Acclaimed Pianist Duncan Goodwin Opens Hampden House’s New Bar with a Touching Performance

An evening of music, memories, and celebration

Hampden House, a well-loved care home in Harrogate, has officially opened its newly refurbished bar, The Duchy Arms, with a night to remember. Residents, families, and staff came together for a black-tie evening filled with music, laughter, and celebration. And the star of the show? None other than Duncan Goodwin, the acclaimed pianist who has captured hearts on Channel 4’s The Piano.

At 81 years old, Duncan, who lives with dementia, continues to inspire with his extraordinary talent. His moving performance not only marked the grand opening of the bar but also reminded everyone of the power of music in bringing people together.

A space designed for connection and comfort

The newly opened Duchy Arms isn’t just a bar—it’s a space designed to feel like home. Named in tribute to the Duchy area where Hampden House is located, it offers a warm and welcoming place for residents to socialise. Whether it’s sharing stories over a drink, enjoying live music, or spending time with loved ones, the bar has been created with the residents’ enjoyment in mind.

Hampden House’s Manager, Laura Newall, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where residents can continue to experience the things they love:

“We want our residents to continue enjoying the experiences that matter most to them—whether that’s live music, social events or simply spending time with family and friends. Having Duncan perform was a truly special moment for everyone.”

A commitment to dementia care

For those living with dementia, familiar spaces and meaningful experiences can make a world of difference. Hampden House has made this a priority, having opened a specialist memory care suite last summer. This thoughtfully designed space provides tailored support, helping residents feel safe, comfortable, and independent.

The suite also extends its care beyond full-time residents, offering day care services for the wider community. This means more families can access expert dementia support while ensuring their loved ones are in a setting designed to enhance their wellbeing.

A performance to remember

Duncan Goodwin’s performance was the heart of the evening, leaving a lasting impression on residents and guests alike. He and his wife Fran expressed their gratitude for the invitation:

“Fran and I are so thrilled to have been invited to entertain residents, family members and members of the wider community at the opening of the home’s new bar. We thank the team for giving us the opportunity to play for this occasion in such a beautiful environment and for their generous donation to Dementia Forward.”

The evening wasn’t just about celebrating a new space—it was about celebrating community, connection, and the joy that music can bring.