Dorset care homes throw a party to mark the 65th anniversary of rock ‘n’ roll

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Jun 06, 2019

Residents at two local care homes stepped back in time and danced away the afternoon to the sound of rock ‘n’ roll classics from their youth. 

Ferndown Manor and The Potteries threw 1950s-themed celebrations, to mark the 65th anniversary of the launch of the record Rock Around the Clock, widely considered Britain’s first rock ‘n’ roll anthem. 

To celebrate, team members at Ferndown Manor dressed up in 1950s clothing and treated the residents to Babycham and Snowballs, followed by afternoon tea and a sing-along performance from ‘The Land Girls’.

The Potteries team held a 50’s themed day, with team members serving a retro-style lunch menu in vintage outfits. Residents then enjoyed a performance from the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself – Elvis Presley, and everyone had a sing-along to the classic hits.

The nationwide initiative, launched by Care UK, encouraged its care homes across the country to get together and host rock ‘n’ roll-themed events to mark this iconic anniversary. As well as having fun, the events were the perfect opportunity for residents to reminisce about their younger years and share memories associated with the 1950s.

Janet Lewis, home manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We had a wonderful time singing and dancing to some of the residents’ favourite songs. Many of them had fascinating memories of the record Rock Around the Clock and the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, so our 1950s event was a fantastic way to step back in time with them. 

“Even when memories become harder to remember, often music and the associated emotions can still be recalled. Singing and dancing can be a powerful reminiscence activity, encouraging older people to talk about happy memories from their youth. 

Zita Turner, home manager at The Potteries, said: “Music can also have many therapeutic benefits for older people –living with dementia, by offering them a way to communicate and express themselves, while also triggering happy memories from their younger years and the associated emotions. 

“Our event to mark the 65th anniversary of Rock Around the Clock was a real conversation starter, andit was wonderful to hear so many stories from the residents’ memories of iconic rock ‘n’ roll musicians. We look forward to practicing our jive skills again in the future.”