie Day
0:31:27 > 0:31:31is part-time paediatric nurse Erica Nunn.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34At just 44, she is a veritable whippersnapper.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36When we went to the big Pie Day,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39I didn't realise it was just volunteers doing Meals on Wheels
0:31:39 > 0:31:42so when we heard it might not continue
0:31:42 > 0:31:46if they can't get volunteers, I think that is a shame, that is.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49If people can't make a little bit of effort, you know,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51it might be my mum that needs it one day.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Together with 12-year-old daughter Millie, she's been giving up
0:31:56 > 0:31:59two hours on the first Saturday of every month,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02delivering up to 13 hot meals.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04She enjoys doing Meals on Wheels.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06It's nice to see a different side of life, really.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Hello, Mr Thompson.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13My name is Erica. This is Millie, my daughter. How are you?
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Not too bad, thank you.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- You've got a nice garden. Isn't it beautiful?- Huge garden.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21It's just like visiting your neighbour, really.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23I'm extremely grateful to them.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26I think it is a marvellous service they provide.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29I suppose you could say it makes your day.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- You do see a lot of nice people. Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Do you think the future of Meals on Wheels is an optimistic one?
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Yes, I definitely think so.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42After you visited us last time,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45we had a local company contact us to say,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49"We've seen the programme and we would really like to get involved.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53"How could we get involved?" And we had meetings with Dairy Crest.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58And they committed to allow their staff to
0:32:58 > 0:33:01use their lunchtime to come out of work to volunteer for us
0:33:01 > 0:33:03at Meals on Wheels, and that is fantastic.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07This company's forward-thinking philosophy,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10actively encouraging staff to volunteer,
0:33:10 > 0:33:15is another vital injection of desperately-needed younger recruits.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Hi, Mrs Miller. Meals on Wheels.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19'It's given me a whole new perspective on life,'
0:33:19 > 0:33:21on what you can do to help others.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23It doesn't take anything out of your day
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and it makes such a big difference to them.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Currently, six employees make regular deliveries
0:33:30 > 0:33:33during their lunch breaks as well as at weekends.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37We were told years ago when we were looking for volunteers it's not sexy.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39"Meals on Wheels is not sexy."
0:33:39 > 0:33:42So maybe you to have made it sexy for us and everyone is coming forward.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45That is very, very nice of you to say, Jane.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49We have our moments but really, people need to get out more.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51THEY LAUGH
0:33:53 > 0:33:55The future is looking rosy.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56Volunteer numbers are up
0:33:56 > 0:34:01and a whole crowd of fresh-faced recruits are committed to the cause.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06And for one young man, volunteering has had a life-changing impact.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10We first met Grant Harris when he volunteered to help us
0:34:10 > 0:34:13construct a herb garden at the Molesey Centre.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16More than most, he had reason to volunteer.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20Apart from odd jobs here and there, he had been unemployed for three years.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24The reason I thought about volunteering is I thought it would be something great to put on my CV,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27as well as getting something out of it, also I can get a job.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29His confidence had hit rock bottom
0:34:29 > 0:34:32and he was hoping that volunteering would boost his self-esteem.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Today I have some lovely, crispy fishcakes.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40It is just self-achievement, really. You feel good helping others.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42After just a few months,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45the power of volunteering had made all the difference.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Literally, after just a few hours of volunteering,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52I put it on my CV because it is something different I've been doing,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55I handed it in at the job agency and they seemed interested
0:34:55 > 0:34:57and since then, I've been working.
0:34:59 > 0:35:0325-year-old Grant now has a full-time job.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08'Since volunteering I had my temporary job around two years ago
0:35:08 > 0:35:12'and when that contract terminated, I still had enough confidence
0:35:12 > 0:35:15'to go forward to find myself a permanent job.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20'I would definitely advise volunteering to get confidence up.'
