Newbury Grove residents enjoy trip down memory lane at Army Flying Museum in Stockbridge

Residents at a care home in Newbury recently enjoyed a journey back in time.

The team at Care UK’s Newbury Grove, on London Road, organised a special trip for residents to visit the Army Flying Museum, in Stockbridge.

During their visit, residents received a guided tour of the museum, and were able to look at memorabilia and reflect on their personal experiences with the museum’s volunteers.

One of the residents visiting was Barry Smith, who enjoyed a 40-year flying career.

Mr Smith served with the RAF for 12 years where he flew Wessex helicopters and Beverley planes, among other crafts.

He said it was amazing when he considered the difference in the construction of the planes he saw now to those he flew.

Another resident, Bob Nicholson, who spent his National Service at St Eval Air Base working on Sunderland planes, said: “The planes looked tiny compared to the huge craft I worked on.

“The planes were so big and complex that you specialised on a specific part of the plane alone.”

Newbury Grove general manager Adarsh Kurian said: “This visit to the museum was not only a chance for residents to reconnect with history, but also to share their own stories from a time that shaped so many lives.

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit which was a truly special day for everyone involved.”