Residents at our Derbyshire care home enjoyed a nostalgic Father’s Day celebration, thanks to our dedicated team who brought a collection of vintage cars to the home, helping residents and their families reminisce and share special memories together.

The display took place here, at Barrowhill Hall, a 74-bedroom residential and nursing home in Rocester, on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, which specialises in caring for those living with dementia and memory loss. We also have a separate modern household, Churnet Lodge, for those living with Young Onset Dementia.

Resident Sean Devlin, 89, enjoyed the event with his daughter Helen Hadfield and was particularly excited to sit inside the blue Morris Minor.

“I used to have a car like this one,” Sean said. “I used to drive a very young Helen around in it. It’s brilliant to be in one with her again. It’s beautiful and wonderful being Helen’s dad.”

Helen said: “It’s been brilliant to relive such a special memory. Dad is very funny and he loves to sing. We’ve had a lot of laughs today.

“Dad would always come over for dinner on Father’s Day and I’m very grateful to Barrowhill Hall for supporting us to continue marking special occasions together. He’s very happy here.”

Residents were able to walk around and sit inside the classic cars, which included a blue Morris Minor, an Austin 16, an MG Magnette and a Morgan alongside two tractors. Residents and visitors also enjoyed entertainment from a bagpiper, as well as tea and homemade cakes.

Resident Hugh Smalley, 73, spent the day with his daughter Helen McAlpine who enjoyed reflecting on memories with her Father and taking time to enjoy the bond they share.

“I’ve really enjoyed being with my dad today,” Helen said. “I love everything about him! He hired a vintage car for me on my wedding day and seeing these cars today brought back those lovely memories.

“I love coming to visit him here. The home is so friendly and helpful.”

Clare Clowes enjoyed the day with her parents, Frank Telfer, 96 and Jenny Telfer, 95, who are both residents at the home. Frank enjoyed celebrating Father’s Day and said being a dad is ‘amazing” and “incredible”.

Clare said: “We have loved all the beautiful cars and tractors; it’s been very nostalgic. It felt like being on a film set, especially with the idyllic countryside and everyone enjoying the sunshine.

“The best thing about Dad is his twinkly eyes and he’s so kind. The team here are always there for us all.”

As well as being a celebration, the display provided an opportunity for reminiscence therapy and sensory engagement through handling and discussing familiar objects from the past, which is particularly valuable for residents living with dementia and can allow them to connect with memories that might otherwise be hard to reach.

Our home’s activities lead, Kerry Butts, said creating meaningful moments for residents and their families is at the heart of life at Barrowhill Hall.

“It’s an honour to organise special moments that our residents and their loved ones can enjoy together on such a special occasion,” she said.

“We’re like one big family here and it means everything to us to make our residents smile. Seeing the love, laughter and memories shared between everyone today has been priceless.”