Former landlord pulls pints again at Walkeringham care home pub after dementia diagnosis
A 75-year-old former landlord living with dementia is rediscovering his sense of purpose thanks to a unique on-site pub at his care home in Walkeringham.
Edwin John Turner, known as ‘JT’ to friends and locals, once ran the Blue Bell Inn in Gringley-on-the-Hill, where he built a reputation for pulling the perfect pint.
Now living at South Moor Lodge, Edwin has found himself back behind the bar this time at The Rustic Fox, a pub created within the care home grounds to help residents socialise, reminisce and feel part of a vibrant community.
Despite his dementia diagnosis, the familiar setting of the pub allows Edwin to reconnect with his past, often stepping behind the bar to pour drinks for fellow residents, just as he did during his years as a landlord.
Edwin said: “I’ve always loved being in the pub. It’s where people come together. Pulling a pint feels like me.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, around 900,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, with social interaction and meaningful activity playing a crucial role in supporting wellbeing and memory.
For residents like Edwin, recreating a familiar environment and the atmosphere of pub culture has had a transformative effect.
Commenting on the pub’s impact, Care Home manager, Lisa McAnulty said: “The pub has been fantastic in helping residents to retain their independence. It gives them somewhere different to go and share time with family.
“Lots of our residents enjoy offering drinks to their visitors and sitting outside with them in the garden - all the normal experiences we take for granted, delivered in a safe and supportive way.
“For Edwin, he can be a landlord again - and the happiness that brings him is wonderful to see.”
The Rustic Fox offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, outdoor seating, and activities like dominoes and music sessions. With pubs closing or struggling across the country, and very few local options in the area, South Moor Lodge has brought a real-life pub experience to the home, that’s not only enjoyed by residents but their families too, creating a strong community across residents, families and staff.
For Edwin’s ex-wife, Christine Turner, who visits him regularly, the change in him has been remarkable.
She said: “It’s lovely to see that although he has dementia, the pub gives him a purpose and something to focus on.
“Edwin was a great landlord - earning recognition in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and regularly supporting local events and traditional Boxing Day Morris dance. Being in the pub brings that part of him back, and it’s a fun place for us to go together when I visit.”
South Moor Lodge has 54 ensuite bedrooms and provides residential, dementia and respite care, following a recent significant extension and refurbishment, with facilities including a cinema, hairdressing salon and library www.southmoorlodge.co.uk.