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Meals on Wheels, you are coming out a lot more happier
0:35:23 > 0:35:25because you are making people happy and you realise that
0:35:25 > 0:35:29you are actually not that bad at chatting to people.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- You all right?- All right? How was work?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Mum Celia has never seen him so well.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40The Meals on Wheels and volunteering has been brilliant for him.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45Just, you could just see him, the boost, the morale it gave him.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48We are so proud of him and he is just a different...
0:35:48 > 0:35:53I was about to say boy but he is a man. He is just so different.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55And the transformation has even inspired her
0:35:55 > 0:35:59to start volunteering herself.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03I took on one day a week at Meals on Wheels and now I do two days a week
0:36:03 > 0:36:08and I'm really enjoying it and it is such a short time out of the day.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10It's an hour, hour and-a-half,
0:36:10 > 0:36:16and I've really got to know the people and it's just lovely.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22It has been cracking catching up with some old friends.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24I think it's fair to say that we have truly delivered
0:36:24 > 0:36:27a difference to Elmbridge's Meals on Wheels.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32Good food on budget and the volunteers are rolling in.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35But that wasn't all we set out to achieve two years back.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It doesn't say "join me", does it?
0:36:39 > 0:36:45Meals on Wheels? Just fast food? I honestly don't know.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49'We realised that Meals on Wheels suffered a serious image problem.'
0:36:49 > 0:36:53I thought Meals on Wheels was more kebab vans and ice cream vans.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57We wanted to roll out a service fit for all our grans
0:36:57 > 0:37:00and granddads up and down the whole country.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03And there's no way we could do that without transforming
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Meals on Wheels' tired, 60-year-old image.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'So we enlisted the services of a top ad agency.'
0:37:09 > 0:37:11This will give Meals on Wheels a chance to shout,
0:37:11 > 0:37:16not just in Elmbridge but maybe further down the line, nationally.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Because what we do now sows the seeds for the future.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21It's a bit tight.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25'And our "deliver a difference" logo was born.'
0:37:25 > 0:37:28To spread word of our cause,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33'we hit the capital in our battle bus emblazoned with our new branding.'
0:37:33 > 0:37:35It's good, isn't it?
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- 'And managed to drum up the support of the great and the good.'- Hello!
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- 'Including Anne Widdecombe...' - Get me out of the rain!
0:37:42 > 0:37:47'..Arlene Phillips and fellow cook Antonio Carluccio.'
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Why is Meals on Wheels important to you?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52As my dad's dementia increased,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54when people would ring the bell he became afraid.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59And there would be this lovely, calm voice saying, "It's me."
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Calling him by his name. "Let me in, I've got some hot food for you."
0:38:03 > 0:38:07For me, producing food for somebody else is an act of love.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09The volunteers are little angels, actually,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13because without them many things couldn't be done.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15I've been a volunteer for 18 years.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- Guess how old?- 62?
0:38:17 > 0:38:19SHE LAUGHS
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- I can give you another 20 years on that!- You are not 82!
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- She's older!- I'm 86!
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- You are not 86!- I am! - What's your face cream?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31THEY LAUGH
0:38:35 > 0:38:39Our mission to spread the Meals on Wheels message by bringing it to
0:38:39 > 0:38:43the fore of the public consciousness seems to have struck a chord.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47I watched Si and Dave's work and what was going on with them
0:38:47 > 0:38:49and just couldn't get it out of my head, really,
0:38:49 > 0:38:54that this is what we should be doing in our community for the elderly.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Jill Thrush works for the Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01providing private, residential care for local, elderly folk.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04What they have done to raise the profile just hit home.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08If they could go into communities and help communities
0:39:08 > 0:39:12launch their own service, what was stopping us, really?
