Hythe care home resident takes a trip down memory lane

A care home resident in Hythe was delighted to be back in the classroom after more than 50 years.

When the team at Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, learned that resident and retired PE teacher Tony Walton, 83, was keen to go back to the school where he used to teach, they were determined to make it happen.

Tony’s teaching career at Noadswood School spanned from 1963 to 1970, where he taught physical education to children between the ages of 11 and 16. 

Keen to organise a special day for Tony, the team at Carpathia Grange organised a trip back to the school where he spent so many happy years. He was introduced to the current Head of PE Terry Shearsmith, who gave Tony a tour of the new sports hall and surprised him with cakes made especially for his visit.

Later, Tony was introduced to the other PE teachers, who compared notes about the many changes to the school over the years.  

Speaking about his nostalgic experience, Tony said: “When I arrived at the school, the welcome I received was overwhelming. I enjoyed seeing all the facilities for physical education at the school and how it has improved over time – there is now a wide range of sports on offer to the pupils.

“When I was at the school, there were around 400 pupils and now there are over 1,000. It was great to meet all the PE teachers and other staff, they were all so friendly.”

Tony was also invited back to Noadswood School to open its annual Sports Day event this month.

Pooja Dhoot, Home Manager at Carpathia Grange, said: “It was great to see Tony reconnect with his successful career as a PE teacher.

“At Carpathia Grange, we love to support residents’ wellbeing with activities and trips that are important to them, especially those that encourage reminiscence. Activities that bring back happy memories are incredibly important for older people, as they can help maintain a sense of purpose and identity through reconnecting with their past achievements and experiences.   

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team and everyone at Noadswood School for welcoming Tony back; he was truly in his element.”

Carpathia Grange is a three-storey care home which provides residential, dementia and nursing care. The home features 62 en-suite bedrooms and has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.