Ginger beer brewing brings residents together

Residents brewing their own non-alcoholic ginger beer at Bolton Clarke’s Macquarie View aged care community has been named one of the winning teams at an innovation tournament supporting social connection.

Residents brewing their own non-alcoholic ginger beer at Bolton Clarke’s Macquarie View aged care community has been named one of the winning teams at an innovation tournament supporting social connection.

The group, the Bolton Old Boys Brewery, has approximately 20 residents involved that are predominantly male. Some female residents have also gotten involved in making labels for the bottled ginger beer.  

The Innovation Tournament, led by the Bolton Clarke Research Institute, focuses on projects and initiatives that promote social connection from its residential and retirement living communities.

The brewing process has brought back treasured memories for the residents.

“When I was young, my mum used to make ginger beer and ice cream together. I couldn’t get home from school quick enough to get some,” said Shirley Hancock, a Bolton Clarke resident.

Bolton Clarke diversional therapist Colleen Bruce said the residents were excited to get involved.

“We are taking it in turns to make batches in small groups. It’s been great to be collaborative while social distancing. It has given everyone a sense of accomplishment and purpose – even our local brewing shop is invested in our idea,” Ms Bruce said.

A hole in the wall café at Bolton Clarke’s Broadwater Gardens retirement village in Port Macquarie also won at the Innovation Tournament.

Click on an image to launch gallery.

Tags: Bolton Clarke Research Institute, bolton-clarke, innovation tournament, social connection,

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