Mayor of Kirklees Enjoys a Trip Down Memory Lane at Ashworth Grange Care Home

The Mayor of Kirklees and his wife took a trip down Memory Lane last week when they visited Ashworth Grange residential and dementia care home in Dewsbury for a pop-up restaurant event.  The Mayor, who is a regular visitor to the home, was invited by residents and staff to the monthly event which recreates an authentic restaurant experience for residents and their guests within the care home. There is a different theme each month, which is chosen by residents at the regular Social Committee Meeting.

The Mayor and other diners enjoyed traditional fodder from yesteryear such as black pudding, faggots with bubble and squeak and bread and butter pudding. The conversation flowed for diners as they chatted about times gone by with the Mayor and Mayoress, and Jean Taylor, who has lived at Ashworth Grange for four years, said “The Mayor and Mayoress are lovely, down to earth people, and they are welcome here any time!”. Staff decorated the café area with war time memorabilia such as ration books and popular childhood games whilst singer, Linda Stott, entertained with some familiar music.

For many residents, they will have celebrated special occasions by dining out throughout their life time, but now their needs have reached a point where getting out of the home to visit a restaurant is difficult. Yvonne Mulholland, Regional Activities Executive for Ashworth Grange, explains the benefit of the pop up restaurant experience. She said “The evening was a great success at Ashworth Grange – the residents are still talking about it now. Some residents struggle at mealtimes and the pop-up restaurants give them the opportunity to once again have a full restaurant experience, and also gives them a sense of occasion. It was great to see that this experience completely transformed them for the evening. The staff loved it too and it was great to welcome our special guests”.

Ashworth Grange provides residential and dementia care for 64 residents and is committed to offering them aspirational lifestyle choices. Breaking down the pre-conceived perceptions of care home life, the residents at Ashworth Grange enjoy an active social environment with events, trips and daily activities on offer. The Mayor and Mayoress thoroughly enjoyed their time at the pop-up restaurant, and they are looking forward to visiting again!