A special Open Day was hosted at the Grays Fire Station and Museum, designed to provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for residents of local care homes, particularly those living with dementia. The event, which took place on a sunny August morning, brought together residents from Crowstone House and Elizabeth House care home, part of the Runwood Homes group, for a memorable outing.
Residents were picked up by Gus, the friendly minibus driver, setting the tone for a delightful day ahead. Among those attending was John, a resident of Crowstone House with a remarkable history in the fire service. John served for 30 years in the London Fire Brigade and is the proud recipient of the British Empire Medal, awarded in 1980 for his outstanding contributions to sports within the brigade.
John’s story is one of dedication and courage. He helped run an athletic club on Wimbledon Common, winning numerous medals in long-distance running and even representing the brigade in international competitions. Recalling his experiences, John stated, “We raised a lot of money for charity,” reflecting on his participation in races along Southend seafront and in France, where he secured a commendable third place. “I wasn’t first that day, but coming third isn’t too bad, is it?” he added with a smile.
During his time in the London Fire Brigade, John also received a medal for long service and bravery—an aspect of his career he humbly refrained from discussing. Recognising the significance of this outing, the staff at Crowstone House decided to take John along with fellow resident Alan to the Open Day.
At the fire station, John quickly became the centre of attention. Fire station staff were eager to take photos with him, captivated by his stories from a life well lived, including his adventures in the Merchant Navy, service in the Military Police in Ireland, and, of course, his illustrious career as a firefighter. A newspaper clipping featuring John in the driver’s seat of a fire engine inspired a memorable moment: staff helped him into the front seat of a modern fire engine, where he remarked, “It’s like I’m back in the job.”
The visit left John with a heart full of joy. Upon returning to Crowstone House, he spent the next two days sharing his experiences with fellow residents, expressing how the outing had “brought back lots of lovely memories of my time as a Fireman.”
Julie Barnard, Lifestyle Coordinator at Crowstone House, shared her thoughts on the day: “It was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to engage with their pasts and create new memories. John and Alan had a fantastic time, and it was heartwarming to see the joy on their faces.”
The collaboration between Crowstone House and Elizabeth House fostered a community spirit, allowing residents to bond over shared experiences and reminisce about their remarkable lives.
This Open Day was not only a celebration of local history and bravery but also a poignant reminder of the importance of connection and joy in the lives of seniors.
