Residents of The Malthouse enjoy Jan’s fascinating memorabilia

Residents at The Malthouse Residential Care Home in Gillingham, Dorset, enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of nostalgia and storytelling, thanks to Jan, a dedicated and knowledgeable visitor. She brings a variety of historical items for residents to explore, each with its own unique story, sparking conversation and fond memories among those in attendance.

This week’s theme focused on handcrafted items and Valentine’s Day memorabilia. Residents were particularly intrigued by wartime Valentine’s cards and a rare pack of cigarettes called ‘My Darlings’ – a highly sought-after gift for ladies of the era

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a 1924 Jones sewing machine, still in full working order. Many residents recalled seeing similar machines in their youth or within their families. Adding to the authenticity, Jan also had the original needles, still stored in their box.

Jan continued to captivate the audience with early 20th-century patchwork pieces once used to make cushion covers. She also displayed a collection of buttons, challenging the residents to guess their origins. No one could have predicted their fascinating history—Jan explained that they were Dorset buttons, first made in Shaftesbury in the 1600s from sheep’s horn, cloth, and linen thread. This revelation was especially engaging for residents familiar with the area.

The session also included a look at a beautifully preserved hat from 1923, still in its original box. This prompted animated discussions about the different styles of hats the residents used to wear, with some even trying the hat on for a bit of fun.

Leah, one of our activity coordinators at The Malthouse, shared her thoughts on the event: “Such great information Jan has behind everything she brings in and the knowledge is just truly amazing.” Maureen, a resident, also expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s truly amazing hearing all the information and feeling all the different objects that she brings in.”

Throughout the afternoon, Jan presented an assortment of other intriguing objects, inviting residents to guess their purpose and share any related memories. The residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we extend our thanks to Jan for her time, enthusiasm, and for bringing history to life in such a meaningful way. The team and residents at The Malthouse look forward to her next visit!

To find out more about The Malthouse, please visit their webpage.

Pip Rich