01/10/2026
This was such a lovely moment from our afternoon at The Manor House.
Matthew had no idea when he arrived that he’d end up having such a fascinating conversation about bee viruses with someone who had actually researched them. Once Ken and Matthew got talking, they were away!
It was brilliant to discover a little more about Ken’s work and his connection to bee viruses. You never quite know where a conversation is going to take you, or what stories and knowledge people have to share 🐝💛
As we celebrate International Day of Older People, we wanted to share a wonderful moment involving our resident Ken – because sometimes, you only have to scratch the surface to discover an extraordinary story.
Yesterday, during our visit from The Yorkshire Beekeeper, Ken had several very specific questions for Matthew about viruses affecting honey bees.
And there was a fascinating reason why.
Ken holds a PhD and worked in virology at Imperial College London, where he made important contributions to the understanding of viruses. His scientific work included pioneering research into Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) – a virus that affects honey bees.
So when Matthew was talking about bees and beekeeping, Ken wasn't simply listening to an interesting talk. He was connecting it to an area of science that had been part of his own professional life and research.
After the talk had finished, Matthew spent a considerable amount of time chatting with Ken, discussing bee viruses and answering his questions. It was wonderful to see Ken so engaged, curious and animated as the two of them talked at length about the subject.
And moments like this are exactly why person-centred care matters so much to us at The Manor House.
It is very easy to look at someone and simply see a resident in a care home.
But Ken is so much more than that.
He is a man who achieved a PhD, worked at Imperial College London, contributed to scientific research and spent part of his life helping to expand our understanding of viruses – including Chronic bee paralysis virus.
That knowledge, experience and passion are still part of who Ken is today.
Moving into a care home doesn't mean leaving behind a lifetime of achievements. It doesn't erase someone's career, expertise, interests or identity. These are the things that make each person who they are, and we feel incredibly privileged to discover and celebrate them.
Every resident has a story.
Every resident has a lifetime of experiences.
And sometimes, there is an extraordinary story waiting to be discovered.
And we think that's something worth celebrating.
National Activity Providers Association
Anchor
Imperial College London
