Care home patients saw memories sparked joyfully for Christmas – after an iconic British toy firm gifted them miniatures of the cars and planes they once owned or flew. CORGI Toys, founded in the UK in 1956, partnered with Copperfield Court care home in Broadstairs, Kent, to surprise and delight its residents over the Yuletide season.
They asked carers to secretly investigate stories from the residents’ past, such as the first car or vehicle they drove, then reignited wonderful memories by gifting them miniature die-cast versions. As residents opened their gifts early, they immediately began reminiscing, describing « the sounds of the Spitfires overhead, the smell of car engines, and the vibrant colours of vehicles from their past ».
It has been claimed that reminders of the past, such as nostalgic toys, old maps, music they used to dance to, or photographs, can trigger meaningful recollections and enhance the mood of dementia patients or the elderly.
Such experiences are not only deeply personal but can also provide significant benefits for mental wellbeing in older adults.
Working with CORGI and the care home, Professor Victoria Tischler, Professor of Behavioural Science at the University of Surrey, commented: « Providing stimulating and joyful activities for older people is an essential part of good care.
« Models of vehicles represent interesting multisensory objects that can be used to promote meaningful conversation and memories.
« Handling and exploring these objects allows older people to share knowledge, and stories about travel, family and favourite films – helping to build relationships with carers and loved ones.
« For those with dementia, combining different senses of touch, hearing and sight brings them into the present moment and improves mood and attention. »
Saying there are take-homes for all Britons with dementia-stricken loved-ones, she added: « I would encourage them to discover more about what they are interested in, what their hobbies are, what they used to do, where they used to go, the car they used to drive – and think about objects you could present to them that would stimulate memories or pleasure. »
Resident Derek Bellingham, 90, was thrilled with his model Spitfire. As he clutched it, he said: « I remember seeing them during the war years because I was born in 1935.
« So I can remember a lot about the Spitfire. Not obviously when it was built, but that is really, really nice – beautiful.
« I can remember my mother telling me when we were youngsters, she could remember the airships going over Dover, where she was living and dropping their bombs. »
Christine Hodgson, 78, opened a Superior Ambulance, which immediately took her back to her days as a Nursing Assistant in Canterbury, in Kent.
Recalling her job she said: « It was good – we all worked together. I was very good at being bossy. The good, old days. We all say that. Those were the best days! »
While another resident, Christopher, 67, opened his bright red London bus, which instantly sparked memories of him running along the street to catch the bus from Sutton-at-Hone into the capital for work.
Christopher recalled the conductor, the all-day ticket pass, as well as running and jumping onto the back of the moving bus, holding onto the rail.
David Mather, Head of Marketing at CORGI said: « We had a wonderful day spreading Christmas joy to residents local to our factory.
« It was lovely to see how our diecast models can help unlock memories and lead to interesting discussions with residents.
« For many, these models spark a sense of nostalgia – a reminder of moments, stories, or passions from years gone by.
« Rather than the standard pair of socks or toiletries, gifting a model linked to a recollection can be such a conversation starter with family members over the festive period. »
Hornby Hobbies is a leading UK-based manufacturer of model and hobby products, encompassing a portfolio of beloved brands including Hornby, Airfix, Scalextric, Humbrol, Pocher and CORGI.
With a legacy rooted in innovation and passion, Hornby Hobbies inspires hobbyists of all ages to explore creativity and craftsmanship.
For cars that drove loved ones to weddings, Spitfires that flew over the UK in World War II and vehicles from favourite films and TV shows like James Bond and Thunderbirds, visit the CORGI website at www.uk.CORGI.co.uk to purchase a gift for loved ones this Christmas.
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