CARE HOME RESIDENTS JOIN HISTORIAN PIPPA CATTERALL FOR BONFIRE NIGHT

On November 5th, staff and residents at Tandridge Heights care home in Oxted were treated to an hour in the fascinating company of historian Pippa Catterall as she examined why Guy Fawkes and the failure of the Gunpowder Plot is still seen as an important date in our calendar. Pippa Catterall is a British historian who has been Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster since 2016. A Cambridge graduate with a PhD from Queen Mary University of London, Pippa’s research focuses on twentieth century history and politics, the mass media, conflict studies and nationalism. Remember, remember the 5th of November - that’s how the old rhyme starts. But what are we remembering - and why - on 5th November? Why are we still remembering it 420 years later? And why with bonfires and effigies (not always of Guy Fawkes)? In her talk, Pippa Catterall explored the background to and events of that long-ago November night, why it was deemed so important to remember it then and how our memory of the Gunpowder Plot has shifted over the intervening years. Pippa comments: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet the Barchester residents again and talk about this landmark date in our history. I loved hearing about the residents’ memories of how they had celebrated November 5th over the years, it is amazing to think this uniquely British date is still so important over 400 years later.”

Sally Turton, Head of Life Enrichment for Barchester Healthcare, commented: “We are excited to work with experts like Pippa to bring a wide range of different experiences into our homes for all to participate in. “Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and socially connected, providing a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities,” Sally added. General Manager, Camille Corbett, said: “Our residents all love Bonfire Night, they really enjoy watching the fireworks with a glass of mulled wine and a sparkler but I don’t think any of us had really thought very much about the story behind the Gunpowder Plot. It was so interesting to find out about all the historic events that led to that fateful night and we’re so grateful to Pippa for bringing the story to life for us all.”

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