Residents of Anchor’s Tolson Grange Care Home in Dalton went back in time to beach life of the 1940s as the girls of Million Dollar Memory performed their “synchronized swimming on dry land” show.

This performance was by no means your traditional theatre show, but given that variety is the spice of life staff fully endorse that innovative and creative ethos at Tolson.

Craig Green, activity co-ordinator, said: “People should not lose the opportunity to experience this kind of thing just because they live in a care home and it’s quite clear that our residents took a lot from this experience.

“Mesmerised by the routine, memories of those days definitely surfaced as the bathing belles hid under the cover of their beach towel, changed into their polka dot costumes and performed their synchronized swimming inspired sequence.

“The show’s leader, Zoe, has plenty of experience working with people who live with dementia and this shows as she made sure the residents were very much part of the show, handing out authentic seaside flags for them to wave during the 40’s seaside music.

The show ended with everyone taking to the dance floor and the opportunity to chat some more about memories of swimming.”

This performance was part of a new membership scheme for care homes in West Yorkshire called at hoMe with the arts, which is run by Honley-based organisation We do and are supported by funding from Arts Council England and The Baring Foundation.

Tolson Grange Care Home have been part of this project from the very beginning and staff are proud to be able to offer our residents, staff and family/friends access to a programme of high quality arts events – both within the care home, and at cultural and community venues across the region. The scheme is open to any care home in West Yorkshire.