A resident of Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton recently returned to a place filled with fond memories — the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, where she once worked for many years.
Sue, who previously held a role at the museum, shared her wish to revisit the site during a conversation with Companionship Team member Maz. Inspired by her enthusiasm, the team organised a special day trip for Sue and fellow residents Tony and Ian.
“The Fleet Air Arm Museum clearly holds a special place in Sue’s heart,” said Shelby, Companionship Team Leader at Newstone House. “She spoke so warmly of her time there, and it meant a lot for us to help bring those memories back to life.”
Upon arrival, the group enjoyed a relaxed picnic in the museum’s shaded grounds, prepared by Colten Care’s Chef Martin. Over lunch, Sue fondly recalled stories from her days working in the museum’s offices, sharing laughter and anecdotes with the group.
Inside the museum, the group explored the impressive collection of historic aircraft, with resident Ian enthusiastically taking the lead in navigating the exhibits. A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to step aboard the iconic Concorde — something Sue had always dreamed of doing.
Climbing the aircraft’s stairs with support, Sue explored the supersonic jet with a sense of awe. “It was definitely worth the walk up,” she said. “I loved the whole day. Being back at the museum brought back so many memories, and showing the staff my old work badge meant the world to me.”
The visit offered not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a moment of pride and connection for a resident whose working life was deeply tied to one of the UK’s most renowned aviation museums.

A former Royal Navy serviceman and lifelong mariner was recently reunited with the sea during a special boat trip around Poole Harbour, organised for by Newstone House care home in Sturminster Newton.
Tony, a resident of the Colten Care home, spent much of his life on the water and was thrilled to join an adaptive boat tour provided by Dolphin Trips. For Tony, now retired from active service, the chance to be back at sea was deeply meaningful.
“Tony has always had a strong connection to the water — it’s where he feels most himself,” said Shelby, Companionship Team Leader at Newstone House. “When the opportunity came up, we knew straight away this would be incredibly important to him.”

Tony was accompanied on the trip by Minibus Driver Nick and Companion Ruth, who described the outing as a moving experience for everyone involved. “The sheer joy on his face spoke volumes,” she said. “It was a privilege to be with him as he returned to a place that means so much. He truly came alive out there.”
Tony had thought his days at sea were behind him. But the specially adapted tour offered him the chance to relive a cherished part of his past in comfort and safety.
“The sea has been a huge part of Tony’s life, and to see him enjoying the sights and sounds of the harbour once more was genuinely emotional,” added Shelby. “It was more than just a day out — it was a reconnection with something that shaped who he is.”