By Martin Walker
A Newton Aycliffe care home has converted one of its lounges into a purpose-built, fully-stocked bar!
Aycliffe Care Home welcomed the town’s Mayor Wendy Hillary to raise a glass to the new bar.
Councillor Hillary officially opened the home’s new fully-stocked, aptly named the ‘Jolly Carers’ by residents, which used to be an un-used lounge in the home that was transformed by members of staff with help from residents.
Thanks to the generosity of Darron Chambers, a steward at Newton Aycliffe Working Men’s Club, who kindly donated glasses, beer mats and a domino board and The Bay Horse in Heighington and the Woodham Golf & Country Club, which donated a free standing bar, tables and other bar memorabilia, the bar looks like the real thing and is the perfect space for residents to socialise with one another and their visitors.
Located on Burnhope Way, Aycliffe Care Home is part of Akari Care and is a purpose built 54-bed home that provides 24 hour general residential, dementia and nursing care.
Manager Jane Mack said: “The bar looks great and is a real hit with residents and their families and friends.
“A lot of our residents really enjoyed socialising in local pubs, so it’s great that they can now do this in the comfort of their home.
“Thanks to the hard work of members of staff and all the kind donations that we’ve received, which we are extremely grateful for, the bar is really impressive and I’m sure we’ll get a lot of pleasure out of the new addition to our home – members of the public are always welcome to say hello and pop in for a drink!”
Pictured (above): Front left – right: Resident Peter Barron (74) with Darren Chambers and Councillor Wendy Hillary. Back left –right: Manager Jane Mack with resident Denis Costello, Activities Co-ordinator Julie Bialek and the Mayor’s Consort, Councillor Jed Hillary.