‘Memphis Meets Malvern’ As Friends of the Elderly’s Malvern Care Homes Host A Free Community 1950s Iconic Bop To
Celebrate Charity’s 120th Anniversary
To celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s 120th Anniversary, the care team and residents at the charity’s Malvern-based Davenham, Perrins House and Bradbury Court, the residential, nursing and dementia care homes which are collectively known as Friends of the Elderly Malvern, are hosting a free, 1950s ‘Memphis Meets Malvern’ Summer BBQ Party for the local community.
“On Saturday 23rd August from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the care homes’ grounds will be transformed into a 1950s Rock n’ Roll festival ground, complete with performances from the King himself, Elvis Prestley. “We will be reliving the golden days and years of the 50s,” said Jo Bennett, the General Manager at Friends of the Elderly Malvern.
“The residents thoroughly enjoy all our community events and love all genres of music, so we thought they would really enjoy taking a trip down the time tunnel to the decade of Poodle Skirts, Saddle Shoes and Letterman Sweaters for an unforgettable, free community summer BBQ party to celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s milestone120th Anniversary.”
The residents, their families, friends and local community will be able to enjoy a delicious free Texas Smoked BBQ and tasty refreshments, whilst rocking the afternoon away with Memphis Mike who will be entertaining the crowds with his high energy ‘Elvis’ tribute show.
“Our Chef, Kevin Ratcliffe, thought a smoked BBQ would be ideal for the Memphis-themed community party as Memphis boasts being the “Pork Barbecue Capital of the World”,” added Jo.
“Alongside the entertainment and scrumptious BBQ, there will also be a range of activities for the residents and guests to take part in, including our very own garden Skittles Alley,” continued Laura Smith, the Activities Coordinator at Bradbury Court. “There have been lots of chats about the decade since we decided on the ‘Memphis Meets Malvern’ 1950s theme and, of course, about what outfits everyone will be wearing. We are encouraging everyone to get their 1950s glad rags on and dress to impress to add to the overall ambience of the event.”
“The residents never cease to amaze me,” added Laura. “Their recollections of the decade – and particularly their knowledge on Elvis – are fantastic, or should I say ‘swell’ to fit with the era?
“During one of our regular reminiscing sessions, one resident – who is a big Elvis fan – told me that Elvis’ first gold record was the iconic “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1956 and that he starred in 31 feature films. Another resident who loves geography said that Memphis in Tennessee, was actually named after the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis as the founders decided the name evoked a sense of splendour and historical importance. I really do learn something new every day.”
“Everyone at Friends of the Elderly Malvern is excited for, and looking forward to, the ‘Memphis Meets Malvern’ Community 1950s Summer BBQ Party and opening our gates and welcoming the residents’ families, loved ones, friends and our local community to what we know will be fantastic community event to celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s 120th anniversary,” concluded Jo.
To RSVP or to get in touch, email laura.chadd@fote.org.uk or call 01905 388 720.
