Irish spirit fills Lancaster care home for St Patrick’s Day celebrations
Residents at Ashton Manor Care Home in Lancaster didn’t need to travel to Dublin to find the craic yesterday.
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the home’s communal lounge was transformed into a bustling pop-up Irish pub, affectionately dubbed Murphy’s Bar.
The home was decorated in green, with both residents and colleagues wearing shamrock hats and green outfits to mark the occasion.
Residents enjoyed Irish Whiskey, chilled pints of Guinness and Magners cider, while those looking for something sweeter tucked into Barmbrack - a traditional Irish fruit loaf - and freshly prepared Irish soda bread served with salted butter.
The highlight of the celebrations was a live performance by one of the care home’s own care team, and the band she is in - The Stardusts, featuring traditional Irish singing and high energy dancing.
Residents tapped their feet to folk classics such as The Wild Rover and Danny Boy, with several joining in for a singalong that could be heard throughout the home.
“There is a special kind of energy that comes with St. Patrick’s Day,” said Joanne Tyson, Home Manager at Ashton Manor Care Home.
“Seeing residents wearing their hats, enjoying a drink at Murphy’s Bar and watching the dancers brought a real sense of enjoyment and togetherness.”