0:00:02 > 0:00:04We're the Hairy Bikers and we're riding to the rescue
0:00:04 > 0:00:07of one of our great national culinary treasures -
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- Meals on Wheels.- Hello!
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Oh, hello! Shepherds' pie as it should be shepherds' pie.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14CHEERING
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Since it began in World War 2, this great British institution
0:00:18 > 0:00:24has never been a unified service, but at its height it delivered more than 34 million meals every year.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28We all assume it's going to be there for our grandparents,
0:00:28 > 0:00:30for our parents and us,
0:00:30 > 0:00:31but will it?
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Over recent years, deliveries have plummeted by over a third.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39I lie in bed at night wondering what I'm going to do the next day.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41No Meals on Wheels in this town!
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Reviving it is very close to our hearts.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47From the age of eight, I cooked for my poorly mam.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And me and my family rallied round to help my mam
0:00:50 > 0:00:52when she was too ill to feed herself.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56That little bit of kindness through food means such a massive amount.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59In this series, our aim is to rally support...
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- What would everybody do without the volunteers?- The more the merrier.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04The more the merrier.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07..bring back great fresh food...
0:01:07 > 0:01:10If we can't deliver these Meals on Wheels once a week
0:01:10 > 0:01:13for the rest of our lives, then it'll be a poor do.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18..and transform Meals on Wheels and its image into a lean, mean catering machine
0:01:18 > 0:01:20fit to roll out right across the country.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24The last thing we want is to be those who've done something for TV,
0:01:24 > 0:01:25walked away, and it all falls apart.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39Last time in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, we came face to face with a band of remarkable women.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42God, they're going to be a handful.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- And got our kits off for the cause. - SCREAMING
0:01:44 > 0:01:50'Trying to start a brand new Meals on Wheels service from scratch.'
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Are you up for it? - ALL: Yeah!
0:01:53 > 0:01:55It didn't always go according to plan...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Don't cut that anymore. - It looks like plop.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03..but we proved with determination, drive and sheer exuberance...
0:02:03 > 0:02:05THEY CHEER
0:02:05 > 0:02:09..it's possible to achieve something extraordinary and deliver a difference.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- Oh, heck.- You can come every day.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16I'm always glad to see somebody pop in.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22In tonight's programme, we're heading back to Slaithwaite, getting in on the act...
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Hold on, who's doing t'washing up?
0:02:26 > 0:02:29..helping our ladies convert the neighbouring village to the cause.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Can we do this?- Yes!
0:02:32 > 0:02:35..and in Elmbridge, Surrey, our personal mission to save
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Meals on Wheels cranks up a gear.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- Hello, Si. How are you?- ..as we cook for the Duchess of Cornwall.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43They cooked it to my recipe.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Then hit the capital to spread our message.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Meals are the highlights of our day.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51It helps so many people.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52OK, where's the pen?
0:02:56 > 0:03:00In this series, we've been working with two Meals on Wheels groups,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03revitalising a council-run service in Elmbridge, Surrey,
0:03:03 > 0:03:07by injecting new life and delicious fresh menus,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09and starting a brand new service from scratch
0:03:09 > 0:03:13in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, run entirely by volunteers.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Nearly three months into our mission,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17we're finding out how they're both getting on.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19First stop, Slaithwaite.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20Wa-hey!
0:03:23 > 0:03:27CHEERING AND SQUEALING
0:03:27 > 0:03:31'The energy and commitment our ladies have shown in rallying the whole village
0:03:31 > 0:03:36'and starting a new free Meals on Wheels service from scratch is fantastic.'
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- How's it going?- All right.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Going well.- What did you cook?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- Lasagne.- Lasagne?
0:03:42 > 0:03:4517 out of the 18 liked it.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- There's only one! - But to make their fledgling service truly inspirational,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52we think it should be constantly evolving.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54And our sociable lasses have given us
0:03:54 > 0:03:56an idea which we hope they'll be up for.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00What we're going to do is keep this moving forward.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Now we reckon that you Slaithwaite folk are amongst the most sociable on the planet.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07So how about we bring the people to the food,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10so they can all eat together.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Have a bit of a beano as well.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- A bit of a social, a bit of a go as you please.- A jamboree!
0:04:15 > 0:04:16LAUGHTER
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Get all the old folk together, have a good craic,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22talk about the old days, talk about the future, maybe do this once a month.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's something they could look forward to.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Shall we crack on, then?
0:04:28 > 0:04:32If the ladies can pull it off and today's a success,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35instead of delivering food to the old folk, once a month
0:04:35 > 0:04:37they'll bring the old folk to the food.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39# They're looking gorgeous. #
0:04:39 > 0:04:42The brass band have lent us their practice hall for the social.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45With only three hours to get it organised,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47the ladies are rising to the challenge.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50What I love about being in Slaithwaite is the enthusiasm.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Whenever something's mentioned, it's delivered tenfold.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56It doesn't look right.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00It's not symmetric. It looks like it's...
0:05:00 > 0:05:04What's great about our ladies is that even with time ticking,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08they're determined to get every detail perfect.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13It's the seating, Jenny, you're wasting a table. It's wasting space.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15See, nobody listens to me.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21And it's this passion and drive to make their new service the best it can be that's so impressive.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- We've got paper to put down first. - We're putting it on top afterwards.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28One of our central philosophies
0:05:28 > 0:05:32is about the power of good food to bring people together.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34The reason that we want to do this big communal lunch
0:05:34 > 0:05:38is to develop that sense of friendship and community.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Get everybody together, the ladies of Slaithwaite, the volunteers,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44with the elderly people, it'll be this melting pot of ideas,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46and who knows what will come to the surface.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50And what better way to unite the good folk of Slaithwaite
0:05:50 > 0:05:53than with traditional roast beef and Yorkshire puddings,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57delicious home made gravy and all the trimmings.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00It's just nice to know that our old folk are now being fed well.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03And they're interacting again.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Not being left alone.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07So I'm getting a lot more out of it personally than
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I actually do from my own job.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17With Pam and her team cooking up a storm in the Meals on Wheels
0:06:17 > 0:06:23kitchen and things coming together at the brass band hall, everyone's getting into the swing of it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29With half an hour before lunch, the ladies who are usually out
0:06:29 > 0:06:33delivering meals are instead picking up the old folk and bringing them to the social.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Most of the elderly people, some of them, the majority, don't get out.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41And for them actually to come out, and to be given a free meal,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and entertainment, and to sit and talk to other people,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49it's going to be fantastic for them. Absolutely fantastic.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Some of these people won't see anybody in a week.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56So when they come here, they have somebody to talk to.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59It's something that hasn't been done for a while.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03It used to be done, now it's just coming up again, which is good.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The plan for today's lunch is to make it a real coming together
0:07:07 > 0:07:11of the generations. So, as well as the 15 old folk,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14our ladies, their children and some of their grandchildren,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17will all be sitting down to eat.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21It's a wonderful opportunity to get out into company.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Right on schedule, the cooks arrive with the food,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27ready to start dishing up in the band hall's kitchen.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Hey! Hello!
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Wow! Hey, haven't you done well?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Hello, ladies, gentlemen, how are you?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41The food's looking and smelling absolutely delicious.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43How many children still to do?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Is there anything that we can do? - Heather's putting gravy on.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Who's next now, who's next? - Down there.- This way?
