Mercia Grange marks the 65th anniversary of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll

Home news

Jun 21, 2019

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

The home 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 enjoyed a party in the garden with entertainment from Damien and a wonderful Roll and Roll demonstration from Roland and Sayers School of Dance. 

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.

Shirley Gibbs, home manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Music can have many therapeutic benefits for older people – especially those 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.”