PSYCHEDELIC bandanas were out in full force as residents at a Gorleston care home returned to the era of Kennedy, Monroe and The Beatles.

The Gables played host to the afternoon of Sixties’ shenanigans late last week as many relived the decade of flower power with the help of some fancy dress, memorabilia and classic tunes.

Sue Campbell-Bannerman is an activities co-ordinator at the home. She explained that the day had come about as one of a number of Big Cup of Tea events run in many such homes across the region.

The idea is to have some fun and raise money for various causes, and Sue thought there was no better way than stepping back five decades. She said: “We chose the 1960s because a lot of the residents relate to the era, and it was a bit different to doing something from the 40s or 50s which you often get.”

The 60s morning saw residents getting dressed up and accessorised with everything from wigs to ban the bomb medallions, which had been made by those taking part earlier in the week.

And, after lunch, came musical entertainment from Sue, a singer, and her fianc�e Kevin Hartnett, a professional musician, on the keyboard. Also helping them on drums was a son of one of the residents, who used to be a professional musician.

She said: “We had been practising quite a lot ahead of the day, and played everything from Roy Orbison through to the Beach Boys to Cliff Richard.”

But, perhaps unsuprisingly, renditions of one group in particular caught the audience’s imagination above the others.

“It was the Beatles that got the best response, with She’s Got a Ticket to Ride and Hard Day’s Night,” she said.

“I think the day really raised the spirit of the home, and a lot of them joined in with the singing- everyone was united in having a laugh.”