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cabbage, carrots
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and lots of home made gravy.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Listen. It's that murmur of chat and conversation.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11There's forks and knives on plates, everybody's chatting,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14having a nice time. It's normal life.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16A good bit of craic going on. It's brilliant.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Today is really showing the positive power of volunteering.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22All our ladies are doing this in their spare time,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26cooking, organising and raising funds to pay for it.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Spot on.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- Very nice.- Brilliant. - It's very nice.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I just enjoyed it.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35First class.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- First class.- Our ladies are a group of normal women determined
0:08:40 > 0:08:43to make a real difference in their community
0:08:43 > 0:08:45by doing something extraordinary.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I think we're all proud of what we've achieved.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53I don't think three weeks ago, we'd have thought we'd be able to pull this off.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54It's good for the soul.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Helping other people is good for the soul.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Most places up and down the country have a hall like this up for grabs.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04So with a bit of drive, holding a monthly social is something
0:09:04 > 0:09:07everyone can do help their old folk.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11It's only people that live by themselves that know what it's like.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16You've nobody to say anything to at all. So, it's lovely.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20We live on our own and we're getting company like this
0:09:20 > 0:09:24and it makes all the difference. Makes all the difference.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28We feel as though we belong to somebody then.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30I'm enjoying all t'company.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I've met people that I haven't seen for a long, long time.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36As well as giving the old folk a treat,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39it's time for us and the volunteers to let our hair down.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Ladies and gentlemen,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- live from Miami Bulmarkham... - LAUGHTER
0:09:50 > 0:09:54..myself, just recently returned from a tour on the cruise ships...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Si, the skins king...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02..and on the organ, Rudolph the human juke box.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Now, we thought we'd have a proper sing song.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Have the time of your life.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11I've got a lovely bunch...of coconuts.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20#I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts
0:10:20 > 0:10:23# There they are all standing in a row
0:10:23 > 0:10:25# Big ones, small ones... #
0:10:25 > 0:10:27'I don't know about anyone else,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31'but I haven't enjoyed myself as much as this for years.'
0:10:31 > 0:10:34# Oh, I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts
0:10:36 > 0:10:38# Every ball you throw will make me rich. #
0:10:43 > 0:10:48The social was a roaring success, but to have a long-term future
0:10:48 > 0:10:51the new Meals on Wheels will need the support of the local community.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Have you heard about the new Meals on Wheels service?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Yes, we have, yeah, fantastic.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's the essence of what community is.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- What do you think of the ladies who started Meals on Wheels? - Inspirational.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06In a word.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Local goodwill is crucial for fundraising,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11signing up new volunteers and calling in favours
0:11:11 > 0:11:15like getting the brass band to lend us the hall for yesterday's social.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18But is everyone backing the ladies as much as the butcher?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20I think it's a fantastic idea.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's great to get communities like this together.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Just creating a great buzz I think in Slaithwaite. Yeah, definitely.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32I've got grandparents that would probably be really grateful for something like that.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- My father was up with you at the band do last night.- Was he?- Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- What did he think of his lunch? - He thought it was marvellous.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43I think it's a fantastic idea, giving them a hot luncheon meal.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Then on top of that they get a visit
0:11:45 > 0:11:50so it's a bit of comfort and, you know, excitement for them, I think.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55Most Meals on Wheels services charge for the food, but yesterday's social was free.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58So this level of support is vital.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00What did you think of the women that sorted this up?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Very brave taking on a challenge like this.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's a show of love to one another.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09And love...
0:12:09 > 0:12:10is the main thing in life.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15The buzz the ladies have created around the village bodes well for the future of the service.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17But what do the people who really matter think?
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Well, I enjoyed them all that I've had.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23A good meal yesterday, but I were right miffed
0:12:23 > 0:12:25when I couldn't sit by you.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28You might be right good cooks, but you can't sing!
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Hey! I wasn't singing! It was him!
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Very friendly are the girls. The food's nice.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- Yes?- So what more could you want?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Ten, ten, ten.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41It's unequivocal -
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Slaithwaites' new Meals on Wheels, delicious hot food prepared
0:12:45 > 0:12:47and served with a bit of love,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49is supported, is wanted,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52and is very much appreciated.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57We're so impressed by the ladies.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Every challenge we throw at them they pull off with panache.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03We asked them to incorporate a monthly lunch club
0:13:03 > 0:13:07into their normal Meals on Wheels service and they did it in style.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11We've brought them to the neighbouring village of Marsden.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15And we've got another job to spring on them.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Hello, girls. Hello. Come in, come in, gather round.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23The ladies have got Meals on Wheels working brilliantly in Slaithwaite,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- but can they expand and spread the word?- Now, girls, what do you do?
0:13:26 > 0:13:31What do you business women of the Slaithwaite community do?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Drink gin!- Other than drinking gin!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36What do you do?
0:13:36 > 0:13:37You sell. Don't you?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39ALL: Yes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41This...
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- is what we want you to do.- Oh, dear. - GROANING
0:13:43 > 0:13:46We want you to pitch
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and sell the idea
0:13:49 > 0:13:52of a new meals-on-wheels service
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- to the populace of Marsden. - No problem.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00Basically, it's your job to convince them that they can,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03that they should, and that they will set up
0:14:03 > 0:14:07their own Meals on Wheels service. Do you think you're up for it?
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- The answer's definitely. - You're up for it?- Yeah.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Marsden, three miles away, hasn't got a traditional Meals on Wheels.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Can our ladies persuade the locals to follow their lead and start one of their own?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23If we're passionate about what we're doing, and I think we are,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25then I think that that will catch on.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Part of the team start working on a convincing pitch,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32explaining how they got Meals on Wheels off the ground in Slaithwaite
0:14:32 > 0:14:36why it matters, and how it can be achieved in Marsden.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40I would like to get some of the feelings of why we came together
0:14:40 > 0:14:43in the first place and what we've got out of doing it.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47If we get that passion across, I think people will be up for doing it.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49The rest of the ladies hit the kitchen,
0:14:49 > 0:14:55cooking up some tasty inducements to help get the Mardsen folk on side.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Pam? Pam, your diggers look quite golden.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07But will Pam's delicious cakes be enough?
0:15:07 > 0:15:11We'll not have a problem convincing the old folk - they'll be up for it.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13It'll be trying to get people to give what we've given.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16It's just trying to get them to give up their time.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21Because they know each other well, they're playing to their strengths. That's brilliant,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23that's good organisation.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Very quick, slick, concise, just doing it. It's brilliant.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30It's very heartening. In terms of people working together as a team,
0:15:30 > 0:15:35to the common good. By crikey, they could set an example to us all.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41These ladies are our secret weapon in our Meals on Wheels mission.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44The good folk of Marsden have responded to our call
0:15:44 > 0:15:47and are turning out in droves.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Could you take a seat straight away for us?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53'Being known from the telly has helped us do our bit,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56'but can ordinary people convince other people
0:15:56 > 0:15:59'to volunteer their time and join the cause?'
