Project: Steam railway trips for the elderly disadvantaged
Grant: £2,838
Fund: HoB General
Thanks to the recent funding provided by Heart of Bucks, the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway were able to invite various groups of disadvantaged elderly people, in different types of care situations, along with their support staff, to come and join them on a journey on a steam train.
Full steam ahead with funding
The event originally aimed to have 150 guests in attendance. On the day, the number of attendees rose to 250. Some of the many local care homes that attended were Bury Lodge, Beaconsfield, Woodland Park Centre Care, Great Missenden and Cherry Tree Home in Saunderton.
The aim of this project was to make sure that the residents of care homes were able to get out, break the routine of their everyday lives, and interact with others to alleviate their isolation. The event meant that these residents could relive memories of yesteryear while engaging with others who have also have shared similar experiences and have similar interests in the steam trains themselves.
Impact stories – making a difference
Alongside the journey, the service also provided tea and cake. This certainly went down a treat for Norman from Bury Lodge, Beaconsfield, who said his favourite thing about the trip was “the chocolate cake…and I would like to come again.”
This theme was echoed by Margaret from Woodland Park Great Missenden, who said she “enjoyed getting out and about,” and Tom agreed that he “…would like to come another day”.
Matthew Walsh, the Mayor of Princes Risborough commented, “it was good to see the old folk enjoying themselves and thanks to Heart of Bucks for their generosity in providing funds.”
The trips were a success at providing stimulation and creating a sense of place in the community for these guests. Due to the high interest shown in this event and the positive feedback from those who attended there have been requests for more opportunities like this in the future.
