It is a common misconception amongst some that my generation are less adventurous with our food choices, that we are more inclined toward rice pudding and meat and two veg washed down with copious cups of tea and a sherry on a Sunday. And whilst I am happy to admit to a penchant for a homemade rice pudding and a good sherry, I also enjoy many other foods from across the globe.

We were not fortunate enough to experience takeaway food as children, all food was home cooked and eaten together, at the dinner table, as a family. As the war raged on even basic food became scarce and we were grateful for anything that we were given.

Following the war, a myriad of restaurants and takeaways gradually began to appear on our high streets. Where once our only choice was which fish to have with our chips, we were suddenly given the opportunity to try Indian food, Chinese food and American style burgers. Admittedly my generation were slower to indulge in these new cuisines but once we had we didn’t look back.

This week it was Margaret’s birthday, 90 years young. On our birthday we can have whatever we want for lunch, the chef will make us something special or a member of the team will take us out for lunch or grab us a takeaway if we’re not up to the trip.

Margaret chose her favourite takeaway for her birthday, a cheeseburger Happy Meal, not what most would expect from a nonagenarian which proves the importance of treating us all as individuals and of listening to us and asking questions. The team here never assume anything, we have the final say and that is as it should be.

Margaret had a wonderful birthday, she spent time with her family, she was spoiled rotten by the team and made to feel incredibly special as she paraded her balloons around the lounge. And the icing on the cake, a Cheeseburger Happy Meal just as Margaret had asked. Happy birthday Margaret.