Care home time travellers enjoy day out

Elderly residents from Broadacres Care Home in Parkgate were transported by a 1930s Leyland PD2 bus to the South Yorkshire Transport Museum, a comfort particularly for those living with dementia.

The one-mile ride and walk around the museum was a therapeutic delve into residents’ memories and a reminder of their younger days.

Residents were also intrigued by displays at the museum including a room dedicated to Second World War vehicles and vintage cars including a brougham carriage used in the BBC’s Gentleman Jack.

For Gordon Wragg (87), a US army troop carrier and fully restored mobile crane were of particular interest, while Ruby Gillians spotted a Wales & Edwards milk float — a reminder of her selling milk to workers at a nearby factory, from the age of 15 in 1950.

Linda Siddal (71) was also tempted to ride off with one of the bikes as it reminded her of her husband’s.

Resident Shirley Ward (87, pictured) was a “clippy” — the colloquial term for a bus conductor — for more than 20 years from the age of 17.

She said: “I forgot how heavy the ticket machines used to be.

“Then there was the money bag which used to fill up with lots of change.

“We’d empty the bags into the money box, which the drivers used to carry as all the coins got really heavy, and they had to keep the money safe.”

Pat Brewer, activities coordinator at Broadacres Care Home, said: “Trips like these are so important for those living with dementia as they can spark so many happy memories.

“This provides a hugely therapeutic effect, helping to lift their general mood, improving their overall wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety, and not to mention just a good old fun day out for everyone.”

“We can’t thank South Yorkshire Transport Museum enough for a great outing. It’s brilliant they are preserving the heritage of Rotherham.”