[ad] A trip down memory lane rekindles military memories for Grovelands resident
A chance mention of an abandoned Dorset village sparked a flood of long-buried military memories for Grovelands resident Dave, who lives with dementia.
Though Dave served in the armed forces for 22 years, little was known about his military past by carers at Grovelands, a dementia, respite and residential care home in Yeovil. That changed when a member of his care team happened to mention Tyneham Village – a moment that unlocked vivid recollections from Dave’s time in the forces.
During his aviation training, Dave had been stationed at Middle Wallop airfield, not far from Tyneham, and he recalled with striking clarity flying over the village during sorties.
Requisitioned by the military in 1943, Tyneham remains part of the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School, with public access still restricted and its original residents never having returned. Despite this, Dave’s descriptions were so detailed and enthusiastic that the Grovelands Activity Team arranged a special trip to the village in his honour.
Precious memories from a remarkable life
Dave’s time at Middle Wallop holds a deep personal significance – it was there he married his wife, Jackie, and where they lived together before welcoming their daughter, Cerys. The couple had first met while serving in Germany, later being posted together to Northern Ireland and Hong Kong, where Dave proudly recalls learning to surf.
Bringing the past to life
With plans in place, a group of Grovelands residents made the journey to Tyneham, exploring the hauntingly preserved village and helping reignite cherished memories for Dave.
Karen Cheshire, Registered Manager at Grovelands, said:
“It was a real privilege to enable Dave to return to a place which clearly means so much to him, and to watch him share his knowledge and enthusiasm for Tyneham Village with his carers and fellow residents.
We continue to be amazed and inspired by the power of revisiting a lived experience for someone who lives with dementia. Hobbies and interests have an incredible ability to ‘unlock’ a bit of the person that dementia masks in daily life, which is why we are so passionate about person-centred care which enables us to better understand and empower those we care for.
We strive to keep listening and learning about people’s lives and take every opportunity to provide meaningful activities for our residents to enjoy and be enriched by.”
Outstanding dementia care in the heart of Yeovil
Grovelands, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, provides respite breaks, residential care and specialist dementia support in a purpose-built yet homely setting.
The home includes a dedicated dementia care suite that offers a secure and supportive environment, helping residents live as independently as possible. A varied programme of activities is designed to encourage engagement, promote wellbeing and help residents reconnect with treasured hobbies and memories.
To learn more about the specialist dementia care available at Grovelands, visit www.somersetcare.co.uk/grovelands or speak to our expert enquiries team on 0800 817 4925.
