Chelmsford residents living with dementia enjoy ‘banter and a pint’ at their weekly pub club

A group of residents from Cherry Wood Grange Care Home, located on Writtle Road in Chelmsford, have formed a weekly pub club where they share stories while enjoying their favourite tipple.

The club began with a trip to the Fox and Raven in Chelmsford last summer and was such a hit with the residents that a trip to the country pub became a regular outing.

Cherry Wood Grange provides residential, dementia and end of life care. The team routinely support their residents to keep ties with their local community and residents are transported in the care home’s minibus.

Residents John Wheeler and Peter White have become friends since joining the pub club and never miss a trip. The pair bonded over a pint and a packet of crisps, and love to share stories of their youth during the outings.

John, age 76, is living with dementia, he said: “I love that I can still be part of a social gathering, enjoying good conversation, banter and a pint with the guys.

“The familiar smell of a pub always brings back fond memories for me. I remember as a lad going to the pub with my father when we lived in Cairo. Peter spent time in Egypt too, so we often chat about our time there and swap stories.

“It’s a simple pleasure, but I feel that a trip to the pub enriches my life and whilst there is breath in my body, I will be part of this fantastic club!”

Peter, aged 95, had a busy social life in his younger days that often brought him to the pub. He said: “John always makes me laugh, he’s such a character, and we both attend every week. I’ve always enjoyed a pub quiz to test my knowledge, so Bex often brings a quiz book with her.”

The care home’s lifestyle lead, Bex Harmer, said: “It started with a visit to the Fox and Raven for a drink, but friendships quickly formed between the group, and they expressed their interest in making it a regular thing.

“Many of the residents who attend are living with dementia and the normality of going to the pub with friends for a pint and a natter is so beneficial.

“It’s a small group, usually about four or five residents, so there are more opportunities for interaction. Everyone’s welcome to join but so far, it’s only the men who have participated, so it has become a bit of a gentlemen’s club!”

Terry Loveday, aged 88, and Sydney Durling, aged 84, are both living with dementia and are regular pub club members.

Bex continued: “Terry always has a smile on his face when we’re at the pub, and he will often start belting out a song or two while he enjoys his lager shandy.

“Sydney smiles and laughs a lot when we’re at the pub and he loves tucking into a bag of crisps with his beer.”

Sue Smith, manager at the home, added: “There is a perception that your social life ends when you move into a care home, but nothing could be further than the truth.

“The weekly pub club is a great chance for our residents to get out into the community and socialise.”

Cherry Wood Grange are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and received Highly Commended for Team of the Year at the Essex Care Sector Awards: The Prospers 2023.