0:15:59 > 0:16:00There's some seats here.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07Thanks very much for coming this afternoon. We are a group of Slaithwaite businesswomen.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11'The ladies immediately get right down to selling our vision
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- 'of a revitalised Meals on Wheels to the people of the Marsden.'- Let's have some facts. Who's got some?
0:16:17 > 0:16:21One million elderly people describe themselves as being very, very lonely.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23In the next 20 years,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27the population of over 65 year-olds in the Kirklees area will increase by 45%.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31I've forgot what I'm saying so I'll just say who's doing the cooking!
0:16:33 > 0:16:37They've got the audience's attention with the bigger picture,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39now they're ramping up the emotion...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Do you know what? They have got so much to give.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45..explaining what a difference Meals on Wheels has made to them
0:16:45 > 0:16:47and to the old folk.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52It's a feeling of satisfaction and achievement and helping other people.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55We've had so much fun during the process.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59It's bee great giving them good, wholesome, nutritious food. Their smiles have been massive.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02What I've got out of it, and I mean this really sincerely,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04is I feel like I've got my mum back.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Because I'm actually with people...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10that give out as much as I give them.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12I'm sorry.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17After the passionate testimonies, we've been roped into
0:17:17 > 0:17:19the ladies' presentation for a bit of light relief,
0:17:19 > 0:17:24donning drag and taking to the stage as our future selves.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- Hello, it's Meals on Wheels.- What? - LAUGHTER
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Today you're having roast beef and Yorkshire pud.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33And we're having home cooked scones.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- Scones?- Yes.- Fantastic!- Scones!
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Ay, ay, ay, ay, hold on.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Who's doing t'washing up?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44CHEERING
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Now we need to sign up a core group of volunteers who can take this on and rally the people of Marsden.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Just like the ladies did in Slaithwaite.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Would you put up your hand if you honestly feel that you could
0:17:55 > 0:17:58make a difference to Marsden.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59- ALL:- Yes!
0:17:59 > 0:18:02People of Marsden, if Slaithwaite can do it, you can do it!
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Come on, let's have you. Well done.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08'Brilliant! The ladies have really made a big impression,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12'signing up the core group of volunteers they needed.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15'Now they're setting about ramming home their advantage,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17'aided by a bit of delicious bribery.'
0:18:17 > 0:18:19You should come to us.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23We have got all this information ready for you.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26We have a rota set up for deliveries.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28High tea could be an hour a week.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'They're working the room like nobody's business.'
0:18:31 > 0:18:35We're also going to do recipes and methods so that this does kick off
0:18:35 > 0:18:38then it's just like following a cook book.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42The main thing that people want is just a word.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Just to talk. Not so much that...- Time.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48It's a great thing to do. It makes a massive difference to people,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and it's a small thing.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54'Our ladies know it takes a shed load of drive, determination
0:18:54 > 0:18:57'and commitment to start a new Meals on Wheels.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02'And they done an amazing job convincing the Marsden lot to take on the challenge.'
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- I can do that. I can contribute. - Yeah.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09I'm not the best coo, but I'm sure there's a role for me somewhere.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13It's only a few hours a week so I think anybody can fit that in.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17It'll take a lot of get up and go. I think we need to find a figurehead.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Yeah.- Just learn a lot from the Slaithwaite girls.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24We've already got ten people on a list
0:19:24 > 0:19:26that want to do this.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30From that, their enthusiasm will spread to other people
0:19:30 > 0:19:35and before they know it, they'll be in the situation we're in
0:19:35 > 0:19:39and they will have their nucleus to set up their Meals on Wheels.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Which is fantastic.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44This is all about communities coming together
0:19:44 > 0:19:47to deliver a difference to their old folk.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49It's something we can and should all do.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And we're immensely proud of our ladies
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- and everything they've achieved. - It's only when you talk to the people from Marsden
0:19:56 > 0:19:59you realise how far that you lot have got on with it.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01How far down the road you are.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04But it's working here. It's fab.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Come on, Jules. Come on, Sally Ann.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11We did it, we did it, we did it!
0:20:11 > 0:20:14ALL CHANT: We did it! We did it! We did it!
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Right, who fancies a drink? - ALL: Yes.- Yes!
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- That way!- Come on, come on!
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Our personal mission to save Meals On Wheels is going great guns up north.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Now it's time to find out how the second group
0:20:31 > 0:20:35we've been working with in Elmbridge, Surrey, are getting on.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38They're both very different services. The Slaithwaite one
0:20:38 > 0:20:41is run and funded entirely by volunteers.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43But here in Elmbridge, the council provides
0:20:43 > 0:20:47subsidised meals with a mixture of paid staff and volunteers,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49and the budget is very tight.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- So that's frozen veg?- It is, yeah.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'Over the past few months, we've been trialling our ideas
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'to revitalise Elmbridge's Meals On Wheels,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03'raising a whole new army of volunteers to help keep it afloat
0:21:03 > 0:21:06'and transforming the food from frozen to fresh.'
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- That looks like cardboard.- I can't get beyond the artificial taste.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- It reminds me of when I was a kid and had cheap, instant soup.- Yeah.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16I've never been one for cooking.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18I've just never been into it, until I got here.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22My husband said to me, when I got the job, "Why are you working there? You don't cook."
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- We want you to go fresh. - It'll be more work.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It was really bad. I said to Kim,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29"I just feel sick, I don't want to do this. I want to go home."
0:21:29 > 0:21:32But even with extra volunteers in the kitchen,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35cooking our new fresh menus has been a struggle
0:21:35 > 0:21:39on the super-tight Elmbridge budget of just £1.25 a head.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43'Now it's crunch time for all the hard work we've put in here.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46'We're heading to the council's head office
0:21:46 > 0:21:49'to pick up Kim, the Meals on Wheels boss.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:51'Today, she'll tell us if it's all been worthwhile.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57'If our new fresh recipes are coming in on budget and the council can afford to keep them on the menu.'
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- You ever been on a bike before?- No.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- That's great.- Be nice to me. - Course we will!
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- We'll be gentle.- We'll be gentle. Listen, it's all fine.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06Follow us.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12'We're taking Kim to see what the old folk make of the new fresh food.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'Getting their support is half to battle won.'
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Hello. - EVERYONE SAYS HELLO
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Very good to see you again, are you well?- Yeah.- Good, good.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23It's good to see you. Good to see you, sir.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27We're here because we're sending you out these fresh Meals on Wheels.
0:22:28 > 0:22:34So, what I wanted to know was, if you had to mark them out of 10, what number would you give them?
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Eight, no, say nine.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Nine? That's good enough, isn't it? - That's good.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- The way we're cooking them at the moment, would you like that to continue?- Yes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- I would miss it very much.- Oh, good!
0:22:46 > 0:22:49These are...well...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52The nearest I can say, meals that mother makes.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- What a huge compliment that is. - Good work. Keep it up.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I'm very pleased with what they're doing.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I get a nice little afters as well. Ooh, don't forget the afters.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08I would put the standard, I suppose, at eight or nine.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11We had the most gorgeous, er...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15sort of pink blancmange with real strawberries in it.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16That was delicious!
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'For us, this is what it's all about -
0:23:19 > 0:23:23'our old folk getting the delicious, hot, tasty food they deserve.'
