A grand day out for Cheadle care home resident

Home news

Dec 13, 2016

A resident from a Cheadle care home took a walk down memory lane when she returned to her job as a tour guide at The Midland hotel in Manchester.  Barbara Frost, worked at The Midland for over 20 years, and was invited back to the hotel to visit friends and colleagues.

Stretford born, Barbara moved to Abney Court care home in February 2016. Barbara has written three books about the hotel, and after regularly speaking about her time at The Midland, the care team organised a special trip to take her back and retrace her steps as a guide. 

Barbara began working in the hospitality industry in 1967, volunteering at several local hotels, and soon found a passion for tourism. In January 1982, Barbara took a six-month training course and became a Blue Badge Guide - the UK's highest guiding qualification. 

She joined The Midland hotel in 1988 and began leading historical tours around the 100-year-old building. Over the years, Barbara has seen many famous dignitaries, including Prince Edward during the commonwealth games in 2002 and Luciano Pavarotti. 

Barbara said: “I loved my job at The Midland, especially when I had enthusiastic tourists willing to learn from my knowledge. It was wonderful to go back to the hotel and reflect on all of those memories.”

Mike Magrane, general manager at The Midland, said: “It was great to be able to welcome Barbara back to the hotel; she was a key part of the hotel and its history and is missed by many of the team who worked with her over the years.  Her tours were always so well received by not only her groups but the hotel guests and staff too.  We hope she’s able to visit again soon.”

Tracy Mitchell, home manager at Abney Court, said: “It was wonderful to give Barbara the opportunity to reminisce about her time as a tour guide and see her friends at the hotel. 

“Here at Abney Court, we support residents to continue their passions, and it was clear from when Barbara first moved to the home that she really cherished her time at The Midland where she spent so much of her life. The team welcomed her back with open arms and were thrilled she was able to enjoy a visit.”