You shall go to the ball!

When Joyce took her first dance lesson at 18 years old, she was unaware that she would not only be starting her lifelong career of dancing, but was also about to meet the love of her life on the dancefloor. Now 100 years old and enjoying life at Penwortham Grange and Lodge, Joyce looks back on her career and her recent birthday trip to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom!

The team at our Preston care home recently surprised Joyce with a trip to the infamous Blackpool Tower Ballroom for her 100^th birthday, complete with afternoon tea and a tour around the venue. Regularly seen on Strictly Come Dancing, the ballroom is renowned for its bouncy floors and stunning acoustics – making it a dancers dream come true.

Joyce, who has danced internationally, said it was an honour to be invited back to the ballroom. “Visiting the ballroom again really took me back in time; the atmosphere, the music, and the dancing reminded me of how much I love the arts. It felt like home!”

Initially taking dance lessons as a hobby, Joyce went on to win multiple competitions and even performed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, alongside her husband, who she met at a local dance school. “We competed as a couple for many years, and were lucky enough to come away with several gold medals. My husband and I spent years perfecting our favourite dance - the Viennese Waltz - and competed internationally in Denmark and Sweden. It was a truly magical experience.”

The birthday treat was organised by Activity Co-Ordinators, Michelle and Jayne, who joined Joyce alongside her friend, Joan. “The day was simply fantastic. From the moment we arrived, the team at Blackpool Tower were friendly and accommodating. We were sat right at the front of the dance floor and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea whilst we watched people dance. It was great to see Joyce’s face light up when she saw the ballroom again after so many years!”

As a former British Formation Dancing Champion, Joyce has fond memories of her dancing career and often reminisces with the team about her proudest accomplishments, including winning a trophy for successfully achieving gold in 3 years’ worth of competitions. It was because of these conversations that the team wanted to organise the surprise trip to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and help reignite her passion for dance.

Part of the award-winning Orchard Care Homes group, the team at Penwortham Grange and Lodge implement individualised, person-centred care plans for all their residents, with Joyce’s plan reflecting her love for dance. “Adapting Joyce’s care plan to include her hobby has helped her thrive in the care home” said Selina, Home Manager at the Preston care home. “Since Joyce joined our home in 2023, it was clear how much her background in the arts meant to her. She would always join in our dance sessions, and particularly loved waltzing to live music whenever we had entertainment in the home. We now include more music and reminiscence sessions in her activities plan, and encourage Joyce to enjoy her passion for dance in the safety of our care home.”

At 100 years old, Joyce says the secret to a long, happy life is to be kind to others, and be sure to laugh a lot. “Life has its serious moments, but you have to enjoy the fun times, too. Life would be boring otherwise!” We couldn’t agree more, Joyce!

Thank you to the team at Penwortham Grange and Lodge for organising an unforgettable ballroom experience for Joyce – it’s great to see our residents continuing to enjoy their hobbies and passions.

Are you looking for a friendly, welcoming care home in Preston? Rated ‘Good’ by CQC, Penwortham Grange and Lodge Care Home offers exceptional residential care, residential dementia care and short-term respite care. Hit the button below to find out more!