0:39:12 > 0:39:14With no local fresh meal provision,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Jill and her colleagues decided to use their existing facilities
0:39:18 > 0:39:23to start a service of their own, the Harrogate Food Angels.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27We have always cooked for 39 tenants here and all we did was
0:39:27 > 0:39:29incorporate cooking for the Food Angels,
0:39:29 > 0:39:33which at first started off at about 12 meals the first week
0:39:33 > 0:39:36and now it is up to 400 meals a week.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41The dedicated team of more than 20 volunteers
0:39:41 > 0:39:46have been delivering hot, fresh meals in the community since 2012.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49There we are, look.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52When you can't do any food yourself,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55we are very, very pleased with what you people bring.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58It's nice to get a meal prepared by somebody else
0:39:58 > 0:40:01which you know very well it's going to be very edible
0:40:01 > 0:40:05and it's going to be hot and always enjoyable.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11I do feel that Dave and Si
0:40:11 > 0:40:14gave me the final push to dip my toe in the water.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16It's not as hard as you think.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Can't see why other areas of the country,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23different kinds of organisations, can't do what we are doing.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29For us, every new scheme that gets off the ground is a triumph
0:40:29 > 0:40:32and we've had some more good news back down south in Surrey.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36On the back of our successes in Molesey,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39five other Meals on Wheels centres in Elmbridge
0:40:39 > 0:40:41took the challenge of cooking fresh.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45And two years on, they are still going strong.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47But on our last visit,
0:40:47 > 0:40:51we discovered that just two miles down the road, the neighbouring
0:40:51 > 0:40:54borough of Mole Valley had no Meals on Wheels at all.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57The old folk had to fend for themselves.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I just push myself off and get there and get on.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06For residents like 77-year-old retired artist Judith Browning,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09a Meals on Wheels service would be ideal.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14My illness is called primary orthostatic tremor.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18It's just that I can't stand still.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I've got to keep going, sit down, lie down.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I can't stand still at all.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Judith's condition means she finds cooking extremely difficult.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36I can get things out of the fridge and put them into the microwave.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38That is about all I can do, really.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41For anything more wholesome than a frozen meal,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44she goes to her local drop-in centre three miles away.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Of course, not when the weather is very bad.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49I didn't go out when it was snowing.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52I wouldn't dare have tread a foot out on the ground
0:41:52 > 0:41:55because I would fall over and I would break another bone
0:41:55 > 0:41:58and I've broken arms in the past and that leg.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Something as simple as a visit
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and a hot, fresh meal could make all the difference.
0:42:06 > 0:42:11To be able to get a freshly cooked meal and have it indoors,
0:42:11 > 0:42:16on my trolley, and not have to go out.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18That would be very nice.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20But change is afoot.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21There's now a Surrey Council-backed
0:42:21 > 0:42:25initiative to roll out Meals on Wheels to the whole county.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31As part of their commitment, they have forked out for a spanking new
0:42:31 > 0:42:36delivery van, complete with our "deliver a difference" logo.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40The council is also paying for a driver to deliver meals
0:42:40 > 0:42:44from Elmbridge into neighbouring boroughs, including Mole Valley.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46We can't wait to take a look.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51This is our new van that's going to be used to deliver meals into Mole Valley.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- Fantastic.- It is fantastic.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56This is a big step forward, isn't it?
0:42:56 > 0:42:58- It symbolises an awful lot. - It does.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00It gives Meals on Wheels an identity.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Apart from the fact they'll get piping hot dinners.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06'This state-of-the-art ride has on-board hot trays.'
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Snazzy!
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Look at this!
0:43:10 > 0:43:14'Keeping up to 60 meals piping hot for the journey.'
0:43:14 > 0:43:16It comes complete with a fridge.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19'It's even got the chiller compartment
0:43:19 > 0:43:21'for keeping those supper deliveries fresh.'
0:43:21 > 0:43:23It gives Meals on Wheels an identity.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27People in the community will recognise that as Meals on Wheels.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Fantastic.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31First time I've seen anything like this.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- Do you know what, Dave? I've got a bit of an idea, mate.- Me too.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38Our Glad has been volunteering here for two decades
0:43:38 > 0:43:41and to honour her work we've got a surprise in store.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44We think we need to christen the van.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46We christen this van Gladys.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48SHE LAUGHS
0:43:48 > 0:43:50And the van be known as Gladys.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52ALL: Ooh!
