A PENSIONER was treated to a ride on a vintage bus around Romsey in a bid to relive past memories.

Eileen Rogers, who living at Abbotswood Court Care Home, Minchin Road, and her friends were given the chance to board a vintage open-topper bus that was built in 1964.

The 90-year-old, who lives with dementia, often speaks to her carers about her days of catching the bus into Shirley.

She would often the busses pass by from her window, longing to once again make her special journey.

Eileen's wish became a reality with the help of Stagecoach as they travelled around Romsey, despite encountering a few bumps in the road.

Activities Coordinator at Abbotswood Court, Lorraine Brennan, said: "In my role we enjoy many magical moments with our residents, this being extra special knowing how much it meant to Eileen. To see this wonderful vintage bus reversing into our car park made all the staff at Abbotswood feel so proud, topped only by the wonderful expressions on the faces of the passengers."

Abbotswood Court Care Home is situated on the outskirts of Romsey and specialises in caring for people living with and without dementia.

You can join them every Thursday for their dementia friendly coffee mornings.

To book simply contact the home on 01794 528700.

On Wednesday, one lucky resident living at Abbotswood Court Care Home on the outskirts of Romsey enjoyed a very special ‘Magic Moment’.

Eileen lives with dementia and often speaks to her carers about her days of catching the bus into Shirley. She watches the busses pass by from her window, longing to once again make her special journey.

With the help of Stagecoach in Hampshire, Eileen and her friends were able to board the extra special vintage open-topper, built in 1964.

As they trundled around Romsey it was clear that wonderful memories of such journeys came flooding back. The rather bumpy ride, the rain spitting through the steamed up sliding windows and for many the feeling of being back in the moment really did make for a very special experience.

Lorraine Brennan, Activities Coordinator at Abbotswood Court commented ‘’ In my role we enjoy many magical moments with our residents, this being extra special knowing how much it meant to Eileen. To see this wonderful vintage bus reversing into our car park made all the staff at Abbotswood feel so proud, topped only by the wonderful expressions on the faces of the passengers’’.

Pete Robinson, Operations Manager at Stagecoach South’s Winchester Depot, said: “Bus journeys can often stir up vivid and emotional memories for our passengers.

"We are always looking to go the extra mile for the community of people that we serve, so to have the opportunity to take Eileen on this special trip was truly an honour.”  

Abbotswood Court Care Home is situated on the outskirts of Romsey and specialises in caring for people living both with and without dementia. You can join them every Thursday for their dementia friendly coffee mornings. To book simply contact the home on 01794 528700.