Beachmere Sands is a lively over-55s community, situated at Beachmere, on the shores of Deception Bay, between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Each year the resort hosts a large ‘Biggest Morning Tea’, organised by the Social Club. All funds are in aid of cancer research and support, through Queensland Cancer Council. Residents recognise its importance. All of us are touched by cancer either personally or through family or friends.

In 2018 the Beachmere Sands Social Club decided to include in their fundraising effort something that would continue to raise funds throughout the year and into the future. The Villa Kitchen Favourites cookbook is the outcome.

139 cherished family recipes, from 22 cooks of Beachmere Sands, represent many years of combined experience in preparing delicious dishes. Most have been handed down from parent to child over generations, handwritten on the back of envelopes, scribbled in notebooks or written at the end of old recipe books from the last century, making them family treasures and secrets. Others have been created and refined by their donors; modern and delicious. They are generously shared with thanks to the dedicated researchers, health workers and carers whose efforts benefit us all.

The production stages of this book; the writing of the recipes, the design and layout, the artwork and photography, editing and proofing, have been the work of a group of Beachmere Sands resident volunteers. The book will be distributed through the Social Club, and available through booksellers and local shops, at the cost of $25.00. All profits will go the Queensland Cancer Council to support cancer patients and cancer research.

And on top of all that, the food you will create from these recipes is absolutely YUMMY!