0:43:52 > 0:43:55Never launched a van before!
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Oh, dear!
0:43:58 > 0:44:01SHE LAUGHS
0:44:01 > 0:44:05I bet you that you will outlast that van!
0:44:05 > 0:44:09Oh, thank you! Mwah!
0:44:09 > 0:44:12'As if our new Glad van wasn't exciting enough,
0:44:12 > 0:44:15'we've got even more fantastic news.'
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Last time we were here, the crowning glory
0:44:19 > 0:44:22in our mission to raise awareness of the Meals on Wheels cause
0:44:22 > 0:44:24was a visit to the Molesey Centre for lunch
0:44:24 > 0:44:28from Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall.
0:44:29 > 0:44:34We've enlisted the help of a very, very high-profile individual.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- What are you doing, Grace? - THEY LAUGH
0:44:37 > 0:44:40This person is coming to Elmbridge tomorrow to speak
0:44:40 > 0:44:43with you all about the wonderful difference
0:44:43 > 0:44:48that your Meals on Wheels service is giving the elderly in this community.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50And that person is...
0:44:54 > 0:44:57..Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00THEY ALL TALK AT ONCE
0:45:00 > 0:45:02MAN: Yeah!
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- Oh,- BLEEP!
0:45:06 > 0:45:07Excuse me.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10She might just like a salad, I don't know.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Might she? I don't know.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18The Duchess is a long-term supporter of Meals on Wheels
0:45:18 > 0:45:21and wanted to see what we'd been up to.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- And Miss Chadwick... - Lovely to see you.
0:45:24 > 0:45:29- Hello, Si.- It's lovely to see you, thank you for coming.
0:45:29 > 0:45:30- Oh, it's lovely.- Hi, Dave.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32- Good morning, Your Highness. - Nice to see you.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Thank you for coming, thank you so much.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- Have you been cooking away?- Yeah.
0:45:38 > 0:45:39On the big day itself,
0:45:39 > 0:45:43we sat down to a royal lunch, which even included one special recipe
0:45:43 > 0:45:46the Duchess herself had donated to support our campaign -
0:45:46 > 0:45:48a delicious fish pie.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50It's my recipe, I cooked it to my recipe.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52We're going to see how good it is.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Good?
0:45:58 > 0:46:01- Hello.- Hello.- So what made you all volunteer?
0:46:01 > 0:46:04'The impact of Her Royal Highness' visit two years ago
0:46:04 > 0:46:06'can't be underestimated -
0:46:06 > 0:46:09'it helped raised our mission's profile immeasurably.'
0:46:13 > 0:46:15We've had some fantastic news.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18Yeah, you know last time we were here we got loads of support
0:46:18 > 0:46:21from celebs and movers and shakers in the charity world.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24- Yeah, we even had a visit from Her Royal Highness.- Well!
0:46:24 > 0:46:26She's only heard about some of the fantastic stuff
0:46:26 > 0:46:28that's been going on here.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30And she's coming back to pay us another visit.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- Yeah, we'd better get in the kitchen.- Come on, then.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39The Duchess' return to Elmbridge is simply fantastic.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41I'm going to take it in my stride this time.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45We feel that she really does care about us.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48And I think that's terribly important.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50Erica, do you want to move up this way a bit?
0:46:50 > 0:46:52It really raises the profile of Meals on Wheels
0:46:52 > 0:46:54and it raises the awareness that we need more volunteers.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59But Her Royal Highness isn't just dropping in for a natter
0:46:59 > 0:47:00with the Molesey gang,
0:47:00 > 0:47:02we've got official business,
0:47:02 > 0:47:06delivering the inaugural meal for Meals on Wheels into Mole Valley.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10And Her Royal Highness has kindly obliged to help us.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12- Tell you what, though...- What?