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Mr Phillips, how are you, sir? It's very good to see you again.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30We have noticed a difference in the food.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Green vegetables, in particular, are very well done.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40The herbs are there. In fact, I think it's a wonderful service.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43So all in all, Mr Phillips, you're enjoying it, yes?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- Very good.- If you had to rate them out of ten, what would you give them?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Ooh, about 11.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50LAUGHTER
0:23:50 > 0:23:53< So, I take it you'd like the fresh Meals on Wheels to continue?
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Yes, please!- All I'm saying is that
0:23:55 > 0:23:59we've been fortunate enough to meet a couple of diamond geezers here.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- That's the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me!- That's really nice.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06'We're definitely on to a winner with our new menus,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09'but in these cash-strapped times, if the sums don't add up,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12'there's no way the fresh meals can continue.'
0:24:12 > 0:24:16'If we're not hitting the £1.25 a head budget,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19'it's back to the tired old menus for Elmbridge's old folk.'
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Listen, your office has got a bit big.- It has, hasn't it?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Do you like it?- It's lovely, innit?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We're just here to find out if what we've worked out in theory
0:24:27 > 0:24:29is actually working out in practice.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- Or are we flogging a dead horse? - Some meals have come in way over.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Way over? Right, OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39But some of them have come in just under budget, so...
0:24:39 > 0:24:44But, um, we are slightly over.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47It's not major. And I think, if we can just tweak them
0:24:47 > 0:24:52and as the girls get used to cooking them, it's going to be easier and I think we can do it.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- That's fantastic news.- That's great. - It's brilliant, brilliant.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59As well as revamping the tired old menus, the second big issue
0:24:59 > 0:25:04facing Elmbridge's Meals on Wheels we tackled was volunteer vacancies,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07rallying a whole new generation of recruits.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Where would you like your meal? - In the kitchen.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Now we're on our way to see one of them - 23-year-old Grant.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15When we first met him,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18he was unemployed and really lacking in confidence.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20But that's all changed.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Virtually, after just a few rounds of volunteering, I put it on my CV,
0:25:24 > 0:25:28cos it's something different I've done, handed it into a job agency
0:25:28 > 0:25:32and they seemed interested and, ever since, I've just been working.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Did you think volunteering has helped you?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37That's what you were hoping the last time that we spoke?
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Yeah. It has helped me with confidence.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42It's obviously helped out my CV.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It's just helped me speak to people.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Honestly, man, you look like a different person.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I know you're all bibbed and tuckered for work, but you do.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- It's great.- Good.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- Congratulations on your job, man. - Yeah, congratulations.- Thank you.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- Well done, well done. - Cheers. It's such a relief.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- This is definitely a good pick up. - I'll drink to that.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Brilliant! That's the power of volunteering for you.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12'The third big issue facing Meals On Wheels was its tired, moth-eaten image.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15'But we've given it a modern 21st-century makeover
0:26:15 > 0:26:18'and now, we're taking it another step forward.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23'We've come up with a plan to incorporate our new logo
0:26:23 > 0:26:26'into a volunteer recruitment poster.'
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Oh, look at that!- "Help!"
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Oh, it's going to be brilliant!
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It's a bit of a moment this, isn't it?
0:26:32 > 0:26:36The good thing is, Si, this is what Meals on Wheels has been lacking.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It needs this identity, so that when you're in Elmbridge,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43you see that, you know it's Meals On Wheels, you've got a phone number
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and, hopefully, you can volunteer and do your bit.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49'It's crucial that new recruits continue signing up
0:26:49 > 0:26:53'to help Elmbridge's Meals on Wheels and secure its future
0:26:53 > 0:26:55'and we're hoping this is going to do the trick.'
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- Yes!- Look at that.- Yes!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- That's great. - Yes.- Great logo.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06- "Deliver a difference" - I love that logo.- Brilliant.- Says it all in a line.- Wonderful.- Yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10When you see it like that, you realise that Meals On Wheels does now have an identity,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and that's what's been lacking for 60 years.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16'We think it looks great, but does it work?'
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- What do you think of our poster? - Yeah, it's pretty cool.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Oh, wow!- Huge, innit?- That's good.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- Have a look at this, love.- What do you think of that, our poster?
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Yeah, it's bold, I like the help sign and everything. It's catchy.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- What does it say straight away? - There's not enough people doing it.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Will you volunteer? - Definitely, yeah.- Yeah.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Brilliant.- Thank you very much. - Nice to meet you. Thank you.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43We're hoping other services around the country will adopt our poster and new logo
0:27:43 > 0:27:47to raise the profile of their local Meals on Wheels.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51All the pieces are falling into place -
0:27:51 > 0:27:54fresh menus, new volunteers, budget and image.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57We are proud of what we've achieved in Elmbridge,
0:27:57 > 0:28:01but the kitchen we've been working with is one of six in the borough.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Our job now is to convince the other five kitchens to bin their frozen ingredients,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10so we deliver a difference to all Elmbridge's old folk.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13In a couple of hours, all the Elmbridge Meals on Wheels teams
0:28:13 > 0:28:15are going to be arriving here.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Now, it's our job this afternoon to fire them up with enthusiasm
0:28:19 > 0:28:23for the new fresh image and fresh approach to Meals on Wheels.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26But, as we discovered, change isn't always easy.
0:28:26 > 0:28:32We're cooking meals that we love, we're cooking our ideal Meals On Wheels food
0:28:32 > 0:28:37and, hopefully, it'll inspire the cooks and the assistants from all the Elmbridge centres
0:28:37 > 0:28:39to cook food that they would want to eat.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42And then, hopefully get to think what clients would really like.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46People's idea of the image of Meals On Wheels' food,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50and that perception of it, is pretty traditional, pretty boring.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53But just cos you're old, doesn't mean to say
0:28:53 > 0:28:57you've stop wanting those lovely moments of, "Oh, that was great!"
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Oh, love this!
0:29:01 > 0:29:04'The cooks and managers from across the borough are arriving.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08'Our dream of fresh Meals On Wheels all over Elmbridge is
0:29:08 > 0:29:11'in their hands, but it's not looking hopeful.'
0:29:11 > 0:29:14We don't use fresh vegetables at the moment, no.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17There's only two of us that are in the kitchen at one time.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21We haven't got vegetable cooks, we haven't got pastry chefs.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23We have to do the lot.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27I am sceptical, I think, it may or may not work, unless of course
0:29:27 > 0:29:31try it all across the centre, because each centre works differently in terms of staffing levels,
0:29:31 > 0:29:36so I'm still not sure whether that will work.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- Ladies and gentleman. - LAUGHTER
0:29:38 > 0:29:42We've worked hard with Julie and Lesley going over
0:29:42 > 0:29:45to completely fresh food, devising recipes,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49using fresh ingredients, not frozen, and producing them on budget.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52What we'd like to do is to persuade you
0:29:52 > 0:29:54to adopt this and to do the same in your kitchen.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58SI HUMS A DRAMATIC TUNE
0:30:00 > 0:30:03We're hoping the cooks will be inspired by tasting the dishes
0:30:03 > 0:30:05we want to eat when we're old and grey.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08We've got a package of recipes for them.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11We've got proven concepts, we've got proven budgets.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15So, almost, they can get this franchise free
0:30:15 > 0:30:18and use this as a template. Anybody in the country could do this.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21We could almost call it the Elmbridge Way.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Talk amongst yourselves, we're busy.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Listen, we're from the north, you don't get medium portions in the north.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Taste this, you won't want a medium portion.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33LAUGHTER
0:30:33 > 0:30:37First up is my cardamom chicken curry.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Not only is it delicious but it's very easy to prepare.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Two spoons...
