Harrier Lodge throws a party to mark the 65th anniversary of rock ‘n’ roll

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Jun 06, 2019

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

Harrier Lodge threw the 1950s-themed celebration 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, residents were treated to a special visit from the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Elvis Presley. The residents enjoyed singing and dancing along to some of Elvis’ top hits, including ‘You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog’.

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.

Diane Collins, home manager at Harrier Lodge, 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, especially those living with dementia, to talk about happy memories from their youth. 

“It was wonderful to hear all these incredible stories from residents and learn how to twist and jive with them – we look forward to practicing our dancing skills again in the future.”