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- Shall we not go and get spruced up a bit?- I'm smart!
0:47:14 > 0:47:17I know, but let's take it up another notch.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Come on, ever upward.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Look, the Duchess' recipe for her fish pie.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Oh, she's sent it down, what a lovely thing to do.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30Nice frame as well, it's not plastic.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34There's nothing that gives an occasion dignity like a royal visit.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- No.- No, I'm proper puckered up again.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39Are you? He's going mad.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42The lucky recipient of the first Meals on Wheels
0:47:42 > 0:47:44in her borough is our Judith.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47I'm pleased that the Hairy Bikers are coming
0:47:47 > 0:47:52but it's a bit overwhelming to have the Duchess of Cornwall as well.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01The Duchess will first catch up with what's been happening in Molesey
0:48:01 > 0:48:04and then will head off to collect the inaugural meal.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- Back again. BOTH:- Hey!
0:48:11 > 0:48:13- How are you? - You're looking very civilised.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- Thank you.- I didn't recognise you.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17- Is this this diet you've been on?- Yeah.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Yes, I think it's a necessity of middle age.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24We've got your recipe up.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26Isn't it lovely? What a lovely thing to do.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28It's pride of place as well.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30Isn't that nice?
0:48:30 > 0:48:32Come here, would you speak to some of the volunteers?
0:48:32 > 0:48:35Are these the same volunteers that we had the last time?
0:48:35 > 0:48:36- BOTH:- Yes, some old, some new.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40So, I hear you've got a lot more volunteers.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43We have, it's been fantastic.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46INDISTINCT
0:48:46 > 0:48:48It's been a great response.
0:48:48 > 0:48:53This is Grace Messenger, who has 27 years' experience volunteering.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56- I've been volunteering.- Goodness. - I had lunch with you last time.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58You did indeed.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00- You had my fish pie.- Yes.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02HAIRY BIKERS LAUGH
0:49:02 > 0:49:05This is Erica Nunn, who is one of our new volunteers.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08- Hello.- And Erica joined up after our pie day when we made a monster pie.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10- This is John Pearce.- Hello, John.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14So what made you decide to do this?
0:49:14 > 0:49:17I used to do it with my gran when I was much younger.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19Sadly she passed away.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23- That's a nice thing to do, I'm sure she'd be very proud.- I hope so.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25Next stop on our royal tour,
0:49:25 > 0:49:28we're off to meet some old friends in the kitchen.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32INDISTINCT
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- I've come back again.- Yes.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38The great thing about what the girls are doing here
0:49:38 > 0:49:40- is that it's fresh food.- Yeah.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43And people are really rising to that and they love it.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45The menu is great for the week.
0:49:45 > 0:49:46INDISTINCT
0:49:46 > 0:49:47You remember Gladys?
0:49:47 > 0:49:50Oh, I do remember Gladys.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52You do? I remember you too.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55I was still on the carrots.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00Are you always on the carrots?
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Well, I am when you're here(!)
0:50:02 > 0:50:05It's obviously keeping you young.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07What? Who? They do?
0:50:07 > 0:50:10We have a nickname for her because she's so full of energy
0:50:10 > 0:50:14and passion for what she does. We call her "the Gladiator".
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- Don't we?- Get yourself a badge. - Yes, we should.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20INDISTINCT
0:50:22 > 0:50:24It's two years since we met last here
0:50:24 > 0:50:26and it has made a difference.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28There are a lot more meals, freshly cooked,
0:50:28 > 0:50:30being put on the elderly's tables
0:50:30 > 0:50:32and we're very proud of that.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37Time to head to Cobham, one of the five other Meals on Wheels centres
0:50:37 > 0:50:39that's taken on cooking fresh.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41They're now expanding their service
0:50:41 > 0:50:44and will soon be dishing out meals to residents like our Judith.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47Do you know what's lovely?