0:30:44 > 0:30:48And, by the way, it takes about ten minutes to make.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50It makes me feel good about myself.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54It's food that the volunteers are going to be proud to deliver.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Next the cooks are trying my leek and onion pudding,
0:30:58 > 0:30:59a dish from me childhood.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It looks like our nostalgic recipes are hitting the spot
0:31:05 > 0:31:09but they're worried about the practicalities of our new menus.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14We would need your help to get more volunteers because without two more volunteers, in our kitchens,
0:31:14 > 0:31:19we wouldn't be able to do the prepping in time for the meals to be able to go out.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23We've tried to develop a relationship with a local catering college
0:31:23 > 0:31:29whereby part of the first-year syllabus they came and worked a day in the kitchens.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34But also it'd be a pair of enthusiastic hands for the cook and the cook's assistant.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37The feedback we've got from the students, it was ace,
0:31:37 > 0:31:39right across Elmbridge Council.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43We've done a massive push for volunteers,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47so you just need to tap into that already existing system.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49It really is that simple.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52'With their questions answered, it's the moment of truth.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56'By signing our pledge cards, these chefs and managers are committed
0:31:56 > 0:31:59'to ditching frozen food and going fresh.'
0:31:59 > 0:32:02So, you've signed up.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06'Success! Every single centre's on board.'
0:32:06 > 0:32:09'We've also prepared a Hairy Bikers Meals On Wheels Bible
0:32:09 > 0:32:13'to help them on their way.'
0:32:13 > 0:32:19We call this a legacy book, really. It's some recipes, ideas, some time plans and some costings.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22The kitchens, if you'd like to take one you're very, very welcome.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25We can do it in budget, I'm convinced we can do it in budget.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29I'm committed to supporting you guys in going fresh.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33What you do, what the cooks do in those kitchens is very,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36very important because you deliver a difference.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42You make a difference to people's lives.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- Thank you so very much for having us. - Thank you for listening
0:32:45 > 0:32:49and we sincerely hope you've gone away with a passion
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and a fire in your belly that's going to make sure you go fresh.
0:32:53 > 0:32:59You should, you can and we really do hope that you will.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06They're going to have questions and be a bit worried about it
0:33:06 > 0:33:09and a bit nervous but I think they'll do it.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11I think they'll take it on board.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14They'll want to ring Julie and Lesley tomorrow and have a little chat
0:33:14 > 0:33:18but I'm pretty confident that they'll do it.
0:33:19 > 0:33:27We've helped transform Elmbridge into a shinning beacon of what Meals On Wheels can and should be.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Now we're going to start bragging about it and get the message out.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33So, we're throwing a celebration lunch.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37We've invited Meals On Wheels' highest profile supporters
0:33:37 > 0:33:40and unbelievably, she's accepted.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- Time to tell the gang.- Do you know, you are doing great work here.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47The kitchen is producing some wonderful food.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51The volunteers are working perfectly.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55I think it's about time you started to shout from the rooftops about it.
0:33:55 > 0:34:01To do that we've enlisted the help of a very high profile individual.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05What are you doing, Grace? LAUGHTER
0:34:05 > 0:34:09This person is coming to Elmbridge tomorrow to speak with you all
0:34:09 > 0:34:13about the wonderful difference that your Meals On Wheels service
0:34:13 > 0:34:16is giving the elderly in this community.
0:34:16 > 0:34:22- Really we want their seal of approval.- Yeah, and that person is?
0:34:25 > 0:34:32- Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.- Wow!
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- That's lovely.- Wow!
0:34:35 > 0:34:38It's great, innit? We're dead excited!
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- She's not going to want to eat our meals.- Yes, she is.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Yes, she is because it's good food.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49I tell you what, you can now say, after tomorrow, you've cooked for royalty.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Steady on, what, good Lord.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Ah, Jesus.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56Excuse me.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58I'm nervous now.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03Stunned at the minute and panicking about cooking for royalty.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- She might just like a salad. I dunno. Might she? I don't know.- Fantastic.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Great news, incredible news. - A real coup, I think.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25It's the big day and I can only imagine how nervous the cooks are.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27They know we've got to get this right.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Her Royal Highness has a long-time interest in Meals On Wheels
0:35:31 > 0:35:34and she's eager to find out what we've been up to.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35This is it!
0:35:35 > 0:35:41In just a few hours, Julie and Lesley are serving up the most important dishes of their lives.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Dining with the Duchess will be our dedicated, long-standing volunteers,
0:35:45 > 0:35:50new recruits to the cause and some of those who receive Meals On Wheels.
0:35:50 > 0:35:56But before Gladys, with her 18 years of voluntary service, can sit down to dine with royalty,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58there's plenty to do. A big day today?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- Yes. Very big day.- How are you doing?
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Are you all right, how are you getting on, Gladys?
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Is everything all right? - Yes.- Are you excited?
0:36:06 > 0:36:10I can't get excited yet. We've got all this lot to get ready, really.
0:36:12 > 0:36:19This is it, big day! Oh, how are you doing, are you feeling all right?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- Nervous.- Nervous?- Yes.- The thing is be proud of what you do.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25You're good at it. I mean, you are the jewel in the crown in this kitchen.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- People are looking to you. - You are the creme de la menthe.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Yes, you are the fairy on the cake.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33A cherry on me topping.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36And the gladiator. Go on, girl.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38The pressure's on.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41In less than three hours, not only has the kitchen got to cook its 40 regular meals,
0:36:41 > 0:36:47but also a royal Meals On Wheels lunch for 18 guests.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52Julie, did you ever think that when we turned up that first Monday morning,
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- that three months down the line we'd be standing in the kitchen cooking for royalty?- No.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- It's mad, innit?- Yeah.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02What we're doing today is half a dozen dishes that have been going out on the round.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07We're not changing them, we're not making them fancy. We're serving them. They are what they are.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11But, hey, when we said, "shout from the rooftops", that's what we're going to do.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15We're going to show off what this kitchen can do.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20We're serving a beef stroganoff, a lemon chicken and a selection of great British puds.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23All absolutely delicious and all on budget.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- Si, what happens if we put too much paprika in the stroganoff?- I dunno.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31She's going to have a royal flush.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Alongside our dishes, there's one special addition.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39The Duchess herself has donated a recipe in support of our campaign,
0:37:39 > 0:37:44a fantastic fish pie. Today is its debut on the menu.
0:37:44 > 0:37:50But even with a VIP coming for lunch, nothing can stop the team from turning out their
0:37:50 > 0:37:5340 Meals On Wheels for the old folks waiting at home.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56It'll be nice to meet her, anyway.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01I was asked if I've met royalty before, but this is the first time.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06I'm hoping it's... I think it'll be lovely.
