Residents at Old Raven House care home in Hook are soaring with excitement after a recent visit to the Army Flying Museum. For eight residents who spent their careers in the aviation industry, this trip was not just an outing but a nostalgic journey filled with memories and camaraderie.
Old Raven House is known for its vibrant schedule of activities, ensuring residents have opportunities for both in-home happenings and outings to local experiences. Graham Goddard, Entertainment and Events Administrator, is dedicated to enriching the lives of residents and bringing joy to their days through these experiences.
The visit to the Army Flying Museum provided a unique opportunity for residents to reconnect with their past. Among the group were former air traffic controllers, pilots, aviation mechanics, and even Royston Swatten, who was honored with an MBE for his contributions to the aviation industry.
The museum, which chronicles the history of British Army Flying from its early days of military ballooning to the modern Army Air Corps, offered a wealth of exhibits to explore. Highlights included a Sopwith Pup, a single-seat fighter introduced in 1916, and a Lynx helicopter that set the world speed record in 1972, among other aircraft.
Anne Turner, the manager of Old Raven House, expressed her delight at the residents’ engagement during the visit. “It was so lovely to see our residents so engaged and hear all of their stories during their visit to the Army Flying Museum,” she shared. “Their memories brought the exhibits to life in a way that was truly special. This trip wasn’t just a visit; it was a nostalgic journey for many of our residents, reminding them of the adventures and camaraderie they experienced in their aviation careers. Witnessing our residents reconnect with their personal histories was a truly memorable experience.“
For the residents of Old Raven House, the trip to the Army Flying Museum was more than just a day out—it was a chance to reminisce, share stories, and honor their past in the aviation industry. As they continue to enjoy the vibrant activities offered by their care home, memories like these will continue to uplift and inspire them each day.
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