0:50:47 > 0:50:50It's lovely to be able to report something positive.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52You know, because it has been two years since we were last here.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56It's spreading, you know, it's not just isolated pockets.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58There's hopefully a good change.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01- But how fantastic... We were talking about expansion.- Yes.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04And the work that Bainbridge has done. It's brilliant.
0:51:06 > 0:51:11At the front, an expectant reception party awaits to receive the Duchess.
0:51:11 > 0:51:12Oh, there they are.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- There we are.- Present and correct.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19This is Una Taylor, she's been a volunteer here for 30 years.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21She's famous for her muffins.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26How long have you been making the muffins for?
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Oh, about 29 years.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33- So you've got them down to a fine art?- Yes, I think so.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35'It's from the kitchen here
0:51:35 > 0:51:37'that up to 30 fresh meals per day will be cooked.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40'Ready for delivery into Mole Valley.'
0:51:40 > 0:51:42Oh, here's the team, here's the team.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44This is Janet, who's the centre cook.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46- Hello, Janet.- Nice to meet you. - Nice to see you.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49'Today's inaugural meal has been chosen by local residents
0:51:49 > 0:51:52'as one of their favourites.'
0:51:52 > 0:51:54So, what are you cooking today?
0:51:54 > 0:51:57Erm, chicken casserole, apple crumble and cream.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01- What are you in charge of? - I'm in charge of the pots and pans.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04- Oh, the pots and pans! - Making sure they're clean.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06'Helping us make this landmark delivery
0:52:06 > 0:52:09'is one of Molesey's longest-serving volunteers.'
0:52:09 > 0:52:12This is a very special person, this is Gloria.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15- Pleasure to meet you again. - Hello, so what are you up to here?
0:52:15 > 0:52:19I have the privilege of taking the first meal out...
0:52:19 > 0:52:20for the centre.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22Oh, that's so exciting.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24Because I've been doing it for 35 years.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26So I ought to know how to do it!
0:52:27 > 0:52:31- So you're obviously the expert that everybody follows?- Yes.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36- Here we are, this is it. - There we go.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38Don't run off with that.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- I was tempted.- Absolutely, he might nibble it on the way.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43The temptation might be too great.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45I think we'd better get rid of it pretty quick
0:52:45 > 0:52:47cos I'm going to nibble if we don't.
0:52:47 > 0:52:49- Yes.- It has been known.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52- They are very bad for you. - Wow. This is fantastic.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54'Just in time, the Glad-van has arrived.'
0:52:55 > 0:52:58So, how many meals can you fit in there?
0:52:58 > 0:53:01- About 60.- 60!
0:53:01 > 0:53:03I'm afraid I've been left with the cake again.
0:53:03 > 0:53:06Let's hope it makes it to the recipient.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09I think you'll have to have a little nibble on the way.
0:53:09 > 0:53:10I'll get into trouble now.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12- I'll get into trouble. - We'll take it in my car!
0:53:15 > 0:53:17We're off to see Judith Browning.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- Yes.- She's 77, she loves her food.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22She can't cook herself any more.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25So this is the beginning of a regular thing.
0:53:25 > 0:53:26And this is the first one.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30Isn't it great we've got the Duchess to do the first delivery?
0:53:30 > 0:53:32- Yes.- Yeah.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36This one small step for Surrey is a great leap towards
0:53:36 > 0:53:39achieving our goal to bring fresh meals delivered
0:53:39 > 0:53:43to the door to all our grans and granddads across the nation.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45I think it's wonderful.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Very much needed all over the country, I should think.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52So I'm really looking forward to having a meal today.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54It'll be very interesting to see what they do,
0:53:54 > 0:53:57because they cook professionally
0:53:57 > 0:53:59and I like freshly cooked food.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05Time to make our special delivery.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10- Hello, is this Miss Browning? - Yes.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13- I've got your lunch for you. - Thank you very much, come in.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15Thank you, that's very kind of you.