0:38:06 > 0:38:12We haven't had time to get excited. It's just been too busy, too hectic, worrying about the food.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15I expect I will when she arrives.
0:38:15 > 0:38:21My stomach's churning now. I think we'll be all right. I'm hoping so.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Today's guest list represents everything we love about Meals On Wheels.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34There's our longstanding volunteers, with over 134 years of dedicated service between them.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39New recruits like Grant and our students from the catering college and, of course,
0:38:39 > 0:38:43the reason traditional Meals On Wheels exists, the people that rely on it.
0:38:43 > 0:38:50Having the Duchess here to extol the virtues of Meals On Wheels is absolutely marvellous.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Let's hope it gets a lot of publicity.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I think the Duchess of Cornwall's visit will help us all
0:38:57 > 0:38:59and it'll encourage other people to come and join us.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Here, Kingy, is that what you call Duchess potatoes?
0:39:07 > 0:39:08We'd better go and change.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13I am not meeting royalty in this.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15The Duchess's visit is causing a stir.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Just what we wanted to help spread the good word of Meals On Wheels.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25I'm a little bit nervous now. I was fine this morning but now I'm a little bit nervous. I'm fine.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29It just opens a whole new plethora of possibilities for us.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34We've very grateful. She's giving her hour like everybody else. Good stuff.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Right on cue, the heavens have opened.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41After everyone's hard work, here we go.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- The mayor and mayoress of Elmbridge.- Hello.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56- We're most grateful.- Pleasure. - It's going to help us enormously. - It's a great pleasure.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Nice to meet you. - Hello, lovely to see you.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Hello, Si.- Hello! Lovely to see you. - We keep on meeting like this.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- It's lovely.- Hello, Dave. - Good morning.- Nice to see you.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- Thank you for coming.- Thank you. - Have you been cooking away?- Yeah.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Nice recipe?- Yeah. - Yours was a cracker!- Oh, good!
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Yeah, great recipe!- Am I going to get to taste it?- You absolutely are.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- It's just the time to start getting hungry now.- It's just about lunch.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24'First stop on our royal tour - the kitchen.'
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- Gladys has been volunteering for a long time, haven't you? - Yes, 18 years.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- Hello, Gladys.- Hello. Ooh! Pleased to meet you anyway.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- You've been volunteering for 18 years?- 18 years.- Fantastic!
0:40:36 > 0:40:39What would everybody do without the volunteers?
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- Well, the more the merrier.- Yes. - Ma'am, if the truth be known, Gladys is in charge of everything.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45LAUGHTER
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- Do you rule the roost?- I doubt it.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- This is Lesley, the Queen of custard.- Hello.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Pleased to meet you. - You're the custard lady?- Yes.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55So are you a pretty good cook?
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- Yes.- Ask Julie.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- The answer is yes. She's brilliant. - You've got the thumbs-up here.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Julie's the full-time cook here.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06So do they tell you afterwards whether they think it's good?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Yes, we do get some feedback. - LAUGHTER
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It's a wonderful service
0:41:11 > 0:41:13and it's having that daily contact with people.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15It's a fantastic service.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It's a community spirit thing, isn't it,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20everyone pulling together and helping out.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23'It's the moment of truth.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28'What will our royal guest make of our attempt at her fish pie?'
0:41:28 > 0:41:33I'm going to have a bit of... a bit of my recipe.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36The cooked it to my recipe and we're going to see how good it is.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Good?
0:41:48 > 0:41:53We've managed to cook fresh for about £1.23-£1.25, and that's a main course and a pudding.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Ma'am, it's the table there.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Well done. - Cheers! Don't be too quick!
0:42:01 > 0:42:06'Lunch is served. It is time for our old folk and volunteers to meet the Duchess.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- It's my recipe.- Ah!
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- If you've got anything to complain about, complain to me.- I will.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- Seems to be going very well.- It is. The food looks great, you know,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21and I think the duchess is enjoying it.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29I got involved, because I wanted to give something back.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- A pleasure to meet you.- Hello. So what made you all volunteer?
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I've been out of work for months and it's something I've wanted to do.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- And are you enjoying doing it?- Yeah. I have actually found a job now.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- So what are you going to do now? - Just do it at weekends.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- My mum's also starting up with me. I may do rounds with her.- Fantastic.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- I just love it. - So are you a great cook?
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- You'll have to ask them. - LAUGHTER
0:42:52 > 0:42:57There are people worse off than oneself and, if you can help them, that's wonderful.
0:42:57 > 0:42:58- Yes, it is giving back.- Yes.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00'Fantastic!
0:43:00 > 0:43:05'The team at Elmbridge have got the support they deserve for the brilliant work they do...'
0:43:05 > 0:43:07- It's absolutely wonderful. - Thank you.
0:43:07 > 0:43:13'..delivering a vital culinary lifeline to the borough's old folk 365 days a year.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17'It's time to start making sure everybody knows about it.'
0:43:17 > 0:43:19I think the wonderful thing is, we've certainly got
0:43:19 > 0:43:23the Royal seal of approval for the work we do with Meals On Wheels.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- And she gets it. She gets what we're doing.- Yeah!
0:43:26 > 0:43:29And that's just massive! So pleased.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- And with that profile, it would be criminal...- Yeah.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35..if we don't push this forward.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44'We're on a roll. Now we're taking our campaign to the capital
0:43:44 > 0:43:48'and we've got something special up our sleeves.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Headlines in the press during the last 12 months make pretty depressing reading.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56Meals On Wheels to be axed, the future of Meals On Wheels is uncertain,
0:43:56 > 0:43:58fears for the future of Meals On Wheels!
0:43:58 > 0:44:01It's a dire situation, but we think we've got the answer.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04In Elmbridge, we've proved that local people
0:44:04 > 0:44:07will rally round and volunteer
0:44:07 > 0:44:10to give an already existing Meals On Wheels service a future.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14And in Slaithwaite, we've got a group of very strong-minded women
0:44:14 > 0:44:18to start a Meals On Wheels service from scratch and they are delivering
0:44:18 > 0:44:20a real difference to the communities.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23So, Meals On Wheels CAN be saved!
0:44:23 > 0:44:26And it's our job to get the message out there.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31With our big red bus, we're going to take our mission to the capital.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35'Today's all about spreading the word
0:44:35 > 0:44:39'and getting our Meals On Wheels battle bus seen all over town.'
0:44:39 > 0:44:43To help us on our mission, we've brought our secret weapons -
0:44:43 > 0:44:45the ladies from Slaithwaite!
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Plus Kim, Gladys and the rest of the Elmbridge crew.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52Hello, my darling!
0:44:52 > 0:44:58Right! Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome! It's the North meets South.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01It's kind of Meals On Wheels, North-South unity.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03CHEERING
0:45:03 > 0:45:05This is quite a biggie, now, OK?
0:45:07 > 0:45:10We all know that Meals On Wheels needs saving.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12We all know that it's a fantastic service.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16What today is about is getting that message out.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18That's what we're here for.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Now you're both united by a vibrant new logo.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Both truly delivering a difference
0:45:24 > 0:45:29and both have proved that Meals On Wheels is worth saving
0:45:29 > 0:45:32for this generation and for all the generations to come.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36Crack on, the gang. Let's go!
