Seaside bus trip brings back memories for Rotherham care home residents

ROTHERHAM care home residents took a coach trip down memory lane when they enjoyed a day at the coast.

Cleethorpes was the destination of choice for residents from Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, Parkgate, as the seaside town brings back memories of their own childhoods and family holidays.

After several rounds of bingo on the ride to the coast, the almost two-dozen strong group disembarked to a small downpour, before the sunshine broke through to give everyone a great day out.

Residents immediately started discussing their memories of visiting during their younger years, recalling childhood family trips.

Barry Proctor, 87, said: “I can remember when I used to go to Cleethorpes with my twin brother, building sandcastles and playing cricket on the beach.”

Eileen Staniforth, 92, said: “I was very pleased to visit Cleethorpes. I can’t remember visiting before but I had a great time.”

George Mynott, 81, said: “If I hadn’t decided to come to Broadacres for respite there was no way I would have gone to the seaside and enjoyed the lovely fish and chips and nice sugar doughnuts.”

After arriving, the group made a beeline for award-winning fish and chip restaurant Papa’s, located in an old dancehall on Cleethorpes Pier.

Then it was time for an ice cream on the seafront followed by a visit to the arcade to play the 2p machines and a stop off at the gift shop for some rock candy and other trinkets.

Lyndsey Brewer, home manager at Broadacres Care Home, said: “It was amazing to be able to take the residents for a day out at the seaside.

“One of our residents, Margaret Shaw said she didn’t think she would ever see the sea again once she had come to stay at Broadacres. It was marvellous to see how much she enjoyed herself.

“This is exactly why we do things like day trips and outings, even if it’s just to the local coffee shop. The residents love the adventure, especially as they remember the times they went to the seaside with their own families. You can see how the change of scene gives everyone a lift.

“A massive thank you must go to the team members who accompanied the residents on the trip. It was very kind of them to give up their days off to support the residents and make sure they all had a brilliant day out at Cleethorpes.”