WHEN any gathering features African and Caribbean food you can be assured of a good time. And that is what those attending a Bradford day centre had when they took part in a special cook and eat session spanning the generations.

Run by Age UK’s Bradford branch, the day centre at Mary Seacole Court, Little Horton, Bradford, serves mostly African and Caribbean people aged over 50. Some of those who attend are residents at the housing complex, while others are not.

The first session of its type, they joined forces with young people from across the Bradford district to rustle up dishes from their home countries.

Working side-by-side, a group of seven young people and 12 older people, cooked traditional Caribbean dishes including ackee and saltfish. “They cooked alongside each other,” says Tim Shelton, project coordinator with Age UK in Bradford. “There was a mixture of observing and joining in. There were lots of practical things to do such as food preparation which was done under guidance from one of our participants Olga Thompson, known as ‘Auntie Liz’.”

Olga, 93, and fellow Jamaican Cynthia Rowe, steered the group, passing on their expertise in Caribbean cookery.

The project was organised by Age UK, in conjunction with the Cumbria-based Brathay Hall Trust and the Princes Trust. The Brathay Hall Trust and Princess Trust charities work with disadvantaged young people.The Brathay Hall Trust was established to provide personal and social development opportunities for young people. Says Tim: “One of the youth workers from the Brathay Hall Trust has a mum who uses the centre so we had a connection there.”

The sessions not only helped the older and younger people learn about food preparation, but helped them to find out more about each other’s background.

“The younger people learned about new cultures. Spending time with the elders gave them a broad view of cultural diversity and showed them how commonality can be found even if there are fundamental differences. The common benefit is on a societal level. Older people can connect with people from younger generations and vice versa. It brings a sense of cohesion.”

He adds: “It was a great, lively atmosphere, with young and old chatting and having fun. After the first session, the younger people all wanted to come back the next day. They all said how much they had enjoyed it.”

Tim hopes to repeat the session at a later date. “It was so successful I would like to roll out some more,” he says, "It has benefits all round."

Other activities at Mary Seacole Court day centre, which is funded by Bradford Council, have included a visit from youngsters from Bankfoot Primary School who visited the centre as part of a project on the Caribbean. “I prepared samples of food for them to try and then later they asked questions about the Caribbean,” says Tim.

Young people also join in activities such as bingo, dominoes - a game which is very popular in the Caribbean - and pool.

Regular tea dances are also held at the centre.