People living at Stocks Hall Nursing Home Skelmersdale, their families, friends and staff enjoyed a unique opportunity to step on board the ‘Stocks Express’ and be transported back in time to an age where to dine by train was the height of sophistication.
Rail tickets were given out, destinations chosen and first class service plus a fine dining experience was part of the adventure on offer. The ‘Journey into the Past’ railway activity involves the prompting and recalling of memories and experiences from the past and leads on to the expression and sharing of these together. It concluded with talking about hopes and dreams for the future.
An exceptionally stylish picnic was part of culinary experiences on board the afternoon journey. Freshly made sandwiches, soup, sweet treats and copious amounts of refreshments were served to passengers as they travelled to their chosen destinations.
The Stocks Hall Express dining journey visited the beautiful city of Edinburgh where passengers sampled white and dark chocolate truffle cake whilst looking at postcards of the city’s heritage, prompting interesting discussion and memories of childhood holidays. Then it was onto Eastbourne, to enjoy an evening meal of either Fish Pie or Herby Chicken. Dessert was themed around a visit to the famous family holiday destination of Great Yarmouth, as the popular sweet cream sundae knickerbocker glory got the thumbs up as the favourite dish of the day!
Looking back and reminiscing is really important for people living at Stocks Hall Skelmersdale. Sue King, Manager of the Home said “It was very rewarding to help take people through this fun and unique experience. The combination of postcards, images, food and smells is sure to stir memories and provide conversational prompts for people with cognitive loss or memory impairment. Everyone had such a good time chatting about train travel from days gone by and holidays shared with family.”
‘Journey into the Past’ ended with everyone on board taking part in a fun quiz, with the support of their carer, to help remember the day’s special memories and keep hopes and wishes alive………. a very special time was enjoyed by all.