0:54:15 > 0:54:17Got room for a little 'un?
0:54:17 > 0:54:19- We may have to eat the muffins.- Yes.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22- JUDITH:- When I've had one or two mouthfuls.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25Do you know what, I've lost those, I don't know where I've put them.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30It's good to make the most of this, without us peering at you.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32So, Judith, what's your first thoughts?
0:54:32 > 0:54:35It's nice, I haven't had spring greens for a few years.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Uh-huh.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41Cabbage, there's various things I haven't had for years and years.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44Judith, what difference will a daily delivery
0:54:44 > 0:54:46of Meals on Wheels make to you?
0:54:46 > 0:54:49It'll make a very great difference.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51- Especially in the winter when I can't go out.- Yes.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54I think it's good for the whole...
0:54:54 > 0:54:57system that you're backing it.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Well, I like doing a lot with Meals on Wheels.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02In fact, years ago, I think I used to deliver a few.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05- Really?- The meals were very different then.- Yes.
0:55:05 > 0:55:06They didn't look like this,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09they were pretty mushy and various shades of grey.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12But I think what they're doing with fresh food
0:55:12 > 0:55:16and coming out to people like you is wonderful.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18I hope it'll go round the whole country.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22If the scheme covered the whole country, that would be wonderful.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Well, we should leave you to it.
0:55:24 > 0:55:25Let you enjoy it.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Thank you very much.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30So you're able to enjoy it to yourself.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33We're so proud of the Elmbridge team.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35Soon, all of Surrey's old folk will have access
0:55:35 > 0:55:37to this vital culinary lifeline.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40- Nice to see you again. - And it's lovely to see you.
0:55:40 > 0:55:41See you very, very soon.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45It's lovely to have my meals brought to me all ready done.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48Because I can't cook for myself at all.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53So it's really very good to have it just there and ready for me.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57'It's been fantastic having the Duchess back supporting
0:55:57 > 0:56:01'all the brilliant work that's been done here.'
0:56:01 > 0:56:03I feel very special today.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08More places should have this service
0:56:08 > 0:56:11because there are a lot of elderly people out there on their own.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16I think for her to come and help with that first delivery,
0:56:16 > 0:56:18that was special.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21You know, Her Royal Highness has lent a gravitas to what
0:56:21 > 0:56:24we've been doing, which is massively important
0:56:24 > 0:56:27because it just keeps the profile moving
0:56:27 > 0:56:30and keeps it fresh and keeps it in peoples' minds.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33It's been a fantastic two years. We've done so much
0:56:33 > 0:56:36and I'm really excited that we're now moving into Mole Valley.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38It's most gratifying that after two years
0:56:38 > 0:56:40those seeds have started to blossom.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43- From small acorns doth oaks grow. - Well, I think it's fair to say, Si,
0:56:43 > 0:56:48that Elmbridge is a huge success and today has been a wonderful success.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50And you know, Dave, I have a feeling when we get up to Slough, it...
0:56:52 > 0:56:54I hope, I hope...
0:56:54 > 0:56:56that we have the same amount of success.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58- So it's north for us, young man.- Indeed.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04Next time, we're back on the road,
0:57:04 > 0:57:08heading to Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Meals on Wheels, they stopped them.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14Two years on, we want to find out...
0:57:15 > 0:57:19..if our plan to start a brand-new Meals on Wheels from scratch...
0:57:19 > 0:57:21- Oh, 'eck. - ..is a roaring success.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24If we can't deliver these Meals on Wheels once a week,
0:57:24 > 0:57:27for the rest of our lives, then it'll be a poor do.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30Or will the wheels have well and truly come off?
0:57:30 > 0:57:33It's quiet, isn't it? What's happened?
0:57:33 > 0:57:34Don't you know?
0:57:37 > 0:57:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd