A care home has rolled back the years with a taproom-themed night which helped raise £322 for a local centre for people who live with dementia – allowing its residents to remember the days when it was a pub.
Back in the 1990s and before, the Kenyon Arms in Little Hulton was considered legendary for its Friday night rock and roll parties – but later on, it became a 60-bed residential care home known as Kenyon Lodge.
For World Alzheimer’s Month the assisted living facility went back to its roots to raise money for local people living with dementia.
Guests paid homage to the pub’s celebrated history and remembered the Teddy Boys days of the 60s by enjoying a night of classic rock anthems, food and drink and competitions for the best dressed.
Karen Howarth, activities coordinator at Kenyon Lodge, looked into the history of the home and believed a pub-themed event would be a great way to raise awareness of the illness.
She said: “Many of our residents are from the local area and remember the pub.
“The site is steeped in history and having reached out to the local community about the former, I was amazed at how many people came forward to share such fond memories.”
For people who struggle with Alzheimer’s, reminiscing about past memories is especially important.
Ms Howarth added: “This event seemed like the perfect way to evoke happy memories and gave us a chance to invite the local community into the home to raise a glass and raise money for the Poppy Day Centre.”
The Poppy Day Centre in Swinton, Salford, supports people in the area who live with dementia.
Although most of the pub was demolished, part of the bar remains and was a key talking point amongst residents.
Resident Alan Wright, 86, said: “The evening was fantastic, and it was good to have my family with me.
“My daughter won best air guitar – she really went for it. I’ve not been to a pub and bought a pint for a long time so that was great – when’s the next one!”
