Full steam ahead on Linden House resident’s railway wish

A wish came true for Linden House resident Liz this month as she revisited the beloved Swanage Railway.
Liz, a long-time admirer of the Dorset coast, had often spoken fondly of trips to Swanage with her family. Keen to make the visit happen, Linden House’s Companionship Team arranged a full-day adventure, bringing along four other residents and led by team members Sian and Chelsea, with minibus driver Dave behind the wheel.

The outing was part of Colten Care’s wish initiative, which helps residents fulfil personal hopes and ambitions.

 

 

Upon arrival in Swanage – perfectly timed with lunch – the group headed to the pier for traditional fish and chips overlooking the sea.

After lunch, the group headed to Swanage Railway for a short but scenic steam train ride to Corfe Castle. With countryside views and the unmistakable sights and sounds of the steam engine, it proved a real highlight.

“There was a real sense of enjoyment and curiosity as we boarded the train,” Sian added. “The whole experience was lively and engaging for everyone.”

 

 

At Corfe Castle station, the group had a well-earned cup of tea while watching the train head back down the line. The outing was a joyful day for all involved and, notably, Liz was able to recall parts of the trip in the days that followed – something her family were delighted to hear.

The Linden House team extended their thanks to Swanage Railway staff for their warm welcome and kind assistance throughout the visit. “They couldn’t have been more helpful,” said Sian. “It was a wonderful day, and we’re already thinking about our next visit.”

Linden House team turn birthday to matchday for footie fan Nigel  

We teamed up with the Saints to enable a lifelong football fan to attend a Premier League match as a birthday surprise
Nigel Bendell, a supporter of West Ham, joined the crowd at St Mary’s in Southampton on a ‘wish come true’ trip organised by our staff.

Nigel enjoyed a close-up view of the action, plus a beer and a burger at the stadium, as a 60th birthday gift from the home.

He was accompanied on the ‘lads’ day out’ by our Healthcare Assistant Levie Bara, Domestic Assistant Kevin Elliott and Minibus Driver Martin Williams.
After watching the teams play out a 1:1 draw, wheelchair user Nigel said: “It was a good game and I really enjoyed myself. Thank you to everyone who helped with this. I really didn’t expect it. I’d love to come again and at some point go to see a match at West Ham as well.”
Levie said: “Nigel had a big smile on his face during the game, especially when West Ham scored!”

[caption id="attachment_5798" align="alignnone" width="833"] West Ham fan Nigel Bendell at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton [/caption]
Chris Dimmick, our Companionship Team Leader, said: “Nigel had expressed a wish to see his beloved Hammers in action and we thought the chance to see them at St Mary’s would be a lovely birthday gift from us. We knew just how much it would mean to him. It was lovely to be able to create a real quality of life experience for him.”
Chris added: “We would like to thank the Saints for working with us to make Nigel’s matchday experience possible. The help included a free ticket for Levie as Nigel’s carer on the day. The stewards at the ground were very accommodating and made the parking and access for Nigel very easy.”