Print recalls care home’s past as JCB training centre
THE history of a 17th-century building now being used as a care home has been brought to life by an artist who remembers it as a former JCB training centre.
Alan Fernihough, 66, drew on his childhood memories of Barrowhill Hall in Rocester, now a 74-bedroom nursing home, to create watercolour paintings of the building as it looked when he was growing up.
Barrowhill Hall is believed to have been built by William Bainbridge in the 1600s with the earliest known photo taken in 1856.
In 1985 it became Grade-ii listed and in the mid 1990s it was converted into the specialist dementia care and nursing home it is today.
Self-taught artist Mr Fernihough, however, remembers when it was a training centre and social club for JCB, which now has a vast headquarters just down the road.
He said: “I grew up in a house on Dove Lane so I had a great view of Barrowhill Hall from my window.
“That’s when JCB owned it and when I was older, I used to go to a disco there on a Friday night that was in the 70s.”
“The building used to be three storeys then and that’s how I’ve painted it, as it used to be when I looked at it out of my window,” he added.
In times of hardship during the great depression of the late 1920s to early 1930s, large joints of meat were cooked in the kitchen at Barrowhill Hall, which was made into soup for distribution near Rocester.
Dion Meechan, director of operations for Barrowhill Hall, has used two of Alan’s prints to decorate the home. He said: “Barrowhill Hall is a very special place and we’re lucky to have such a beautiful building.
“It means a lot to the residents and the staff and when you think about how long it’s been around, it’s really incredible to be part of its journey through history.
“Owning and displaying artwork of the building celebrates that and feels like our own tribute to Barrowhill Hall.
“Our residents enjoy arts and crafts and feel a sense of pride and achievement when we display their work up on the walls.
“It’s brilliant to have Alan’s artwork up on the wall alongside theirs.”
Mel Conway, activities coordinator at Barrowhill Hall said: “The prints are hanging in our
The building used to be three storeys. I’ve painted it, as it used to be when I looked at it out of my window. Alan Fernihough
Resident Betty enjoying the print communal areas for everyone to enjoy and they have certainly been a talking point.
“We’ve been proud to have these prints on display as we begin welcoming resident’s families back into our home again. Art is really important for our residents, especially for those with dementia.
“Whether they are enjoying it on the walls or creating it themselves, art encourages self-expression and interaction by bringing back memories so they can enjoy reminiscing and storytelling. Our residents love it.” Mr Ferniough says he has a passion for the nostalgia of the local area.
He said: “I love to create street scenes and paint things as they used to be.
“I find an old black and white postcard or photo and use my imagination to add the colour and some extra details.
“I’m glad that my work is bringing joy to the residents and that it’s sparking their imaginations, too. For me, painting is so therapeutic, and it encourages people to share thoughts, emotions and memories.
“I’d love to run an art class for the residents, when Covid-19 restrictions allow so I can bring that positive experience to Barrowhill Hall.”