Shinfield care home residents get special visit from original WWII tank

A care home in Shinfield recently had an exciting visit from an original WWII tank and accompanying artillery as part of a look back on British history.  

Residents at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, on Westall Street, were thrilled to see history roll up right on their doorstep, as they spent the day exploring the original equipment, brought by Oliver Wilson, a local community member with an interest in the military.

Oliver showed the residents around his original British FV101 Scorpion Light tank, and answered questions about how the tank would be used in the war.

The visit gave residents an opportunity to reminisce about their own experiences of wartime Britain and share their stories. One particular resident, Ray, served in the RAF in the Second World War, and was stationed in Greece for many years.

Of the tank visit, Ray, 88: “I never expected a tank to be driving down our street! What an absolutely wonderful day we had – I was almost lost for words. It was lovely to share some stories with Oliver, and to see the equipment up close.”

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome such an iconic piece of history to our home. Seeing the tank roll in was a truly unforgettable moment for residents, many of whom have vivid memories of the war years. It sparked so many conversations and brought back stories that might otherwise have remained untold.

“Activities like this are so important to us here at Parsons Grange. They’re about more than just entertainment; they’re about connection, reminiscence and joy. Watching residents’ faces light up as they explored the tank was incredible. It’s not every day you get to see history on your doorstep, and we’re proud to have created such a special experience for everyone here.

“We’d like to thank Oliver Wilson for joining us, and for giving the residents a really special hands-on history experience. Armed with stories and smiles, the visit was a real morale booster!”

Parsons Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the care home has plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, as well as its own café, hair salon, and a cinema for residents to enjoy.