Tea, cake and a quickstep: Vintage songstress Lancashire Belle brings 1940s nostalgia to Brookfields House
Visitors to Brookfields House swapped their armchairs for the dancefloor yesterday afternoon when entertainer Jane Francis, better known as Lancashire Belle, led a rousing tea-dance at Adlington Retirement Living’s community in Staffordshire.
Arriving to the sound of Vera Lynn classics, the audience were soon tapping their toes as Jane’s ENSA-style show transported everyone back to an era when “a cuppa, a slice of cake and a good old dance were the highlight of the week.”
Her first set was followed by an elegant afternoon tea prepared by the on-site chef, before another lively whirl of dances and sing-alongs. Even those who preferred to stay seated remarked on the “wonderfully nostalgic” atmosphere.
Jane Francis said afterwards: “I love bringing these timeless melodies to life, but the real magic happens when people who haven’t danced for years take to the floor with a smile.”
Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “Our tea-dance perfectly sums up life at Brookfields House: a secure, beautifully designed community where there’s always something uplifting on the calendar and plenty of support to enjoy life to the full.”
Mike Keane, General Manager, added: “There was a wonderful buzz in the room this afternoon. Every smile showed just how powerful music and good company can be in bringing people together.”
Brookfields House, which opened its doors last autumn and offers 75 age-exclusive one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a 24-hour on-site team, was designed precisely for moments like this, where friendship, wellbeing and celebration go hand in hand.
Frank, who moved to Brookfields House in September 2024, said: “The greatest benefit has been the improvement to my wellbeing. Humans need community. Once I moved in, I knew I’d made the right decision. I settled immediately and have made new friends. I have no regrets.”
Set in landscaped gardens just off Clayton Road, Brookfields House offers homeowners a restaurant, homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, hair salon, therapy suite and activities studio, in addition to their own spacious apartment and the social life of a thriving community. A dedicated team is on hand around the clock, with optional tailored care packages for extra peace of mind.
If you would like to find out more, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Brookfields House, on Clayton Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from 10am to 5pm.
