Seaside sunshine for Barnsley care home residents

CARE home residents in Barnsley have been making the most of the summer sunshine with a seaside walk down memory lane.

Residents, staff, family members, and volunteers from Deangate Care Home, Towngate, Mapplewell, donned their summer hats and sunscreen when they boarded a coach to Cleethorpes.

After several rounds of bingo on the ride to the coast, the two-dozen strong group disembarked to bright blue skies and blazing sunshine.

The seaside town immediately brought back memories for many of the home’s residents, who recalled family trips during their younger years.

Elaine Keeling, 69, said: “I used to have a caravan in Cleethorpes, where we used to go as a family when my children were growing up. It’s so nice to be back with my family today. We have so many happy memories from here.”

Sylvia Crosby, 86, said: “We used to go to Cleethorpes back in the day but I didn’t reckon too much to it back then. It has changed so much and for the better.”

Ann Traynor, 82, was joined on the trip by her partner, Phil. He said: “My wife Ann and I used to come to Cleethorpes years gone by and we used to ride bikes up and down the front together. It reminds me of some wonderful memories coming back.”

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

Pamela Duckworth, 79, said: “This was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. It reminded me of when I was a little girl, eating them with my mum.”

Rachael Addy, activity coordinator at Deangate Care Home, said: “I thought it would be lovely for the residents to dine in such a wonderful building.

“The atmosphere was electric. We all sat together and shared stories of when we had been to Cleethorpes and what we enjoyed most about coming. It was lovely to hear all the different memories they each had.”

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

Rachael Dawson, home manager at Deangate Care Home, said: “We had a quiet trip back as you can imagine a lot of tired eyes and legs. But, from the feedback, it was definitely all worth it. One resident asked me where too next?

Rachael Addy added: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the staff who gave up their days off to come and help out on the trip, as well as the wonderful family members for making it such a memorable day for our wonderful residents.”