0:45:40 > 0:45:42First up, we're hitting the airwaves
0:45:42 > 0:45:46to reach the people of London as they are eating their brekkies.
0:45:46 > 0:45:50Throughout the day, we're going to be asking everybody to join the Duchess
0:45:50 > 0:45:52in donating their recipes to back our campaign.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55And this is the perfect place to start.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58Nick Ferrari is one of the top DJs in London,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01with over half a million listeners. So we're hoping for a good response.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03Up and down the country,
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Meals On Wheels services are seriously under threat.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10Or they're being cut. We are on a personal mission to save it.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12However it happened, we have lost 11 million meals.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15Is this local authorities? Is this charities or a mix?
0:46:15 > 0:46:18It's a mixture. Some is done by local authority.
0:46:18 > 0:46:19Some is done by volunteers.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23Some indeed is being done by people getting together, you know, in a pub.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27So you want my listeners to call you to support you, or to share their experience?
0:46:27 > 0:46:29We want their desert island meal.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32We want the listeners to send a recipe or tell us what
0:46:32 > 0:46:36they would love when they are old for the Meals On Wheels dinner.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38It's not necessarily cottage pie and soggy carrots, you know.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42If you have had Meals On Wheels or a meal on wheels, what was it like?
0:46:42 > 0:46:45More importantly, give us your recipes.
0:46:45 > 0:46:46Get those recipes to the lads.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49And here is a bit of an exciting addition to it all -
0:46:49 > 0:46:53you will be like the Duchess of Cornwall. Tell me about that.
0:46:53 > 0:46:58We asked the Duchess of Cornwall, could she give us her ideal Meals On Wheels supper,
0:46:58 > 0:47:01and she did better than that, she came down to see us.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03She did. It was brilliant.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06She worked very closely with her elderly mum,
0:47:06 > 0:47:10who suffered from various conditions, so she is very motivated by this.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12The one you're about to eat... Serve it up.
0:47:12 > 0:47:17It's the Duchess of Cornwall's fish pie. By Royal appointment.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19How will you know if this is a success?
0:47:19 > 0:47:21I'll try this while you do that.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25- Well, we will know if it is a success if...- Oh, man, that's good.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- Good, isn't it? - I can see what Charles saw in her.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30It is absolutely fantastic. Right, on we go.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33Get your heads round some of the recipes coming in.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34For the Hairy Bikers,
0:47:34 > 0:47:38Sylvia suggests crumbed pork chop with Somerset cider and cheddar sauce,
0:47:38 > 0:47:43cauliflower cheese, green beans and garlic roasted potatoes.
0:47:43 > 0:47:47..in Bexley says, "Can anything beat steak and chips
0:47:47 > 0:47:50"and a nice piece of Black Forest Gateau afterwards?"
0:47:50 > 0:47:53Boys, thanks very much for coming in.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55James O'Brien's the other side of the news on LBC.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58I'm back tomorrow morning from 7am. Meantime, stay safe.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03We are getting the bus on the road and there is just time to check our e-mails
0:48:03 > 0:48:07to see who's pledged their support so far.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09Girls. Listen up, listen up.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13Hey, we've got recipes coming in from the great and the good here.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16We got our friend and yours, Adrian Chiles.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22- He's got a Serbian bean stew. - Ooh, that sounds nice.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26Hey, we got Amanda Holden here as well.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31In the house with our Mand. Ooh, look, we've got Jeremy Clarkson.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35- Jeremy?!- Yeah, Jeremy Clarkson. - What's he say?
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Beans on toast by the looks of things, but it is all right.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43- And on that bombshell...- Exactly. It's good, this.- Jeremy Clarkson.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Just off Parliament Square,
0:48:46 > 0:48:49our bus is picking up some key players from the world of charity,
0:48:49 > 0:48:54including Age UK and Meals On Wheels founders, the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58Hi. Hi, I'm Helena. Good to meet you.
0:48:58 > 0:48:59We want them to back our campaign
0:48:59 > 0:49:03and help spread our ideas all over the country.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07- What do you think of our sign, our logo?- It's lovely.- Fantastic.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09It's good, isn't it?
0:49:09 > 0:49:12We're relying on the gang from Slaithwaite and Elmbridge
0:49:12 > 0:49:17to explain our mission and get these important bodies on board.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Two important things for older people is good food and company.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22Meals On Wheels does both those things.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Both of those together are what makes that service important.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29It very much stops things like people becoming isolated in their communities,
0:49:29 > 0:49:31so we are interested in that.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34It promotes independence, keeps people in their own homes,
0:49:34 > 0:49:35which is very important too.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38And there's a good link between generations.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42If you get younger people volunteering with older people, that link is really good.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44I think we have found that volunteering,
0:49:44 > 0:49:48especially with Meals On Wheels, and elderly people, can be really good fun.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51It's rewarding for the individuals as well.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55And it's the contact and the actual energy that you get from it.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59We are living longer, so that is a success story, but I don't think
0:49:59 > 0:50:01we've caught up with what that means,
0:50:01 > 0:50:04and that we actually need more of these sorts of services and support
0:50:04 > 0:50:06than we ever needed before.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10So will the experts get behind our campaign to save Meals On Wheels?
0:50:10 > 0:50:13The message we've got to get across should be
0:50:13 > 0:50:17that everybody should have access to a meal on a daily basis.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19It should be part of the care package
0:50:19 > 0:50:23and it should be considered as part of care. That everybody is fed nutritionally.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26What you actually think of our logo?
0:50:26 > 0:50:30I think it's quite modern and it's impressive.
0:50:30 > 0:50:34It's got a great, great feel about it.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37I like it, I think it's good.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40The pot thing's fun, but the slogan is good.
0:50:40 > 0:50:41It does make a difference.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45We will certainly look to how we can promote that logo.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48It is so important that there is a kind of identity for that sort of thing.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50- Thank you very much.- Not at all.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54For our stop near Trafalgar Square, we are going all glam
0:50:54 > 0:50:57and inviting some big-name celebs on board.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00- Ann Widdecombe.- Hello.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04- Arlene Phillips.- The rain.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Fiona Phillips.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09Antonio Carluccio.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11And Aggie MacKenzie.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14Why is Meals On Wheels important to you?
0:51:14 > 0:51:18As my dad's dementia increased, when people would ring the bell,
0:51:18 > 0:51:20he became afraid.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23And there would always be this lovely calm voice, saying,
0:51:23 > 0:51:24"It's me..."
0:51:24 > 0:51:25Calling him by his name.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30You know, "Let me in, I've got some hot food for you."
0:51:30 > 0:51:32And they were just wonderful.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35There will be more people needing Meals On Wheels,
0:51:35 > 0:51:37we're an expanding population,
0:51:37 > 0:51:39more and more single-person households,
0:51:39 > 0:51:42and we're worried that if we don't do something,
0:51:42 > 0:51:45in five years, we might have lost the Meals On Wheels.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49It's not other people - we're going to be these old people, aren't we?
0:51:49 > 0:51:51The young ones forget this.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54For me, producing food for somebody else,
0:51:54 > 0:51:56it's an act of love.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00And if you don't have that, you lose quite a lot in life.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04This is Grace and Gladys, who are volunteers.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08- And Grant.- And Grant, our newest volunteer, and our youngest.- Hello!
