Grease is the word! Fernhill becomes Rydell as residents enjoy ‘groove and meaning’

A resident’s movie wish resulted in the transformation of our dementia care home into a drive-thru cinema for a special showing of the 1950s-themed feelgood musical Grease.

Residents at Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth stepped back in time for a fun Rydell High School experience.

It was complete with Pink Ladies, soda fountain, popcorn, mock-up car, rock and roll leathers, polka dot dresses, T-bird t-shirts, high school cardigans and other examples of 50s Americana.

An outdoor drive-in cinema was recreated with a big screen under the stars in the Fernhill garden while the home’s Hazel lounge staged a cosier viewing unaffected by the elements.

Companionship Team Leader Cara Duroe said the day was a chance to make a wish come true for resident Carol Swallow.

Cara said: “Carol told us she would love to go to the cinema but might find the experience overwhelming, so we thought we’d bring the cinema to her.

“We used our marquees, projector and big screen, choosing Grease because it is so iconic, feelgood and nostalgic.

“Residents and team members spent weeks creating our own cars, props, signs and costumes, taking our inspiration from the film.

“It was a great opportunity to dress up and really feel a part of the fantastic Grease phenomenon, singing along to the classic songs we all love and making Carol’s wish come true at the same time.”

June Welford and Kathryn Maynard sat together to watch the film while eating ice-cream. “It was so much fun”, said June. “We enjoyed every minute of it.”

Staff members got in on the act by dressing as Grease characters for the day. Senior Care Lead Ben Kwakye played the John Travolta part of Danny while Companionship Team member Miezy Reynolds acted the role of Sandy, made famous by Olivia Newton-John.

Also donning costumes were various members of the Companionship Team plus Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Administration staff, Clinical Lead Cornelia Bekker and Care Co-ordinator Felicity Hopkins.

Felicity said: “It was a spectacular afternoon that showcased a sensory display of colourful costumes and wonderful music.”

Senior Nurse Lexie Gibson agreed, adding: “It was an amazing day, so much fun for residents, relatives and staff. The whole home was involved. We had a rockin’ day partying with Sandy, Danny, Rizzo and the Pink Ladies. As the song says, Grease is the word and it’s got groove, it’s got meaning!”