Care home beer festival serves residents a r-ale-y good time

HOPPY care home residents in Bakewell enjoyed a lager than life party with a pop-up beer festival to mark National Beer Day.

A makeshift pub with a bar built by the home’s maintenance man, signage and vintage posters, beer mats and branded glasses was put together at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, on Haddon Road.

The nearby Thornbridge Brewery sponsored the event by sending a selection of their most popular ales for residents to enjoy. And a traditional pub quiz kept everyone entertained as they enjoyed their favourite tipples and bar snacks.

Jade Tschornookyj-Mee, activities coordinator at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, said: “We transformed the Dining Room into a pop-up pub, serving the residents their tipple of choice (alcoholic or otherwise) and nibbles (bacon frazzles seemed to be the favourite) and the quiz went down a storm.

“Thornbridge Brewery, who are just down the road from us, provided plenty of ale, beer mats and beautiful glasses. I also printed off and laminated pub signs and vintage style posters and dotted them up about the place for extra effect.

“I channelled my inner Bette Lynch behind the bar, wearing animal print and chatting with the “customers”. One of the residents, Maureen, was my fabulous assistant for the evening and did a marvellous job on beef festival day.

“Our resident Les, is the brains of Britain with his knowledge and won the quiz. Some of the questions were extremely tricky to answer and he only got five wrong! Amazing! Everyone had such a giggle with some of the answers given and there was great team spirit. Lots of laughter and camaraderie.

“A fabulous evening was had by all. Thoroughly enjoyable.”

Resident John Folley, 81, a retired Haddon Hall gamekeeper, used to be a regular pub-goer. He said: “That were lovely that were.”

Les Boulsover, 74, said: “It was a smashing night. Loved it.”

Christopher Robbins, 76, added: “I loved the Bakewell beer. Very tasty. And I’m so pleased that I didn’t have to get rolled home like in the old days.”

Simon Webster, Co-Founder of Thornbridge Brewery, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of such a special day for the residents. Celebrating Beer Day Britain is always a joy to get involved with, and we’re thrilled to help the residents raise a glass and celebrate beer festival.  Giving back to the local community is always fantastic and is an integral part of the Thornbridge name.”