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A resident at a Bolton care home danced like he did in the 1960s during a recent outing to Southport.
Alfred Derek, 86, used to dance with his late wife Marian at the Palais in his younger days in the 1960s and 1970s, before the legendary Bolton nightlife hot spot was destroyed in a fire in 1977.
During a recent trip to the seaside town with a group from Lever Edge Care Home in Great Lever – where he now resides – Alfred boogied on Southport Pier to the tune of Ben E. King’s classic, ‘Stand by Me’, evoking memories of his youth and his beloved wife.
The pair met at the Palais, and Alfred says his wife was an “amazing dancer”.
He added: “Every time I dance it always brings back some kind of memory about her. Dancing is my happy place. It feels so good to be able to dance like this again.”
Lisa Martin, home manager at Lever Edge Care Home, said: “On our trip to Southport, there was a live band playing on the pier, so we all gathered to watch and Alfred, who loves to dance, was straight up on his feet for a boogie.
“He managed to get other people up dancing and was the star of the show. Everyone wanted to dance with him he was like a celebrity.”
The care home takes frequent trips out to the seaside and recent excursions have had many of its residents taking trips down memory lane, just like Alfred.
Fellow resident Joan Bowes, 96, was happy to be back at the beach with an ice cream in her hand.
Lever Edge Care Home residents Rita Lewis, 87, and Audrey Irving, 81
She said: “I never dreamt I could be sitting here, on the pier in Southport, eating ice cream. I’m having such a wonderful day. Thank you so much for bringing me.”
For Iris Mortimer, 85, a chance canine encounter sparked memories of her own pet pooches and gave her the opportunity of a cuddle.
Alongside Janine Gibbons, the care home’s activities coordinator, Iris struck up a conversation with the dog’s owner, who asked if they would look after the dog while he went into the shop.
Lever Edge Care Home resident Iris Mortimer, 85.
Having eagerly agreed, Iris said: “I love dogs. I had a miniature dachshund when I lived in Nigeria. I miss hearing the sound of his bell from his collar.
“I wish I could look after another dog. They are more than just dogs. They are family.”
Home manager Lisa said: “We like to take our residents for days out, particularly to places they may have visited with their families in times gone by.
“It prompts many a happy memory and the seaside is always one of their favourite destinations for a bit of nostalgia.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid, we’ve not been able to take residents on their usual summer trips for a while, so this year we decided to make up for lost time and have been enjoying days out at Lytham St Annes, Southport, and Blackpool.
“Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoying hot, sticky doughnuts, ice creams, strolls along the promenade, pub lunches, and dancing to a live band. We’re all looking forward to the next trip.”
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18
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