At New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the care team is getting ready to spice things up with a community Curry and Quiz Night.
“The residents thoroughly enjoy our regular quizzes and different community-orientated events – and like nothing more than tucking into one of our Chef’s ‘Dal-icious’ curries, so we thought we’d bring three of their favourite things together in a fun-filled community evening,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place.
On Saturday 11th October 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the care home will host an entertaining community evening, full of tasty trivia and curry. “You could call it ‘Korma’,” continued Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activity Coordinator. “Along with the residents and care team, we are inviting relatives, friends and members of our local community to come along and team up to test their knowledge in a light-hearted and amusing quiz and, of course, enjoy a selection of scrumptious curries, hand-made by our care home Chef.”
Quizzes are a regular activity on New Copford Place’s meaningful and inclusive activities calendar as they not only stimulate cognitive functions, enhance memory and recall, but boost overall well-being and mood.
“The residents really look forward to and enjoy our regular quizzes, which cover a range of topics,” added Chelsey. “By taking part, they provide a sense of accomplishment, are great for social interaction, starting conversations, laughing together, discussing possible answers and promoting memory recall. All our meaningful activities are designed to meet the residents individual needs and incorporate their likes, preferences and favourite pastimes, and quizzes are definitely one of their favourites.”
“Quizzes act as a great brain exercise as they stimulate cognitive functions,” added Daniel. “The range of different quiz subjects and questions can act as positive triggers, bringing up memories and sparking conversations, especially for older people who are living with dementia.”
Curries can also be good for older people due to the Curcumin, a member of the Ginger family, which is in Turmeric, as it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. “The anti-inflammatory spices in curries can improve heart health by boosting blood flow and may help regulate blood glucose and lipids,” continued Chelsey. “Spicy curries can cause digestive issues, so we are opting for less spicy versions at our Curry and Quiz Night.
“To make sure the spice levels are perfect, not too hot, fiery or spicy, our Chef will serve a Chicken Curry and a Vegetable Curry which will be accompanied by rice and tasty sides of Naan Bread, Onion Bhajis and Samosas – and, of course, Mango Chutney.”
Teams at New Copford Place’s Community Curry and Quiz Night can be up to six people and the entry fee is only £5 per person, which includes the fantastic curry and accompaniments – and all drinks. To book your place at this ‘Rogan Joshing’ night, please email Chelsey at chelsey.leather@fote.org.uk or call the care home on 01206 210397.
“We’d love for as many people to join the residents and care team for the evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together as a community, share laughs, make memories and enjoy something special together,” concluded Daniel.
