PHIL LOWE, is famous for his role as a professional Hull Kingston Rovers and England rugby league star, but it was in his role as the licensee of the Shakespeare Inn in Hedon that he was called upon to provide a very special duty on Monday 25th January 2016 – and that was to open another bar… but in a care home!
The HICA Albemarle Care Home on Baxtergate has built itself a bar in line with the instructions of its 42 residents and their carers and families. The ‘Hub’ Pub as it is known was set up with funds donated by the relatives of the residents. Manager Cindy Turner had organised a meeting of residents and asked how they would like the money to be used, and overwhelmingly the response was “a bar!” – so that is what was provided!
The opening of the new bar took place on Monday 25th January to coincide with Burns Night and the whole day took on a Scottish theme. Phil Lowe was invited to open the Bar because his pub the Shakespeare Inn is only a few minutes away and some residents use it as their local during the summer.
A Scottish Piper greeted the guests who were then piped into the new bar area where Phil cut a Scottish ribbon to declare the bar open!
Cindy Turner and activities coordinator Agnes Murray explained the benefits the new bar facility can bring. “The majority of our residents live with dementia and the bar is very much a venue that can stir reminiscences and stimulate activities. It’s a place where residents can meet with their families in a social atmosphere and we can organise traditional pub games from, like chess and draughts. We’re also going to organise a regular quiz night once a month. It provides another choice to our residents on how they want to spend their time.
“This opening event has given us the opportunity to show everyone how we’ve spent the donated funds. Some of our residents have fond memories of visiting Scotland, so by linking the opening of the bar with Burns Night, it has provided residents with an opportunity to get dressed up accordingly. Some residents have made little St. Andrew flags and we’re continuing right into the Burns evening with Scottish music and a community sing-a-long.”
scottish piper dale mclean
phil lowe opens bar
cindy turner pulls first pint albermarle
albermarle residents relax in bar
albermarle staff enjoy bar opening
Albemarle is a dementia specialist care home situated in Baxtergate, Hedon.
Photos by Rachel Cliffe.
