Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne, has celebrated success after its managing director, Duncan Edwards of Barchester’s South West Division, won the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026 alongside his team of fellow managing directors and a hospital director.

Mr Edwards’ team—named the Pressure Cookers—competed against the executive team, the Rolling Scones, in a culinary challenge that not only won them the cook-off title but also raised vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, which supports people with disabilities and helps them connect with their communities.

Duncan Edwards’ team, the Pressure Cookers, made up of Managing Directors and a Hospital Director from five of Barchester’s divisions (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

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Mr Edwards said: “I absolutely loved being a part of this, it was a fantastic team effort and I am so proud of what we all achieved, it just goes to show you can do anything when you all pull together.

“The dishes we created looked amazing and were delicious if I do say so myself, I was especially pleased with the incredibly moreish Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry.

The icing on the cake was the amount of money we raised thanks to the support of all our homes so I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.”

The 2026 cook-off has so far raised £53,000 to help the foundation continue its work.

In 2025, the charity donated £424,000, supporting 262 community groups and charities and 123 individuals.

The Pressure Cookers impressed judges with a menu featuring a choice of three different starters, two mains, two desserts, and a special afternoon tea item.

Duncan Edwards (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

Sohail Daneil, general manager of Trinity Manor Care Home, said: “We are all in awe of Chef Duncan, is there nothing he can’t do?

“All of the MDs did a brilliant job and raised so much money, they are an absolute inspiration to us all.”