Investigating the past for a fulfilling future

Residents and staff at Whitby Dene care home are spending National History Month investigating local history for a display at the home and learning about each other’s multicultural heritage and traditions.

Manager Sue Ann Jones said: “National History Month, which takes place in May, has given us a great opportunity to investigate the history of Eastcote, Ruislip and Northolt.  Many of our residents have lived in the area all their lives; they are keen to find out more and we are keen to learn about their past.”

Relatives have already brought in newspaper clippings about the area and the achievements of their relatives and everyone is looking forward to more investigations using the local library and the internet.

Sue Ann said: “At the end of our month of research, we are going to frame our findings and create a permanent tribute to our area, our residents and their achievements.”

As well as history, residents and the team will be sharing cultural memories and differences. Sue Ann explained: “Many of the team come from other countries and they are amazed to hear stories from our residents about how, as children, they had to chip the ice off their wash basins before they could have a wash and how, later, during the war, they managed on rations. Years ago, we had one resident who preferred to sleep in a chair – a habit she had acquired in the Blitz and which had never left her.

“All this information gives us a greater sense of who our residents are and our residents love hearing stories about how the team grew up in their home countries. It is quite a cultural exchange!”