STRACHAN House resident Muriel Sinclair had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.
Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family.
Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track.
Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea.
What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember!
Mandy Head of Activities said “Our Gone Fishing 23 is all about making that meaningful moment happen and this like many others, was very special. To see Muriel’s face light up when she heard the steam train pull up was just magical!”
“I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”
Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House.
“It was marvellous see how overwhelmed Muriel was – and how hard the team works behind the scenes to make sure our residents have such special moments like these.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.