Train-enthusiast Tony Harratt, who is a resident at HC-One’s
Primrose House care home in Crewe, has recently been on a trip to Crewe Heritage Centre with colleagues, viewing trains and memorabilia, and ultimately continuing with his love of the hobby.
When 70-year-old Tony Harrett, came to live at Primrose House care home, on the first day, to help him settle into his new home, colleagues set his room up and played some DVDs on the television of various train models for when he walked into his room. Everyone knows how much Tony loves trains!
After colleagues had a discussion with Tony’s son, Niki Harratt, they found out that Tony used to be a train spotter too and used to take his son trainspotting when was he was a young boy, having being part of a train enthusiast group. They decided that it would be wonderful to organise a visit to Crewe Heritage Centre, which is a railway museum located just a couple of miles from the home.
Wellbeing Coordinator, Rachel Brunskill, Care Assistant, Jaise Thomas and Home Administrator (and minibus driver), Kate Wheatley accompanied Tony on the visit, which took place on 16th August.
Whilst there Tony was able to look around the ‘Advanced Passenger Train’ and visit the Junction Box, much to his enjoyment. He also stood at the viewing window watching the trains coming in and out of Crewe Railway Station. Tony went into one of the buildings and stood in the cabin of one of the trains.
Staff noticed how Tony reacted to the miniature trains going around the track and said that it was lovely to see the smile on his face for all of the visit. He particularly enjoyed looking at the model railways going around the track.
Everyone was delighted to hear during the visit that the manager at the Crewe Heritage Centre, Mike, was also part of the train enthusiast group that Tony was a member of.
During the visit, Kate Wheatley saw a bundle of railway magazines on sale for £1. She said,
“I thought just having them dotted around his room may trigger the memories of the trip for Tony. His son said that Tony used to have a subscription to this very magazine! We also purchased a poster of the Heritage Centre, and our Maintenance Operative has framed it which will be going in Tony’s room.”
Rachel Brunskill, Wellbeing Coordinator, commented:
“If we had a chair for Tony, he could have sat there all day watching the trains come in and out.”
Dawn Sadler, Home Manager at Primrose House, said,
“It is so lovely organising a personal centre visit for Tony. We are so lucky to have Crewe Heritage Centre on our doorstep”.
“Crewe Heritage Centre were very welcoming to Tony. During this visit Tony was constantly smiling.”
Colleagues at the home are now planning another trip with Tony to go to a miniature railway in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, this time Nick will be coming too, as he was unavailable during this visit.