0:52:08 > 0:52:10Ooh, I'd like to see Grant turning up.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12LAUGHTER
0:52:12 > 0:52:16And how pleased are people to see you coming round?
0:52:16 > 0:52:19They're just so grateful. So grateful.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21And I would never have thought of doing it.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25- Yeah, it's a two-way thing, isn't it?- They do you good.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27The volunteers, they are little angels, actually,
0:52:27 > 0:52:31because without them, there are many things that couldn't be done.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35To volunteer, it helps so many people,
0:52:35 > 0:52:37and you can go away with your head held high.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39I've been a volunteer for 18 years.
0:52:39 > 0:52:44- Is it 18 years in the same sort of area?- Yes. At the same centre.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47- Guess how old?- 62?
0:52:47 > 0:52:50- SHE LAUGHS - I could give you another 20 years on that.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55- Well, you're not 82.- She's older. - I'm 86.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57- You're not 86.- I am.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59What's your face cream?
0:53:02 > 0:53:06For us, Meals On Wheels isn't just about eating for survival.
0:53:06 > 0:53:08It's delivering joy through food.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11So we've prepared a snazzy snack for our celebs.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15- I want to know if I can eat it. - You can.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17- It's a whoopie pie.- A what?
0:53:17 > 0:53:21- A whoopie pie.- We've been making whoopie all day yesterday.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25Get it down you, girl.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27Mmm!
0:53:29 > 0:53:31- They're going down all right. - Yeah, they are.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35- Wonderful.- Thank goodness for that.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38It's like being tested by your headmaster, isn't it?
0:53:38 > 0:53:42- LAUGHTER - You looked so worried then.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45"Deliver a difference". I think it works.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47That is kind of saying friendly, isn't it?
0:53:47 > 0:53:51You see that big pot there and you know it's full of goodness
0:53:51 > 0:53:54and it's "deliver a difference with Meals On Wheels".
0:53:54 > 0:53:57I mean, it says it all, doesn't it?
0:53:57 > 0:54:01Will our visitors from the worlds of celebrity, politics and food
0:54:01 > 0:54:05be joining our campaign and donating their desert island dishes?
0:54:05 > 0:54:08What would be your perfect Meals On Wheels meal?
0:54:08 > 0:54:13- Parmigiana with courgette. - Arlene's energy salad. - Oh, brilliant.
0:54:13 > 0:54:14- Thank you very much.- My pleasure.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- Bread and butter pudding. - Oh, fantastic.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19- Have you got a recipe? - Scotch broth.
0:54:19 > 0:54:24Everyone in Scotland, you know, loves Scotch broth.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27This is the manifesto.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30- Spread the word, spread the gospel of Meals On Wheels. - If you support it,
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Twitter it, Facebook it and talk about it,
0:54:32 > 0:54:34we would be eternally grateful.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37Save Meals On Wheels for grannies and grandads everywhere,
0:54:37 > 0:54:41our parents and our future selves. Right, OK, where's the pen?
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Can we rely on your support?
0:54:43 > 0:54:45- Fully, fully, fully.- We value that. - I am there.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Not only can you count on my support,
0:54:47 > 0:54:49but if you want me to deliver a few,
0:54:49 > 0:54:53I've got some time off this summer and it's a very rare thing.
0:54:53 > 0:54:58- I'll deliver.- Brilliant, thank you very much.- I'll go round.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Today's gone incredibly well.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Everybody's done so well and I think the people that came
0:55:07 > 0:55:09were impressed by what they saw.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12I think again, there was that lack of knowledge to what was going on
0:55:12 > 0:55:14and we've opened people's eyes.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17Raised the questions, raised the answers.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19That's what we need, that's what we've done
0:55:19 > 0:55:21and it has been an absolutely huge success.
0:55:21 > 0:55:26But it would be very arrogant of us to claim any kind of victory,
0:55:26 > 0:55:30because the true victory is being done by people like Grace,
0:55:30 > 0:55:33people like Glad, they have been doing it for donkey's years.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35And it's for Meals On Wheels.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37We've spread our message all over the capital.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Are you ready?
0:55:41 > 0:55:43- What do you think of today? - CHEERING
0:55:43 > 0:55:46But it's been quite a journey to get here.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51Four months ago, we set off on a personal mission,
0:55:51 > 0:55:56riding to the rescue of our great British culinary lifeline - Meals On Wheels.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Days get very long when you're on your own.
0:55:58 > 0:56:03We set about tackling the big issues facing the service today,
0:56:03 > 0:56:08binned tired menus and frozen food in favour of fantastic fresh dishes
0:56:08 > 0:56:09cooked with a bit of love.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- Pastry was delicious.- First-class.
0:56:12 > 0:56:18Recruiting an army of volunteers all dedicated to the Meals On Wheels cause.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21What would everybody do without the volunteers?
0:56:21 > 0:56:25And giving the service its first-ever logo to help spread the good word
0:56:25 > 0:56:27all over the country.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Meals On Wheels, deliver a difference.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32We've shown that whatever the situation in your town or city,
0:56:32 > 0:56:35if the community pulls together,
0:56:35 > 0:56:38we can change the lives of all our older people.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42It's just nice to know that our old folk are now being fed well.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44Delivering a difference to thousands of people's lives.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47- Meals On Wheels.- Very good.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Ooh, 'eck.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52Throughout it all, we haven't been alone.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54Every single step of the way,
0:56:54 > 0:56:58our fantastic volunteers have stood by our side.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01- That's absolutely wonderful. - Come here, man, give us a kiss.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06What we've really got out of it is the camaraderie
0:57:06 > 0:57:10between everybody, that includes the north and the south,
0:57:10 > 0:57:13and also the actual relationships we have with the recipients.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16Hopefully this is the start of things to come.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19It's going to be inspirational enough for people to turn round
0:57:19 > 0:57:22and say, "We're going to do this."
0:57:22 > 0:57:24The Hairy Bikers are the Hairy Bikers.
0:57:24 > 0:57:26I think they're wonderful. I think I'm in love.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29You get from them the passion.
0:57:29 > 0:57:33It just gives you that little bit more determination to carry on doing the good work.
0:57:36 > 0:57:40We know that Meals On Wheels is brilliant.
0:57:40 > 0:57:45And we want it to be around for grans and grandads for years to come.
0:57:45 > 0:57:50But if we don't act now, we are in danger of losing it completely.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53Now we've all got a part to play in this.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56Whether it's from protecting existing Meals On Wheels services
0:57:56 > 0:57:59or starting up completely new ones from scratch.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02From the man in the street to the people at the top,
0:58:02 > 0:58:05we think we've got the support of everybody we've met.
0:58:05 > 0:58:09And we sincerely hope that we've pricked the conscience
0:58:09 > 0:58:13of a whole new generation of volunteers.
0:58:13 > 0:58:16If you want to get involved, act now.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Because, you know, there's plenty you can do.
0:58:19 > 0:58:22All the information you need is on our website.
0:58:22 > 0:58:23Plus a few tasty recipes too.
0:58:23 > 0:58:29The future of Meals On Wheels depends on you.
0:58:45 > 0:58:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:47 > 0:58:51E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk