Retired Sale tour guide relives career on special day out

A Sale care home resident provided a ‘passport to fun’ as she fulfilled her wish to return to work for the day. 

Pauline Lloyd, a 72-year-old resident at Care UK’s Oakfield Croft, on Oakfield, secured her first job as a tour guide at the age of 17 years old, and when talking about how much she’d love to experience her career again, the team offered her a one-of-a-kind job opportunity.

It was arranged for Pauline to be kitted out with her official Tour Guide Bade and in-depth knowledge before she hosted a grand day out for her fellow residents – whisking them away on a minibus for an exclusive guided tour of local landmark Irlam Station. 

The tour group, who embraced the experience with sunglasses, bucket hats and cameras, listened while Pauline gave a detailed history of the station as they walked around and explored its many interesting features. 

Pauline said: “It was absolutely wonderful to be back in my element, sharing stories and history just like I used to. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of my fellow residents as they listened to the tales of Irlam Station made my heart swell with joy. 

“It brought back so many fond memories of my days as a tour guide, and for a few hours, I felt like I was 17 again, brimming with excitement and passion for sharing history with others. It was a day I will never forget.”

Irlam Station was built in 1873 and now hosts more than 350,000 passengers a year. After lying derelict for nearly 25 years, the station building was renovated and reopened in March 2015. It now serves as a railway-themed cafe with toilets, a cycle hub and car park.

Another resident, Joan, added: “Pauline was simply fantastic! Her knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour so special. She had a twinkle in her eye as she spoke, and you could tell she was in her element. I learned so much and had a wonderful time—what a treat to be guided by a true professional!”

Pauline’s return to work was part of the Care UK’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Daniel Cole, Home Manager at Oakfield Croft, added: “Pauline loves to talk about her memories of working as a tour guide, so it was wonderful to be able to arrange this trip down memory lane.  

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Pauline had a brilliant time sharing historical facts with her tour group, reminiscing about her career and picking back up where she left off. 

“I’d like to extend a massive thank you to the team and residents here at Oakfield Croft who came together to help make Pauline’s dream come true!”

Oakfield Croft provides residential, dementia and respite care, and has been rated ‘Good’ in all five areas by the Care Quality Commission. The home is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the home is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and Oakfield Croft also boasts facilities such as a cinema, coffee shop and hair salon.