Braintree care home residents share wartime experiences during museum visit

Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, have recently enjoyed a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

Keen to support their residents’ interests, encourage reminiscence and help them to get out and about, Activities Coordinator Sophie George and five staff members accompanied several residents on the Home’s minibus on the 40 mile journey to the museum.

During the visit, residents were able to go to three hangars that featured various aircrafts; there were even mechanics working on planes for future displays and residents were able to ask technical questions. Resident Roy Cleaver, 92, served in the RAF and has a good knowledge about planes. He was particularly excited to look around the hangars and proudly wore his RAF hat all day.

Fellow resident Ron Thompson, aged 103, who was awarded several medals during World War II, was also eager to see the warplanes. He was most intrigued by the Battle of Britain hangar, which contained many British planes used during the war. This sparked conversation and memories amongst residents about their own experiences.

“It has been a smashing trip. I’m surprised I have never been here before, because it is wonderful; so big and looks grand,” said resident Bill Cullinan. Having seen all the planes during the day, resident Peter Cable decided he would love to come along to one of the museum’s air shows in future.

Sophie George, Activities Coordinator at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, said: “Our residents and staff had a fascinating time visiting the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Some of our residents have a real interest in planes and wartime events, and it was very special to hear about their knowledge and experiences. Trips like these really support our residents’ health and wellbeing, helping them to form new memories as well as recall old ones.”

RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Essex, is run by RMBI Care Co., part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://www.rmbi.org.uk/

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Photo 1: Residents Roy Thompson, Marion Leonard and Bill Cullinan alongside Activities Coordinator Sophie George and staff member Alison Manning from RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court during a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford.

Photo 2: Resident Roy Cleaver, who served in the RAF, admires the different planes alongside resident Bill Cullinan.

Photo 3: Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court care home residents and staff pose for a photo at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.