Activities at Strachan House Care Home

Resident, Muriel Sinclair at Strachan House 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 her, 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.

Muriel chuckled “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.”

Strachan House hit the road on the 30th June and made some surprise visits to its local emergency service responders. Armed with goodie boxes and letters of appreciation for everything they do.

It comes as the 999 emergency number reached its 86th birthday today.

The care home staff and residents took to the roads and visited police, fire and ambulance in the Blackhall area to show their appreciation for everything our heroes do in our hour of need when the well-known number is dialled. The Drylaw police station, Telford fire brigade and Western General Paramedics were all very surprised when they received our hampers of thanks. And what an amazing time we all chatting about our different roles . Amazing community spirit !

Alex has lived at Strachan House for a short time. Staff and residents love his stories of his days gone by serving in the Army. Alex started his military career in 1944 when he joined the Royal Scots Regiment. Shortly after in 1945 he got to volunteer serving with the Indian army in the 15th Punjab Regiment and is often heard telling others about his wonderful adventures as well as his cheeky antics he got up to.

Staff at the home saw how Alex was passionate of all things military and how proud he was to of served in the war .So staff wanted to ensure his heroic past was recognised .The Royal Scots Museum houses an array of paintings, artefacts and medals from the formation of the regiment to its present day. So for Alex it was a real walk down the castle cobbled memory lane as he immersed himself in all the history that surrounded him with his visit to the castle.

In response to this wonderful surprise Alex said: "It was so touching to know my efforts during the war were appreciated. It is such an amazing feeling to know that staff recognised what was so important to me and cared enough to spring this surprise on me. What an incredible afternoon I had. It truly meant a lot to me"

With the lovely warm weather residents were able to enjoy meeting up with loved ones in the home’s garden over afternoon tea freshly prepared by the homes talented chefs.

Throughout the afternoon the residents and their children were then offered a photo shoot session to capture the special moment with a keepsake photo of their day together. Amazing times with amazing people.

Across our services we had a lovely time joining Rhiannon Watkinson from the RAF Museum London for an interactive talk exploring the exciting and innovative aviation history of Hendon.

Our residents were able to learn about the first flights from the fields at Hendon, the creation of the London Aerodrome and Battle of Britain pilots who flew from RAF Hendon.

The talk also included photographic and film material from the Museum’s archive. Residents across our homes had a fantastic time and we truly enjoyed the virtual experience.

You better beer-lieve that residents at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh, were more than happy to raise a glass, and sample some top craft ales, bitters and lagers, in celebration of National Beer Day on June 15th.

Staff at Strachan House set up a bar for a real pub experience and brought in a range of brew-tiful world ales for residents to sample.  Residents and their visitors enjoyed a beer tasting in the garden as well as enjoying a fun game of ice cube challenge.

What a fab day to enjoy a pint.