New retro bar breathes new life in Firs Care home

A newly created retro bar has poured new life into The Firs Care home in Felixstowe. Since opening this summer, the retro bar has attracted MP Therese Coffey, local councillors and the wider community. 

Transformed from an unused lounge, the retro bar was designed by The Men's Shed. Built from scratch in seven weeks, The Men's Shed put up brick wallpaper along the adjoining corridor, painting the residents’ doors as well as putting on proper door knockers so the corridor looked like a street leading up to the bar. 

Tony Allen, chairman of The Men’s Shed said that he hopes The Firs residents will feel like they are going to a real pub. 

"We were approached by The Firs Care about doing this earlier this year'' said Tony. 

"They had a day room that required redecoration and wanted an Art Deco theme that might bring back fond memories." 

For resident John Kennet, 87, the opening of the retro bar did just that. "I used to work in a hotel so there were parties every night'' he said. "I used to love it – I got paid for being there.”

Firs Care Manager, Anna Richards said: “The bar is being used for reminiscence sessions as many of our residents would have spent many happy times in pubs when they were younger. We have many future events planned for the retro bar including casino nights, cocktail parties, general meetings and residents’ parties."

“I would like to thank The Men’s Shed. Without their fantastic help and guidance, this project would have never been completed. They have made the residents so happy.”

If you would like to find out more about The Firs Care home, can phone 0800 731 2020.