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PICTURES: Anderson’s Care Home celebrates grand opening of 'The General Arms' bar





Anderson’s Care Home have celebrated the grand opening of their new bar.

From left: Steph Brown, Brenda Urquhart and Alice Hall hand out cocktails to the residents. Picture: Beth Taylor
From left: Steph Brown, Brenda Urquhart and Alice Hall hand out cocktails to the residents. Picture: Beth Taylor

The General Arms opened on Friday (May 24) and will be open for residents during their weekly music shows, celebrations and events.

The bar, named after the home’s benefactor General Andrew Anderson, was handmade by former staff member Robert Innes who donated it to residents.

Residents enjoyed Anthony Collesso performing at the opening. Picture: Beth Taylor
Residents enjoyed Anthony Collesso performing at the opening. Picture: Beth Taylor

Activities Co-ordinator Nicole Parkinson said: We hold regular events within the care home, celebrating things such as Easter, Burns Night, National Fish and Chips Day, Harvest Lunch, and of course Christmas. During these events, we try to go above and beyond to provide an enjoyable experience for our residents.”

Resident Eric Thomson officially opens the bar. Picture: Beth Taylor
Resident Eric Thomson officially opens the bar. Picture: Beth Taylor

Nicole and fellow staff member Jane first thought of the idea of creating a bar and after realising how brilliant the bar could be for residents, the pair got in touch with Robert, who agreed to build and donate the bar.

Residents have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new bar and during its opening, The General Arms was manned by Lauren McIntosh, owner of Elgin’s The Cocktail Joint, who made delicious cocktails for residents and staff during the event. Music and entertainment was also provided by Anthony Collesso.

Residents enjoyed the celebration. Picture: Beth Taylor
Residents enjoyed the celebration. Picture: Beth Taylor

Nicole added that the team are already planning lots of ways to utilise the bar, she said: “Since having it, our team has come up with great ways to use the bar even more, such as garden parties, big sport matches, royal family celebrations, and opportunities for families to get together for a ‘pub lunch’ style within the home.

From left: Lauren McIntosh (The Cocktail Joint), Robert Innes and Nicole Parkinson. Picture: Beth Taylor
From left: Lauren McIntosh (The Cocktail Joint), Robert Innes and Nicole Parkinson. Picture: Beth Taylor

“I feel personally this is going to benefit our residents' quality of life as it’s going to allow them to enjoy the simple things they may miss doing. We are here to ensure they have the best time in their retirement and support them in still having memorable experiences.”

Residents enjoyed the cocktail taster and musical entertainment. Picture: Beth Taylor
Residents enjoyed the cocktail taster and musical entertainment. Picture: Beth Taylor
Anthony Collesso performing at the opening. Picture: Beth Taylor
Anthony Collesso performing at the opening. Picture: Beth Taylor

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