Henbrook House, a luxury care home in the Connaught Care Collection, helped resident Ken Stokoe celebrate his 87th birthday in style by arranging for afternoon tea on a unique 1920s-style train carriage. A lifelong railway fanatic, Ken and a group of close friends thoroughly enjoyed venturing back to the golden age of rail travel.
The Pullman-style luxury coaches offered high-back armchairs, classical décor, separate dining tables, and a fully stocked café and bar. Ken and his friends were treated to tea and handmade snacks, and later received a custom-made ‘steam train cake’ from Henbrook’s own talented team of chefs.
Brian Moore, Events Manager at Henbrook House, reflects on the day:
“Ken’s birthday was a truly special moment for the home. When we started to plan the day, we knew that trains were going to feature heavily. Ken’s enthusiasm for the ‘good old days’ of rail travel is truly infectious. So, we set ourselves the goal of bringing that world back to life for him as much as we could — even if only for an afternoon!”
Ken was also able to enjoy his new favourite pastime; outdoor bowls, and his favourite meal — classic steak and chips. The afternoon tea, which was hosted on a vintage train car by Carriages of Cambridge, followed a delightful trip to a model railway exhibition earlier in the week.
This trip exemplifies Henbrook’s commitment to resident-led care, which focuses on an individual’s needs, dreams, and interests above all else. This approach not only boosts morale, but also helps residents reconnect with beloved hobbies and interests that they may struggle to engage with as they grow older.
James Chandler, Customer Relationship Manager at Henbrook House, comments:
“Our philosophy at Henbrook is to listen to our residents closely, and then to build care plans which prioritize their individual needs and interests. Ken’s birthday was a perfect example of this; using his long-held passion for trains to build a birthday that truly felt special for him. We firmly believe this approach is the future of care, and we are excited to continue putting these ideas into practice”.
