CARE HOME RESIDENTS SHAKE IT UP AT MOCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

Residents at a specialist dementia care home in Wellington, Somerset, have had a great time re-living their youth at a mocktail masterclass run specially for them by cocktail specialists, Mambo of Taunton.

The activities team at Camelot House and Lodge made the most of the fair weather by setting up gazebos, tables and chairs in the home’s newest garden, and residents put their sunhats on while Mambo’s mixologists prepared their bar.

Activities co-ordinator, Richard Dempslake, who dreamt up the idea of the mocktail masterclass, said: “Mambo’s night club staff were very professional – just as if they were at work – taking orders, making the drinks, having banter at the bar and our residents really loved the experience.”

Mambo’s mixologists Kallum Hickford and Seaneigh Toland offered individual service to everyone – with mocktails such as ‘Frozen Daiquiri,’ ‘Shirley Temple’ and ‘Virgin Mary’ – entertaining the crowd by explaining what they were doing as they went along.

After the first round of drinks residents were invited to mix their own mocktail under the guidance of the mixologists, with the experts declaring as mocktail of the day Sheila Williams‘s ‘Frozen cuddles on the beach,’ – a fruity combination of peach, cranberry, pineapple and grenadine for which she won a bouquet of flowers,

Richard Dempslake said: “Due to the effects of certain forms of dementia many of our residents still feel they are in their 20’s, and our aim is to give them every opportunity to have fun.

“Although all the mocktails were non-alcoholic the atmosphere was very jolly, and it was lovely seeing everyone relaxed, socialising and enjoying the all-important customer service – we even had a little sing.

“To be honest, the ladies and gents were more interested in drinking the mocktails then making them but still had a great time.”

Clare Greensmith, who manages Mambo, said: “This was a little different to our usual cocktail masterclass, but we were so happy to be able to put the event on for Camelot Care’s residents, and welcomed the chance to support them in raising dementia awareness.”

Mambo, which is on Mill Lane in Taunton is café-bar for grills and Thai dishes by day, and a lively venue with cocktails, DJs and dancing by night. Details at www.mambo.uk.com