Member Article

Cheers to memories as Kenyon Lodge care home hosts pub-themed night for residenrs

A care home in Little Hulton, Manchester, formerly the well-known and popular pub, The Kenyon Arms, has gone back to its rock and roll roots to raise £322 for the Poppy Day Centre – which supports local people living with dementia.

The 60-bed residential care home now known as Kenyon Lodge on Manchester Road, remembered the Teddy Boy days of the ‘60s to mark Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (September) for residents, their family and the local community.

Guests enjoyed classic rock and roll anthems accompanied by food and drink, bottle bingo and competitions for the best dressed, best jive and best air guitar impressions.

Formerly the Kenyon Inn, the pub was owned by the Kenyon family of Little Hulton, between 1663-1780. It was taken over by local resident, Thomas Kirkham who changed the name to The Kenyon Arms in 1881.

It was recorded that the public house had stood on the land for over 450 years when it closed its doors in the 1990s.

Keen historian and activities co-ordinator at Kenyon Lodge, Karen Howarth, remembers the pub well, she said, “It was one of several pubs along the A6 between Little Hulton and nearby town of Walkden.

“I remember it hosting a legendary rock and roll night every Friday, so we decided to recreate this for our residents.”

Karen looked into the history of the home and thought a pub-themed event to raise money for a cause close to the homes’ heart would be a great way to raise awareness of an illness which affects over 850,000 people in the UK*.

86-year-old resident, Alan Wright said, “The evening was fantastic, and it was good to have my family with me.

“My daughter won best air guitar – she really went for it. I’ve not been to a pub and bought a pint for a long time so that was great - when’s the next one.”

Karen added, “Many of our residents are from the local area and remember the pub.

“The site is steeped in history and having reached out to the local community about the former pub, I was amazed at how many people came forward to share such fond memories.”

Although most of the building was demolished, part of the original pub bar remains within the care home and continues to be a talking point amongst residents.

Between 1962 and 1966 the pub was run by husband and wife team. Their daughter recalls, “I remember in the 60s a lot of games were played, like darts and cards.”

As the pub gained in popularity, it was known for its themed country and western and rock and roll nights.

CB radio was also popular at the time and the Kenyon Arms would run a CB club every Thursday night.

Local resident, Tony described it as “the best pub in the 90s.” He added, “it was happy, good fun and proper Little Hulton at its best.”

Karen added, “Reminiscence therapy is an integral part of my role as activities co-ordinator at the home, so this event seemed like the perfect way to evoke happy memories and gave us a chance to invite the local community into the home to raise a glass and raise money for the Poppy Day Centre.”

Resident Tony Hackett, 87 added, “It was a brilliant atmosphere and it got people together.

“It was great, I had a little tipple of whiskey.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Samara Ullmann .